Prepare the Vegetables: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes, and finely chopping the onion and garlic.
Cook the Bacon: In a large soup pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble, setting aside for later.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add butter and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
Add Potatoes and Broth: Combine the diced potatoes and chicken broth in the pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are soft.
Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, mix the flour with a bit of water to create a slurry. Mix this into the soup to thicken it.
Blend for Creaminess: For a smoother texture, use a blender to purée part of the soup, then return it to the pot.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Cook until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is warmed through.
Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with crumbled bacon and chopped chives.