Begin by cooking the chopped bacon in your large pot over medium heat until it’s beautifully golden and crispy. Remove the bacon and drain it on a plate lined with paper towels. Be sure to save just a bit of the bacon grease in the pot—that smoky flavor is liquid gold!
Next, add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté it for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and tender. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the wonderful aroma fill your kitchen.
Melt the butter in the pot, stirring it with the sautéed onion and garlic. Sprinkle in the flour and mix until a paste forms. This step creates the roux, which is essential for thickening the soup. Slowly pour in the broth while whisking to ensure a smooth consistency. Add the chunks of potato and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft enough to mash.
Use a potato masher to smash about one-third of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot. This makes your soup creamy while keeping some chunks for hearty texture. Stir in the milk, salsa verde, Greek yogurt, and cheddar cheese. Watch as everything melts into a luscious, golden broth!
To finish, mix in the chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheese. Now, all that’s left is to dig in!