Scoop the white insides out of the baked potato skins. Roughly chop the white insides and set them aside. Tear the potato skins and set aside.

In a large stock pot, cook the bacon over medium heat. Once it’s crispy, remove bacon from the pan and drain off the grease. Once bacon has cooled, tear into small pieces.

Add 4 tablespoons butter to stock pot. Add onion and continue to cook over medium heat until onion is caramelized. Add minced garlic and flour. Stir until the flour is cooked, about 1-2 minutes. While stirring, slowly add chicken stock to the flour mixture and whisk to combine to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer then turn heat to low. Add the insides of the diced baked potato and season with sea salt and pepper. Cover pot and continue to cook over low heat.

In a large saute pan add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the torn potato skins and fry them until crisp and heated through.

Add ½ of the crumbled bacon, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, ½ cup of scallions and sour cream into the pot of soup. Stir well and continue to cook over low heat until heated through and cheese is melted.

Serve soup topped with remaining bacon, cheddar cheese, scallions and crisp potato skins on top.