Perfect Potato Soup

Ingredients (16)

• + 6 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes add to pantry
• + 5 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces add to pantry
• + 3 tablespoons butter add to pantry
• ✓ 2 stalks celery, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• + ½ large onion, diced small add to pantry
• + 20 baby carrots, cut into 1/4-inch pieces add to pantry
• + 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided add to pantry
• + 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided add to pantry
• + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour add to pantry
• + 2 cups half-and-half add to pantry
• + 1 ½ cups chicken broth add to pantry
• ✓ ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• + ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper add to pantry
• + 1 dash ground nutmeg add to pantry
• + 4 green onions, finely sliced add to pantry
• + 1 dash paprika, or to taste add to pantry