Ingredients:

• 6 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 pounds (3 cups) peeled and chopped Yukon Gold potatoes
• Fresh chives, garnish
• 2 cups chopped bread, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 pinch kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper