Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and pierce them with a fork.
Bake the potatoes in the oven for about 45 minutes or until tender.
In a large pot, sauté onions, celery, and carrots until soft.
Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Peel the potatoes and mash them with a fork.
Add the mashed potatoes to the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir well.
Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon before serving.