Preheat a three-quart pot over medium heat. Add the bacon, stir, and sauté until fat is rendered—approximately five minutes.
Add onions and garlic. Continue to sauté until onions are translucent.
Add potatoes and kale leaves and stir well.
Deglaze the pot with 1 cup of chosen broth. Stir well. Add the remaining broth to the pot, bringing the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue to simmer until the potatoes are soft—approximately 25 minutes.
Add heavy cream or half & half to the pot, bringing contents to a boil once more. Reduce the heat and simmer the soup for another 10 minutes.
Add salt and black pepper to taste, and garnish/es of choice.