Potato, Cheddar, and Chive Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup crumbled sharp Cheddar cheese, for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or sour cream (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large clove garlic
• 4 cups chicken stock, plus more as needed
• 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, or a mixture of sharp Cheddar and smoked Gouda