Meal Makeover: Baked Potato Soup
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Anything loaded with bacon, cheese and heavy cream is going to be delicious, at least in my book, and that’s easily why I’m such a fan of loaded baked potato soup. This thick and creamy soup is one of my “don’t ask” indulgences. I won’t ask how many calories and grams of fat are hiding in one little bowl and I’ll enjoy every ignorant spoonful. My fiancé is also a huge fan of this stoup, but like me, just can’t get over eating 2 meals worth of fat grams in one little bowl. So, thanks to the urging of my best friend and fiancé, I decided to do some magic and lighten it up.
Before we get to that, it’s time to break the “don’t ask” policy and showcase just how gut-busting this soup can be. One bowl of Chili’s version without crackers has up to 460 calories and 34 grams of fat. Add crackers or bread and you are well over 500 calories and 40 grams of fat! No soup is worth that many calories! So I took on the challenge and made my own version of this favorite, with less calories and fat but all of the mouth watering flavors you love about it! Side note, we only used one slice of bacon since neither of us are bacon people. You can also substitute any type of cheese. This makes 4 one-cup servings.
Lightened Baked Potato Soup
What you’ll need:
- 3 turkey bacon strips, diced
- 1 tbsp. canola oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder (or 1 clove chopped)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 3 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup light cream
- 1/4 cup Shredded pepper jack cheese
- Minced fresh parsley
How to make:
- Bake potatoes until they are soft. Cut up and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain.
- Saute onion (and garlic clove if you are using fresh) in oil until soft.
- Stir in flour, salt, basil and pepper; mix well.
- Gradually add broth. Bring to boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes.
- Add the potatoes and cream; heat through but do not boil.
- Garnish with bacon, cheese and parsley.
Nutritional Information per serving: 260 calories, 14 grams of fat, 9 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber.
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