Makeover Baked Potato Soup

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Cook: 20 min.

Makes

8 servings (2 quarts)

Updated: Oct. 13, 2022
This soup holds on to its decadent qualities and mouthwatering flavor even though the Taste of Home Test Kitchen slashed the fat and calories it contained. —Judy Tyler, Bossier City, Louisiana
Makeover Baked Potato Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 5 bacon strips, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
  • 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 to 1-1/2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (white portion only)
  • Additional parsley, cheese, green onions and crumbled cooked bacon, optional

Directions

  1. Scrub and pierce potatoes; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 8-12 minutes or until tender, turning once.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels.
  3. In the drippings, saute onion until tender. Stir in 1/4 cup flour; cook and stir for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Gradually stir in broth. Add the parsley, garlic, basil, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce. Bring to boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining flour with milk until smooth; add to the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
  5. Peel and cube potatoes; add to soup. Add bacon. Cook and stir until heated through. Add cheese and green onions; stir just until cheese is melted. Garnish with additional parsley, cheese, green onions and bacon if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 235 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 720mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.