Low-Fat Potato Bacon Soup
A comforting low-fat potato bacon soup with tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and creamy milk, perfect for cozy meals and hearty lunches.
Ingredients
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) pkg. Canadian-style bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 2 c. water
- 6 medium potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
- 12 oz. can evaporated skim milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 oz. pkg. butter flavor seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- low-fat or nonfat dairy sour cream ⓘ
- snipped fresh chives (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a 3-quart saucepan with nonstick coating.
- Add chopped onions and bacon to the saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until onions are tender but not brown.
- Stir in water, chicken broth, and cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Using a potato masher, slightly mash some of the potatoes.
- Stir in evaporated skim milk, seasoning mix, salt, and pepper.
- Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through.
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with sour cream and chives if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or thyme when sautéing the onions and bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the bacon with smoked tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different taste and added nutrition. To thicken the soup, blend a portion of it after cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Low-Fat Potato Bacon Soup is perfect for a comforting meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or crusty bread. For a more complete meal, consider serving it alongside a Chicken Salad Pita Pocket for a delightful contrast in flavors. Garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Potato Bacon Soup contains roughly 574 calories, with 27g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (776% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (326% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 778mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegan by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Additionally, substitute the evaporated skim milk with a non-dairy milk option, such as almond or oat milk, for a creamy texture without the dairy.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water) while cooking to achieve a thicker consistency without altering the flavor.
What can I serve with the soup?
This soup pairs well with light salads or sandwiches. For a hearty meal, serve it with a side of knoephla soup for a comforting duo. You can also offer some crispy breadsticks or a cheese toast to complement the flavors of the potato soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).