Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Baked Potato Soup



Sometimes I don't think that the potato gets the credit it deserves. Sure, it's a homely root that grows all over the country, but they're also delicious, velvety and filling. i love their versatility, and I'm convinced that, if needed, we could feel the world with potatoes. I remember growing up we had "potato bars" which was basically a baked potato drowning in as many sides as possible, chili, cheese, beef, sour cream, broccoli, chives, onions, and if mom was in a good mood, Fritos. Insanely satisfying, great for kids and very inexpensive. Ah, the great potato.


When I found this recipe I realized how long it had been since I'd cooked with a tater and quickly got busy. I love this recipe because, since the potato is already dense with a lovely texture, you really don't need to add much to the soup for it to be rich. We piled this with bacon, cheese, and chives and ate like kings, for cheap!

Baked Potato Soup
From Skinnytaste

Ingredients

2 russet potatoes, washed and dried
1 small head of cauliflower, stem removed cut into florets
1 1/2 cups fat free chicken broth
1 1/2 cups 1% reduced-fat milk
salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 cup light sour cream
10 tbsp reduced-fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 tbsp chopped chives, divided
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (you can use turkey bacon if you prefer)

Directions

Pierce potatoes with a fork; microwave on high for 5 minutes turn over and microwave another 3 - 5 minutes, until tender. Or if you prefer to use your oven, bake at 400° for 1 hour or until tender. Cool. Peel potatoes.

Meanwhile, steam cauliflower with water in a large covered pot until tender. Drain and return to pot. On medium heat, add chicken broth, milk, potatoes and bring to a boil. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Add sour cream, half the chives, salt and pepper and cook on low another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat. Ladle 1 cup soup into each bowl. Top each serving with 2 tbsp cheese, remaining chives, and bacon.

31 comments:

Alissa said...

Oh my gosh that looks sooooo creamy and delicious! I've missed your food blog, I'm going to be checking in waaaaaay more often! Can't wait to make this!

Erica said...

Stuffed potatoes is one of my favorite/ go to meals!And potato soup is incredible- yours looks totally delicious

Arlene Delloro said...

Adding cauliflower to baked potato soup is genius. I'm bookmarking this one. Can't wait for fall, which signals soup season to me.

chow and chatter said...

oh wow love this soup spuds rock

m+b said...

Yum! I need to try this!!

Julie said...

Mmm....this soup speaks to me. I adore everything about it :)

Joanne said...

This sounds so creamy delicious and I loved that you bulked it up with a cauliflower! Genius move.

Debbie said...

A wonderful soup that looks filling enough to be a meal. Delicious!

The Blonde Duck said...

Saving this for fall!

Victor said...

I'm glad that there is no heavy cream in this recipe, even though it looks creamy and I love it.

Ioana said...

Mmmmm! It looks delicious! Can't wait to try it!

Anonymous said...

I agree - potatoes are under appreciated!

Love that we are getting into cooler temps - potato soup is probably one of my favs!

Pam said...

One of my very favorite soups! It looks wonderful.

girls who like to gorge said...

This sounds lovely - great for the upcoming autumn. xx

Reeni said...

One of my favorite soups and serious comfort in a bowl! So satisfying and delicious!

Barbara Bakes said...

Looks great. We love baked potato soup at our house.

Cathy said...

I bookmarked this delicious recipe because in a few weeks our temperatures will start to fall and we all will be thinking soup. Today, however, it's over 90 degrees and salads are on the menu.

Heather S-G said...

I have always loved Baked Potato Bars....as a matter of fact, sometimes I just crave a good, loaded baked tater. My oldest is the same way. And we loved Potato Soup, too. Yummmmy post :D

Val said...

Such a comforting soup!!! MMM

Deborah said...

I'm all about the potato!! And I'm so glad I read through the ingredients - cauliflower?? Brilliant!

Natalie said...

I'm not ready for Winter but I am excited for comforting soups like this!!

Anonymous said...

I've been trying to use more and more cauliflower lately and here is the perfect way! LOVE the crispy bacon.

Sophia Lee said...

It's true! Potatoes not only are under-appreciated, they get a bad rap by health nuts, too. I think they are both delicious AND versatile AND nutritious!

Donna-FFW said...

That looks gorgeous!! I am so trying that!

Chris said...

That looks excellent! No fritos? :p

Velva said...

Love potato soup. I do believe that potatoes and rice do feed the world.

This is a great way to take good simple ingredients and turn into something tasty and comforting. Great recipe.

Velva

Kim said...

I've been seeing lots of pics on pinterest of potato bars and I'm really into it. Seems like fun for kids and adults. I think this recipe is pretty darn smart using cauliflower. This looks fantastic!

The Blonde Duck said...

Have a great Labor Day!

Judy said...

this is one of my favorite soups, haven't made it in a while.

Keisha said...

This is very similar to a potato soup recipe I make. We had a bunch of sweet potatoes last year and I discovered that if you do half white and half sweet potatoes it makes it even better!

Rebecca's Amazing Creations said...

This recipe looks very delicious! I love creamy soups and I will definitely have to try this!