Certainly! Here’s a rewritten version of the Potato and Bacon Soup recipe optimized for a Weight Watchers audience, including the points, detailed nutrition information, and a lengthy, professional recipe description with extra helpful details.

Weight Watchers Potato and Bacon Soup Recipe

This Potato and Bacon Soup is a delightful, creamy dish that’s perfect for those looking for comfort food while maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle. With savory flavors of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a velvety finish, this soup provides satisfaction without the guilt. Whether you’re following the WW (Weight Watchers) program or simply looking for a lower-calorie option, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Recipe Overview:

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 6 (1 cup per serving)
  • WW Points: 4 SmartPoints (per serving) on the Green plan, 3 SmartPoints on the Blue and Purple plans

Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 6 slices of turkey bacon (replacing regular bacon for a lower-fat option)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or use fat-free milk for more richness)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (optional, adds extra depth of flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (such as chopped chives or parsley), for garnish
  • Optional: Shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (1 tablespoon per serving), for serving
  • Optional: Fresh green onions for garnish

Nutrition Information (per serving, with almond milk and no cheese):

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbs: 31g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Sugar: 4g

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Detailed Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Begin by preparing your bacon. For a lighter version, we recommend using turkey bacon, as it significantly reduces the fat content of the dish while still providing the same smoky flavor. Chop the bacon into small pieces and place it into a large pot or Dutch oven. Set the heat to medium, allowing the bacon to crisp up and release its fat. This usually takes about 6–8 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pot and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the pot, as this will add flavor to the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

With the bacon removed, it’s time to sauté the vegetables. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook it over medium heat until it becomes translucent and soft, which takes approximately 5 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the onion from burning. Once softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Garlic can burn easily, so watch carefully and stir often. The aroma of sautéing onions and garlic will begin to fill your kitchen!

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth

Next, add the diced russet potatoes to the pot. The starchy potatoes will help thicken the soup, giving it a creamy consistency. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. We recommend using low-sodium broth to keep the salt content in check, especially important for those on a lower-sodium diet. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, which gives the soup a nice herbal flavor, though this is optional if you prefer a simpler taste.

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low to allow it to simmer. Let the soup cook for approximately 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the potatoes don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to blend the soup. For a smooth and creamy texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer about half of the soup to a standard blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. For those who prefer a chunkier soup, feel free to blend just a portion of the soup or leave it as is for a more rustic consistency.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream

To give the soup its creamy richness, add 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk or fat-free milk (for a lower-calorie alternative to heavy cream). Stir the milk in well, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes to heat everything through and meld the flavors together. This is also a great time to adjust the thickness by adding more milk or broth if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, ladle it into individual bowls. Top each bowl with the crispy turkey bacon, which you reserved earlier. For extra flavor and color, garnish with chopped green onions, chives, or a sprinkle of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese. A tablespoon of shredded cheese can add just a bit of indulgence while keeping it within your WW points. For added texture, you could also serve with a side of crusty whole-wheat bread.

Expert Tips for Success:

  1. Substitute with Plant-Based Bacon: If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, consider using plant-based bacon or even crispy chickpeas for a smoky flavor with less fat.
  2. Add Vegetables for More Fiber: You can bulk up this soup by adding other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to the broth for extra nutrition.
  3. Make Ahead: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. If you freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
  4. Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick. Adding freshly cracked black pepper also enhances the flavor.
  5. Adjust for a Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply blend more of the potatoes, or mash some of them with a fork after cooking.

Weight Watchers Points Breakdown:

  • Green Plan: 4 SmartPoints per serving
  • Blue Plan: 3 SmartPoints per serving
  • Purple Plan: 3 SmartPoints per serving

These points are based on the ingredients provided, using turkey bacon, unsweetened almond milk, and no added cheese. Feel free to adjust the recipe based on your personal preferences or the ingredients available to you.

Additional Health Benefits:

  • Rich in Fiber: With a healthy serving of potatoes and the addition of any optional vegetables, this soup is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Fiber helps with digestion and promotes feelings of fullness, which can aid in weight management.
  • Low in Saturated Fat: By using turkey bacon and almond milk, this recipe keeps the fat content lower than traditional versions that use regular bacon and heavy cream.
  • Customizable for Dietary Restrictions: This recipe is easily adaptable for those following gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets. You can substitute the broth with vegetable broth, use plant-based cheese, and even swap the turkey bacon with a vegan bacon option to suit various dietary needs.

Final Thoughts:

This Potato and Bacon Soup is the epitome of comfort food made healthier! It offers all the creamy, hearty flavors you love while keeping it light and nutritious. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week, this soup can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of dietary preference. Whether you’re on the WW program or simply want a wholesome bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

The ability to easily adjust this recipe to suit your tastes, while keeping it low in SmartPoints, makes it a versatile dish you’ll want to keep on rotation. Enjoy it on a cool fall or winter evening with a fresh side salad or a slice of whole-grain bread to make the meal even more satisfying!