Imagine diving into a creamy, dreamy soup that tastes like pure indulgence but won't derail your healthy eating goals. This low-fat Potato Cheddar Soup is a game-changer for comfort food lovers who want to enjoy a rich, satisfying meal without the extra calories. With its perfectly balanced blend of tender potatoes, melted cheese, and a velvety texture, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives for garnish
Instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Chop the onion finely to help it integrate smoothly into the soup.
- In a large pot, combine diced potatoes and chopped onions with vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, partially mash some of the potatoes in the pot to create a thicker, creamier texture while leaving some chunks for added texture.
- Gradually pour in the low-fat milk, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Reduce heat to low and allow the soup to warm through gently.
- Slowly sprinkle in the reduced-fat cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed. Remember that the cheese will add some saltiness, so add salt sparingly.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally accompanied by whole grain bread or a light side salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Potato Cutting Hack: Dice potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Cheese Melting Secret: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Texture Trick: Partially mash some potatoes to create a thicker soup while leaving some chunks for a more interesting mouthfeel.
- Seasoning Pro Tip: Go easy on salt, as the cheese will naturally add some saltiness to the soup.
- Garnish Like a Chef: Fresh chives not only add a pop of color but also bring a subtle onion-like flavor that complements the creamy soup perfectly.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup reheats beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for quick meals throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
