Fish Free Easy Potato Soup

• 

  4 strips bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
  Required swap

  Use vegetarian bacon instead.

  Lightlife Smart Plant-Based Bacon

  See all

  Chef's tip

  Cook it only until crisp, adding a little oil to the pan - vegetarian bacon cooks much faster than pork bacon and can scorch. If the recipe simmers or bakes the bacon further, set it aside and stir it back in near the end.
• 

  1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 

  3 cloves garlic, minced
• 

  3 tbsp unsalted butter
  Required swap

  Chef's tip

  Use a stick or block-style dairy-free butter - not a soft tub spread - and swap one-for-one.
• 

  3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  Suggested products
• 

  4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  Required swap

  Chef's tip

  Use the same amount of low-sodium vegetable broth. The dish will be a little lighter in flavor than with chicken broth.
• 

  2 lbs russet potatoes (about 3 large), peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
• 

  1 cup whole milk
  Required swap

  Chef's tip

  Use plain, unsweetened soy milk, measured 1:1. It's one of the most reliable milk swaps and works in sauces, custards, and baked goods. For hot or acidic drinks, a barista-style soy milk resists curdling.
• 

  ½ cup sour cream
  Required swap
• 

  1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  Required swap

  Chef's tip

  If the dish is baked or melted, cover it or keep the heat gentle - dairy-free shreds melt more slowly than dairy cheese.
• 

  ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 

  ¼ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste

For serving

• 

  2 tbsp fresh chives, thinly sliced (optional)
• 

  2 tbsp sour cream, for serving (optional)
  Required swap
• 

  ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese, for serving (optional)
  Required swap

  Chef's tip

  If the dish is baked or melted, cover it or keep the heat gentle - dairy-free shreds melt more slowly than dairy cheese.