Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Did you hear that? It’s the sound of a chilly evening begging for something warm and nourishing!” That’s where my Ultimate Pioneer Woman Potato Soup comes in, promising to wrap you in creamy comfort with every spoonful. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s heartwarming style, this soup features tender potatoes and savory bacon, creating a blend that’s not just hearty but also downright irresistible. Whether you’re looking to satisfy family cravings or simply fend off the cold, this recipe is your go-to comfort food that can also be easily adapted for vegetarian or gluten-free diets. Plus, it’s quick to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights! Ready to make a bowl of happiness? Let’s dive into the details! Why is this potato soup a must-try? Unmatched Comfort: This creamy Pioneer Woman Potato Soup delivers all the warmth you crave on a chilly evening, making it the ultimate comfort food! Versatile Options: Whether you’re a meat lover or planning a vegetarian night, you can easily swap the bacon for smoked tempeh or skip it altogether for a delicious version without compromise. Quick Cooking: Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy families. You can also make it ahead and enjoy the rich flavors the next day! Savory & Satisfying: Expect layers of flavor from the creamy broth, tender potatoes, and sharp cheddar that come together beautifully—ideal for impressing guests or just treating yourself. Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad, and watch the smiles light up the dinner table! Try this Cheesy Hamburger Potato recipe next for another fantastic family dish! Pioneer Woman Potato Soup Ingredients For the Soup Base • Bacon – Adds crispiness and a savory base flavor; substitute with smoked tempeh for a vegetarian option. • Onion – Provides depth and sweetness to the soup; use shallots for a milder flavor. • Celery – Contributes a fresh, aromatic note; leeks can be used as a substitute. • Garlic – Enhances overall flavor with its aromatic qualities; fresh garlic is best, but powdered garlic can be used in a pinch. • Butter – Used to create the roux and enrich the soup; olive oil can be substituted to make it dairy-free. • All-purpose flour – Thickens the soup; cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative. • Chicken broth – Forms the soup base; vegetable broth can substitute for a vegetarian version. For the Creamy Texture • Russet potatoes – Creates a creamy texture when cooked down; Yukon Gold potatoes are a suitable alternative for a firmer texture. • Heavy cream – Adds richness and creaminess; coconut cream or cashew cream can substitute for a dairy-free option. • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Provides a cheesy flavor; nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option. Seasoning & Garnish • Salt & black pepper – Seasoning to taste; adjust based on dietary preferences. • Green onions – Used as a garnish; fresh chives can also be a tasty alternative. This Pioneer Woman Potato Soup will become a comforting staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and joy to your family meals! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman Potato Soup Step 1: Cook the Bacon In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel, leaving the flavorful drippings behind. This will create a rich base for your Pioneer Woman Potato Soup. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the diced onion and celery, cooking them over medium heat until softened, around 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. These vegetables will provide a delightful depth of flavor to your soup. Step 3: Create the Roux Melt 1/4 cup of butter in the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Once melted, sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the mixture, stirring continuously for 2 minutes. This roux will thicken your Pioneer Woman Potato Soup and help achieve that creamy texture you desire. Step 4: Add the Broth and Potatoes Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain in the mixture. Once smooth, add 4 cups of cubed Russet potatoes. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Step 5: Adjust Consistency Once the potatoes are cooked through, use a potato masher to mash some of them directly in the pot. This will create a lovely creamy texture while leaving some chunkiness, giving your Pioneer Woman Potato Soup a delightful mouthfeel that your family will love. Step 6: Incorporate Cream and Cheese Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing well until the cheese melts. Keep the heat low to avoid boiling the soup, which helps prevent the cream from separating. Season with salt and pepper to taste, making sure it’s just right for your palate. Step 7: Serve with Garnishes Ladle the hot potato soup into bowls, topping each serving with the reserved crispy bacon, an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and finely chopped green onions. This final touch adds color, flavor, and that extra bit of comfort to your Pioneer Woman Potato Soup, making it a perfect meal. Make Ahead Options Preparing Pioneer Woman Potato Soup ahead of time is a fantastic way to enjoy this comforting dish while saving precious minutes during busy evenings! You can cook the soup up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator after it cools. To maintain its creamy consistency, it’s best to wait to add the heavy cream and cheese until you reheat the soup right before serving. Simply reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through, then mix in the cream and cheese. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully, making your homemade soup just as delicious as the first day! What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Potato Soup? Experience a cozy dinner filled with delightful pairings that enhance the heartwarming essence of this creamy potato soup! Crusty Bread: Freshly baked bread is perfect for dipping, soaking up the creamy broth, and adding a satisfying crunch to your meal. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette contrasts the richness of the soup, brightening the overall dining experience. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these are ideal for mopping up every last bit of soup, adding a touch of indulgence. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized sprouts lend a savory earthiness that beautifully complements the potato soup’s creamy texture. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Embark on a nostalgic journey with gooey, melty cheese between crusty bread, serving as the quintessential partner to the soup. Apple Crisp: This warm, sweet dessert rounds out your meal perfectly, offering a delightful contrast to the soup’s savory warmth. Sparkling Cider: A refreshing drink that balances the soup’s creaminess with its light, bubbly character—ideal for family gatherings. Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice infused with herbs adds a lovely texture and elevates the meal with layers of flavor without overwhelming the palate. Shredded Chicken Tacos: Savory tacos provide an exciting twist, making for a fun, interactive dinner that pairs with the comforting soup beautifully. How to Store and Freeze Pioneer Woman Potato Soup Fridge: Refrigerate leftover Pioneer Woman Potato Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This will keep it fresh and ready to reheat! Freezer: Freeze the soup before adding cream and cheese for optimal texture. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheating: When it’s time to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring, and add cream and cheese once warmed through. Room Temperature: If serving, the soup can sit out for up to 2 hours. After that, promptly refrigerate leftovers to ensure safety. Expert Tips for Pioneer Woman Potato Soup Perfect Potato Choice: Use high-starch Russet potatoes for the best creamy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they won’t yield the same comforting consistency. Low Heat for Cheese: Always keep the heat low when stirring in the shredded cheddar cheese. This prevents graininess and ensures a smooth, creamy blend in your soup. Enhanced Flavor: This Pioneer Woman Potato Soup tastes even better the next day! Allowing it to sit overnight lets all the flavors meld beautifully. Leftover Storage: Store any leftover soup in airtight containers, refrigerating for up to 4 days. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the cream to separate. Freezing Tips: If you wish to freeze, do so before adding heavy cream and cheese. This keeps the texture intact when reheating later! Pioneer Woman Potato Soup Variations Feel free to personalize your creamy Pioneer Woman Potato Soup to match your flavor preferences and dietary needs! Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use smoked tempeh for a savory twist that keeps the heartiness. Gluten-Free Substitute: Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch mixed in cold water for thickening without gluten. Dairy-Free Creaminess: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a luscious yet dairy-free alternative. Flavor Boost: Toss in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or fresh thyme for an added layer of savory aroma. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat—perfect for spice lovers! Extra Veggies: Incorporate chopped kale or spinach for added nutrition and vibrant color in your soup. Different Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of Russet for a firmer texture and slightly sweet flavor. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack to create a unique cheesy flavor profile. By exploring these variations, you can turn your classic potato soup into a personalized delight! For another creamy meal idea, check out Cheesy Hamburger Potato for a comforting feast the whole family will adore! Pioneer Woman Potato Soup Recipe FAQs What type of potatoes work best for this soup? Absolutely! I recommend using high-starch Russet potatoes. They create that velvety, creamy texture we all love. Waxy potatoes won’t give you the same results, as they can leave the soup more watery and less comforting. How should I store leftover Pioneer Woman Potato Soup? Store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps it fresh and delicious for your next cozy meal! Remember to reheat gently on low heat to avoid cream separation. Can I freeze Pioneer Woman Potato Soup? Yes, freezing is an excellent option for this soup! However, it’s crucial to freeze it before adding the heavy cream and cheese. Simply ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, designing for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove, adding cream and cheese once it’s heated through. What can I do if my potato soup is too thick? If your soup turns out thicker than you want, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Heat it gently while stirring, and you’ll have that perfect creamy texture back in no time! Are there any dietary considerations for this potato soup? Very! If you’re accommodating specific diets, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing bacon with smoked tempeh and chicken broth with vegetable broth. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch, and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free to keep it safe for celiac or gluten-sensitive folks! Creamy Pioneer Woman Potato Soup for Ultimate Comfort This creamy Pioneer Woman Potato Soup is perfect for chilly evenings, offering warmth and delicious comfort in every bowl. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 6 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base6 slices Bacon Add crispiness and savory flavor; substitute with smoked tempeh for a vegetarian option.1 medium Onion Adds depth and sweetness; use shallots for a milder flavor.2 stalks Celery Contributes a fresh note; leeks can be used as a substitute.2 cloves Garlic Enhances flavor; fresh garlic is best.1/4 cup Butter Used for the roux; olive oil can be substituted.1/4 cup All-purpose flour Thickens the soup; cornstarch for gluten-free.4 cups Chicken broth Forms the soup base; substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian.For the Creamy Texture4 cups Russet potatoes Creates creamy texture; Yukon Gold is an alternative.1 cup Heavy cream Adds richness; substitute coconut cream for dairy-free.2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese Provides cheesy flavor; nutritional yeast for vegan option.Seasoning & Garnishto taste Salt & black pepper Adjust based on dietary preferences.2 tablespoons Green onions Used as a garnish; fresh chives can be an alternative. Equipment Dutch oven Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon, leaving drippings in the pot.Add diced onion and celery to the bacon drippings, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.Melt 1/4 cup of butter in the pot, then sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux.Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Add 4 cups of cubed potatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.Use a potato masher to mash some potatoes directly in the pot for a creamy texture while leaving some chunks.Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded cheese until melted, keeping the heat low. Season with salt and pepper.Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, extra cheese, and chopped green onions before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 12gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesPioneer Woman Potato Soup can be made ahead; it's better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Avoid microwaving to prevent cream from separating. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
