Inspired by the culinary queen herself, Ree Drummond, also known as the Pioneer Woman, this potato soup recipe brings warmth and deliciousness to your table. If you’re searching for a comforting, creamy, and utterly satisfying meal, look no further. This recipe, adapted slightly for a healthier twist, stays true to the hearty spirit of Pioneer Woman’s cooking while being incredibly easy to make and freezer-friendly for busy weeknights.
Potato Cheese Soup Ingredients
What Makes This Pioneer Woman Potato Soup Recipe Special?
Ree Drummond’s recipes are celebrated for their approachable nature and bold flavors, perfect for family meals and gatherings. This potato cheese soup recipe is no exception. It’s packed with savory vegetables, creamy potatoes, and cheesy goodness, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. While the original Pioneer Woman recipe often embraces rich ingredients, this version incorporates a few smart swaps to lighten it up without sacrificing any of the comforting flavor you crave.
Close up of Potato Cheese Soup in a bowl
Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Potato Soup
Before you begin, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- 3 long carrots, diced uniformly
- 3 celery stalks, diced uniformly
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 6 medium potatoes (Russet or red), peeled and chopped
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (2% or your preference)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
- 1 cup grated Colby Jack cheese
- 6 slices bacon (or turkey bacon), cooked and crumbled for topping
Diced carrots, celery, and onion for potato soup
Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Potato Cheese Soup
Follow these easy steps to create your own pot of creamy, dreamy potato soup:
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy using your preferred method. For a healthier approach and easier cleanup, consider baking your bacon in the oven. Refer to an online guide for “easy clean up oven cooked bacon” for a mess-free method. Once cooked, set the bacon aside on paper towels to drain excess grease and then crumble it.
Crispy oven-cooked bacon
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt bacon grease (if using bacon cooked in the pot) or 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
Vegetables sautéing in a pot for potato soup
- Add Potatoes and Seasoning: Introduce the chopped potatoes, Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the potatoes to slightly soften and absorb the flavors.
Potatoes and seasonings added to vegetables in pot
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring the vegetables are submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Potatoes and vegetables simmering in chicken broth
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Create the Slurry: While the soup simmers, whisk together the milk and flour in a separate small bowl until smooth. This slurry will help thicken the soup to a perfect creamy consistency.
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Thicken the Soup: Once the potatoes are tender, slowly pour the milk-flour slurry into the simmering soup, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
Potato soup thickening on the stovetop
- Blend for Creaminess: Carefully ladle portions of the soup into a blender or use an immersion blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Pour the blended soup into a separate clean pot. Repeat until all the soup is blended.
Blending potato soup in a blender for creamy texture
- Finish and Season: Gently reheat the pureed soup over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and minced parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Creole seasoning to your preference.
Pureed potato soup with heavy cream and parsley
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the creamy potato cheese soup into bowls. Top generously with grated Colby Jack cheese and crumbled bacon. A sprinkle of extra parsley adds a touch of freshness and color.
Potato cheese soup in bowls topped with cheese and bacon
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Potato Soup
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes provide a classic creamy texture, while red potatoes offer a slightly denser and equally delicious result. Feel free to use either or a combination.
- Cheese Variety: Colby Jack is a great melting cheese with mild flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a richer cheese profile.
- Make it Healthier: Substitute turkey bacon for pork bacon, use 2% or skim milk, and reduce or omit the heavy cream for a lighter version without compromising too much on creaminess.
- Freezer-Friendly Meal: This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen in a saucepan over low heat.
Potato cheese soup in a slow cooker at a soup gathering
Enjoy Your Homemade Creamy Potato Soup
This Pioneer Woman-inspired potato soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of comfort and flavor. Perfect for chilly evenings, cozy lunches, or anytime you crave a bowl of creamy goodness, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Embrace the spirit of Ree Drummond and bring the warmth of homemade cooking to your kitchen with this delightful potato cheese soup!
Potato Cheese Soup close up shot for recipe card
