Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is a culinary icon for good reason. Her recipes are approachable, delicious, and perfect for family meals. Among her many fantastic dishes, her potato soup recipes are particularly beloved. Inspired by her hearty, flavorful style, this creamy baked potato soup recipe takes the comforting classic to the next level. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and freezer-friendly, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Close-up of creamy potato cheese soup in a bowl, garnished with bacon, cheese and parsley.
This recipe builds on the foundation of a classic potato cheese soup but incorporates the rich, comforting essence of baked potatoes. Imagine the fluffy interior of a baked potato blended into a smooth, creamy soup, infused with the savory flavors of bacon, cheese, and aromatic vegetables. This is more than just potato soup; it’s a warm, satisfying bowl of comfort that will quickly become a family favorite.
Bowl of potato cheese soup topped with shredded cheese and bacon bits.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Inspired Baked Potato Soup
To create this delightful baked potato soup, you’ll need a few simple, wholesome ingredients:
- Vegetables: 3 medium carrots, 3 celery stalks, and 1 medium onion. These form the aromatic base of the soup, adding depth and flavor.
- Potatoes: 6 medium potatoes. Russet or red potatoes work wonderfully, providing the creamy texture and hearty potato flavor.
- Bacon: 6 slices of bacon. Bacon adds a smoky, savory richness that perfectly complements the creamy soup. For a healthier option, turkey bacon can be substituted.
- Seasoning: 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning, ½ teaspoon Kosher salt, and a pinch of pepper. Creole seasoning adds a unique zesty kick, while salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Broth: 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth. This is the liquid base of the soup, providing a savory depth of flavor.
- Dairy: 1 cup milk (2% or whole milk recommended for creaminess), ½ cup heavy cream, and 1 cup grated Colby Jack cheese. Milk and heavy cream contribute to the soup’s creamy texture, while Colby Jack cheese adds a mild, melty cheesy flavor.
- Thickener: 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour. This helps create a smooth, thickened soup.
- Fresh Herbs: 1 teaspoon minced parsley. Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal as a garnish.
Diced carrots, celery, and onion on a cutting board.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Baked Potato Soup
Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of comforting baked potato soup:
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy using your preferred method. For less grease and easy cleanup, consider oven-baking the bacon (refer to recipes like “Easy Clean-up Oven Cooked Bacon”). Once cooked, set the bacon aside and crumble or chop it into small pieces for topping.
Crispy oven-cooked bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt bacon grease (if using bacon fat method) 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.
Sautéing diced carrots, celery, and onions in a pot on the stovetop.
- Add Potatoes and Seasoning: Add the chopped potatoes, Creole seasoning, Kosher salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the potatoes with the seasonings and vegetables.
Potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions cooking in a pot with seasoning.
- Prepare Cheese and Slurry: While the vegetables and potatoes are cooking, grate the Colby Jack cheese and mince the parsley. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth to create a slurry. This slurry will help thicken the soup to a perfect creamy consistency.
Grated Colby Jack cheese in a glass bowl.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the vegetables and potatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Chicken broth being poured into a pot with vegetables and potatoes.
- Thicken the Soup: Pour the milk and flour slurry into the soup pot. Stir well to combine and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
Potato cheese soup simmering in a pot on the stove.
- Blend for Creaminess: Carefully ladle portions of the hot soup into a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Pour the blended soup into a separate clean pot. Repeat this process until all the soup is blended.
Blended potato cheese soup in a blender.
- Finish and Serve: Gently reheat the pureed soup in the pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and minced parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the hot baked potato soup into bowls and garnish generously with grated Colby Jack cheese and crumbled bacon.
Creamy potato cheese soup in a bowl garnished with cheese and parsley.
Tips for the Best Baked Potato Soup
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are classic for baked potato soup due to their starch content, which contributes to a creamy texture. Red potatoes also work well and offer a slightly different flavor profile.
- Bacon Flavor: For an extra smoky bacon flavor, consider using smoked bacon.
- Cheese Variations: While Colby Jack is mild and melty, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a richer cheese flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Creole seasoning to your preference. For a milder soup, reduce the Creole seasoning or use a milder seasoning blend.
- Make it Healthier: Substitute turkey bacon for pork bacon, use skim milk instead of 2% or whole milk, and reduce or omit the heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Freezing Instructions: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen in a pot over low heat.
Bowls of potato cheese soup served at a gathering.
Pioneer Woman Inspiration
This recipe is lovingly inspired by the comforting, family-friendly recipes of The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Her ability to create delicious, approachable meals for her family and friends is truly inspiring. This baked potato soup captures that same spirit – it’s a hearty, flavorful dish made with simple ingredients that brings warmth and comfort to any meal.
Image of potato cheese soup in a bowl with a spoon, recipe card graphic overlay.
Enjoy this creamy baked potato soup on a chilly evening, as a comforting lunch, or freeze it for a convenient meal anytime. It’s a versatile and delicious recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, just like the wonderful recipes from the Pioneer Woman herself!
