Pioneer Woman Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, soul-warming bowl of goodness, look no further than the legendary Pioneer Woman Potato Soup. This recipe combines tender russet potatoes, crispy bacon, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a creamy broth that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Every spoonful bursts with layers of flavor, making it a beloved classic that feels both hearty and indulgent. Whether you’re aiming to snap up a quick weeknight meal or impress guests with a down-home favorite, this Pioneer Woman Potato Soup is pure magic in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pioneer Woman Potato Soup lies in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a crucial role, delivering depth, texture, and color without any fuss. From the smokiness of bacon to the earthiness of potatoes and the natural sweetness of carrots, every element comes together perfectly to make your kitchen smell and taste incredible.

• 6 slices thin bacon, chopped: Adds smoky, crispy richness that forms the flavor base.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Offers a sweet and savory depth when sautéed gently.
• 3 carrots, diced: Bring subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• 3 celery stalks, diced: Introduce a mild aromatic crunch that balances the dish.
• 6 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced: The hearty, creamy backbone of the soup.
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
• Black pepper: Provides a gentle kick and warmth to the palate.
• 1/2 tsp Cajun spice: Adds a subtle, spicy complexity for extra character.
• 8 cups low-sodium broth: The flavorful liquid that brings everything together beautifully.
• 3 Tbsp flour: Thickens the soup to a luscious, velvety consistency.
• 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess and lightness without heaviness.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional): Boosts richness and decadence if you’re feeling indulgent.
• 1 tsp fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to brighten the bowl.
• 1 cup shredded cheese: Melt it on top for gooey, comforting perfection.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Begin your Pioneer Woman Potato Soup by crisping the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat. This step is crucial because the rendered bacon fat becomes the foundation for sautéing your vegetables, infusing them with that irresistible smoky flavor. Once the bacon is beautifully crisp, remove it and set it aside for later—the surprise crunchy topping!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the bacon fat still in the pot, add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these until they soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This slow-simmer caramelizes their natural sugars, creating a sweet, savory base that perfectly complements the potatoes.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Next, toss in the diced potatoes along with kosher salt, black pepper, and Cajun spice. These seasonings add a subtle warmth and complexity, giving your soup that signature comforting kick that makes the Pioneer Woman Potato Soup so beloved.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in the low-sodium broth and bring your pot to a gentle simmer. Let everything cook together for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easy to pierce with a fork. This slow simmer melds the flavors beautifully, turning simple ingredients into a rich, hearty soup.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and flour until smooth, then gradually stir this mixture into the simmering soup. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the soup to thicken. This addition gives the soup a luscious, creamy texture that clings to every bite.

Step 6: Blend Part of the Soup

For that velvety consistency that makes this Pioneer Woman Potato Soup extra special, carefully blend about half of the soup using an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender. Return the blended portion back to the pot and stir well—this step creates a perfect balance of creamy texture and chunky potato goodness.

Step 7: Finish with Cream and Parsley

To elevate the soup to pure comfort food status, stir in the optional heavy cream and fresh parsley. Then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This final touch adds richness and a pleasant herbaceous brightness that bring the whole bowl to life.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your piping hot Pioneer Woman Potato Soup topped generously with shredded cheese, crisp bacon bits, and a sprinkle of parsley. This finishing trio not only adds flavor but makes your soup visually irresistible.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Potato Soup

Garnishes

Nothing beats a bowl of soup that looks as good as it tastes. Garnish your Pioneer Woman Potato Soup with extra crispy bacon, a handful of shredded cheese that melts as it hits the warm soup, and a fresh sprinkle of parsley for color and a hint of herbaceous brightness. For some extra flair, try adding chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream.

Side Dishes

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to scoop up every last drop. A side crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness. If you want to keep it ultra cozy, a simple grilled cheese sandwich is a match made in comfort food heaven alongside your Pioneer Woman Potato Soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out potato skins for a rustic touch. Layer the toppings buffet-style so everyone can build their own perfect bowl. You can also turn leftovers into a creamy potato chowder by adding some cooked shrimp or shredded chicken and fresh herbs for a delicious makeover.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pioneer Woman Potato Soup tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld. Keep leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool the soup to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve its creamy texture.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is a great way to have a comforting meal ready anytime. However, because of the potatoes and cream, the texture may change slightly after freezing. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat to avoid scorching and stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to restore that creamy, spoonable consistency. This will bring your Pioneer Woman Potato Soup back to life, almost like it was just made.

FAQs

Can I make this Pioneer Woman Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil or butter to develop flavor, and add smoked paprika to mimic the bacon’s smokiness.

What is the best potato to use?

Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because they break down slightly while cooking, adding to the creamy texture without turning mushy. They also absorb flavors beautifully, making the soup hearty and satisfying.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes! If you want a lighter soup, you can skip the heavy cream or replace it with half-and-half or additional milk. Coconut milk is another option if you prefer a dairy-free twist, but it will slightly change the flavor profile.

Is there a way to make this soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken the soup, increase the flour slightly during the milk mixture step or let it simmer longer uncovered. For a thinner consistency, simply add more broth or milk when reheating until it reaches your desired texture.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, just cook the bacon and sauté the veggies on the stove first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the potatoes and broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender. Then stir in the milk-flour mixture and cream at the end.

Final Thoughts

This Pioneer Woman Potato Soup is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food that warms the heart and fills the belly. Its combination of creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and fresh veggies makes it a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Once you whip up this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite, bringing that cozy, homestyle feeling back to your kitchen time and time again.

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