Name: Pioneer Woman Perfect Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

This creamy, chunky Pioneer Woman Perfect Potato Soup is made with russet potatoes, smoked bacon, and heavy cream and ready in 55 minutes. Watching the rich cream and flour mixture hit the simmering broth to create a thick, velvety base always makes my mouth water. I love making this warming bowl on chilly autumn evenings.

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Why You Will Love This Pioneer Woman Perfect Potato Soup Recipe:

Velvety Texture: By partially mashing the Russet potatoes, the soup achieves a thick, creamy consistency that is incredibly satisfying.
Loaded Flavor Profile: It mimics the best parts of a baked potato, incorporating savory bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like onions, garlic, milk, and broth to create a high-quality, gourmet result with minimal fuss.
Filling and Hearty: This is a “meal in a bowl” that is substantial enough to serve as a main course for the whole family.
Customizable Toppings: It serves as a perfect canvas for extra garnishes like sour cream, extra chives, or even a dash of hot sauce.

Pioneer Woman Perfect Potato Soup Ingredients

6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Pioneer Woman Perfect Potato Soup

Crisp The Bacon: Place the diced bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until crisp, then remove to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the grease in the pot.
Cook The Veggies: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the bacon grease. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and tender.
Simmer The Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Thicken The Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and whole milk until completely smooth. Pour this slurry into the simmering soup and stir continuously for 5 minutes until it visibly thickens.
Add Cream And Season: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the heavy cream, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

Dice potatoes evenly: Cutting your russet potatoes into uniform pieces ensures they cook at the exact same rate.
Whisk the slurry thoroughly: Make sure your flour and milk mixture has no lumps before adding it to prevent clumps in your soup.
Do not boil the cream: Once you add the heavy cream, keep the soup off direct high heat to stop the dairy from separating.

What To Serve With Potato Soup?

To balance the creamy richness of potato soup, pair it with items that offer crunch and acidity. A classic grilled cheese sandwich or crusty sourdough bread is perfect for dipping. For a lighter touch, a crisp Caesar salad or a tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast. Roasted broccoli or honey-glazed carrots add a nice nutritional boost, while savory ham sliders make the meal even heartier. These sides ensure every bite feels perfectly balanced.

How To Store Leftovers Potato Soup?

Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the soup has become too thick. Freezing is not recommended because the dairy and potatoes will separate and become grainy.

How To Reheat Leftovers Potato Soup?

In The Stovetop: To reheat your soup on the stovetop, pour it into a small pot and heat over medium-low for about 5 to 8 minutes. It is important to stir frequently to prevent the cream or potatoes from scorching on the bottom, and you may want to add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge.

In The Microwave: If you prefer using a microwave, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high for 2 to 3 minutes total. To ensure it heats evenly without the edges becoming too hot, stop and stir the soup every 60 seconds. Covering the bowl with a lid or a damp paper towel will help trap the steam and keep the texture smooth and velvety.

FAQs

Can I use red potatoes instead of russet?
Yes, you can use red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. They will hold their shape better but yield a slightly less starchy, creamy base.

How do I make the soup even thicker?
You can mash some of the tender potatoes directly in the pot using a potato masher before adding the cream.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely, just swap the bacon for butter or olive oil to sauté the vegetables, and use vegetable broth.

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Pioneer Woman Perfect Potato Soup Nutrition Fact

Calories: 420
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrate: 42g
Protein: 14g