Creamy Pioneer Woman Potato Soup

This Creamy Pioneer Woman Potato Soup is a cozy, budget-friendly recipe that transforms just six simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. I’ve made this countless times on busy weeknights, and it never disappoints.

There’s something magical about a pot of homemade potato soup simmering on the stove. I first tried making this recipe on a rainy Tuesday when my pantry was looking bare, and I couldn’t believe how creamy and satisfying it turned out. The secret is using starchy russet potatoes that naturally thicken the soup without needing heavy cream or flour. This Pioneer Woman inspired potato soup is perfect for those nights when you need comfort food fast. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this creamy potato soup recipe delivers warmth in every spoonful.

What You’ll Need for This Cozy Potato Soup

I always use russet potatoes for this recipe because their high starch content creates that signature creamy texture without any thickeners. Here’s what you’ll gather:

• 4-5 medium russet potatoes (about 3 pounds, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes, roughly 6 cups total)
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 2 cups for sweet, savory depth)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (approximately 1 cup, adds subtle earthiness)
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced (around 1/2 cup for natural sweetness and color)
• 1 cup milk (I use whole dairy milk for richness, but unsweetened almond or oat milk works perfectly for vegan versions)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional but recommended for brightness)
• Water (approximately 4-5 cups, enough to nearly cover vegetables)

How I Make This Simple Potato Soup

I recommend using a sturdy potato masher for the best texture control. You can make this soup as chunky or smooth as you prefer.

Step 1: Add your diced potatoes, onion, celery, and carrot to a 4-quart or larger soup pot. Pour in enough water to reach about 1/2 inch below the top of the vegetables (approximately 4-5 cups). This ratio ensures everything cooks evenly without becoming watery.

Step 2: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. This traps steam and speeds up cooking time.

Step 3: Let the vegetables simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces through the potato chunks and they start to fall apart. The soup should smell wonderfully aromatic.

Step 4: Remove from heat and carefully mash the soup using your potato masher. I like to leave some chunks for texture, but you can mash until completely smooth if you prefer a velvety Pioneer Woman potato soup. Be gentle to avoid splattering hot liquid.

Step 5: Stir in the milk and fresh parsley if using. The milk adds creaminess while the parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.

Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste, starting with the amounts listed and adjusting as needed. Remember, you can always add more seasoning but can’t take it away.

Step 7: Serve hot in bowls. The soup will thicken as it sits, so if you’re reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.

Common mistake to avoid: Don’t add the milk while the soup is still boiling, as high heat can cause dairy milk to curdle. Let it cool slightly first.

Perfect Pairings for Your Creamy Potato Soup

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crispy, crunchy, and fresh sides that complement its creamy texture.

Crusty Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor and crispy crust are perfect for dipping into this rich Pioneer Woman potato soup, and the chewy interior soaks up every drop.

Simple Garden Salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette cut through the creaminess and add nutritional balance to your meal.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic comfort food pairing that turns your soup into a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Roasted Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky notes enhance the savory flavors in the potato soup recipe and add textural contrast.

Steamed Broccoli: Adds a healthy green vegetable component and brings color to your plate while keeping things light.

Delicious Soup Variations to Try Next

Once you’ve mastered this simple Pioneer Woman potato soup, expand your comfort food repertoire with our indulgent Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup featuring bacon and ranch seasoning, or the classic Outback Potato Soup with its restaurant-quality flavor and creamy texture.

For more variety in your soup rotation, explore our Chickpea Potato Soup with Mediterranean spices, the ultra-convenient Crockpot Potato Soup with Frozen Potatoes that saves prep time, or the protein-rich Cheesy Crockpot Potato Soup with Ham. Try our vibrant One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup for a healthier option, or the veggie-packed Winter Minestrone Soup for an Italian-inspired meal.

Storing Your Homemade Potato Soup

Store leftover creamy Pioneer Woman potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken considerably after chilling because the starches continue to absorb liquid.

When reheating, I recommend adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of milk, broth, or water and stirring gently over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Leave about an inch of space at the top of containers since the soup expands when frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Your Potato Soup Questions Answered

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