Dreamy Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Potato Soup Recipe

Slow cooker potato soup emerges as a culinary masterpiece that cradles comfort in every steaming spoonful.

Potatoes melt into a silky symphony, transforming mundane ingredients into liquid gold.

Rustic and robust, this recipe weaves magic through gentle simmering and carefully layered flavors.

Crisp bacon crackles against the creamy backdrop, introducing a smoky whisper that dances across your palate.

Each ingredient plays a delicate role in crafting a soup that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day.

The marriage of tender potatoes and rich broth creates a sensory experience that transcends ordinary meal preparation.

You’ll find yourself drawn into a world where simplicity meets sophistication, promising a bowl of pure, soul-soothing delight that lingers long after the last bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 8

Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Potato Soup

• Bacon: Select thick-cut, smoky varieties for maximum flavor depth.
• Chicken Stock: Choose low-sodium versions to control salt levels.

• Leek, Celery: Select crisp, vibrant green stalks without wilting or soft spots.
• Garlic: Pick firm, compact bulbs with tight, unbroken skin.

• Potatoes: Choose waxy or all-purpose varieties like Yukon Gold for creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: Select full-fat version for richer, more luxurious consistency.

• Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp varieties that melt smoothly.
• Chives: Select bright green, fresh sprigs with no yellowing edges.
• Thyme: Pick fresh sprigs with robust, fragrant leaves.
• Black Pepper, Kosher Salt: Use freshly ground pepper and flaky salt for enhanced flavor.

Kitchen Essentials for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Potato Soup

• Slow Cooker: 6 to 8-quart size for easy mixing and cooking.
• Skillet: Perfect for crisping bacon to golden perfection.
• Cutting Board: Ideal for chopping potatoes, celery, leek, and garlic.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable preparation.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess bacon grease.
• Immersion Blender: Creates smooth, creamy soup texture with potato chunks.
• Ladle: Helps serve soup evenly into bowls.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate liquid and ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients in slow cooker.
• Forks: Useful for checking potato tenderness.

Directions for Assembling Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Potato Soup

• Sizzle Bacon

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving some pieces for topping and crumbling the rest.

• Build Your Soup Base

Toss crumbled bacon, chopped potatoes, celery, leeks, and garlic into a slow cooker. Pour in chicken stock, sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the magic begin by cooking on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until potatoes become fork-tender.

• Blend And Transform

Grab an immersion blender and pulse the soup until it reaches a creamy consistency, leaving some potato chunks for a rustic feel. Remove thyme sprigs and stir in a generous dollop of sour cream, thinning with a splash of water if needed.

• Decorate And Devour

Ladle the velvety soup into bowls. Crown each serving with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, a scatter of fresh chives, an extra swirl of sour cream, and those crispy bacon bits you set aside. Dive in and savor every spoonful of comfort.

Creative Adjustments for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Potato Soup

• Customize Bacon Intensity: Experiment with different bacon types like applewood-smoked or pepper-infused for unique flavor profiles. Vegetarian? Swap bacon with smoked paprika or coconut bacon for similar depth.
• Potato Power Play: Swap russet potatoes with Yukon gold for creamier texture or sweet potatoes for added sweetness. Leave skin on for extra nutrients and rustic appearance.
• Herb Garden Hack: Replace fresh thyme with dried herbs like rosemary or oregano. Fresh herb alternatives include parsley or chives for bright, fresh undertones.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare soup base and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding extra stock if needed. Freezes wonderfully for up to 2 months – perfect for meal prep champions.

Ways to Plate and Serve Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Potato Soup

• Garnish with Gourmet Flair: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar, and fresh chives on top to add a colorful, crunchy texture that elevates the visual appeal and taste of the potato soup.
• Pair with Crusty Companions: Serve alongside warm, toasted sourdough bread or crispy garlic croutons to provide a delightful contrast in texture and help soak up the creamy soup.
• Create a Comfort Meal Combo: Transform this hearty soup into a complete dinner by adding a light side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette, balancing the rich, creamy soup with fresh, bright flavors.
• Customize with Personal Touches: Encourage diners to personalize their bowl with optional toppings like jalapeño slices, cracked black pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick of flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Potato Soup

• Preserve Perfectly: Store leftover potato soup in airtight containers, keeping freshness sealed for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cooldown completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze with Finesse: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention when properly sealed.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Gently warm refrigerated soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken stock to restore creamy consistency if needed. Microwave works too, but stir every 30 seconds to prevent uneven heating.
• Topping Tactics: Keep crispy bacon and cheese toppings separate until serving. Refrigerate in small sealed containers to maintain crunch and prevent soggy textures. Fresh garnishes guarantee restaurant-quality presentation every time.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman slow cooker potato soup delivers comfort straight from midwestern kitchens. Creamy ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a warming meal packed with rich flavor and simple ingredients you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 lbs (907 g) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken stock
• ¾ cup (180 ml) sour cream, plus more for garnish
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large leek, cleaned and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• shredded cheddar cheese
• chopped chives
• reserved bacon

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels, reserving crumbled pieces for garnish.
2. Slow Cooker Assembly: Combine bacon crumbles, russet potatoes, celery, leek, garlic, chicken stock, kosher salt, thyme sprigs, and black pepper in a 6-8 quart slow cooker.
3. Cooking Process: Set slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until potatoes reach fork-tender consistency. Remove wilted thyme sprigs.
4. Texture Refinement: Use immersion blender to create a creamy soup base, maintaining some potato chunks for rustic texture. Adjust consistency by adding water if needed.
5. Final Touches: Fold in sour cream, ensuring smooth integration. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
6. Serving Presentation: Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with sharp cheddar cheese, fresh chives, an additional sour cream dollop, and reserved bacon crumbles.

Notes

• Bacon Prep Tip: Cook bacon until perfectly crisp to enhance soup’s texture and flavor, ensuring maximum crunchiness and even browning.
• Slow Cooker Strategy: Choose high or low temperature setting based on your schedule, with careful monitoring of potato tenderness to prevent overcooking.
• Blending Balance: Use an immersion blender cautiously to maintain some potato chunks, creating a creamy yet rustic soup texture that feels homemade.
• Consistency Control: Adjust soup thickness by adding water gradually, preventing a too-dense or too-thin final result for optimal eating experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg