When the weather gets chilly, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty bowl of homemade potato soup. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up like a warm blanket, soothing your soul with every spoonful. And when it comes to classic, crowd-pleasing potato soup recipes, the one from The Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond, takes the cake. Known for her rustic yet refined dishes, Ree brings us a potato soup recipe that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this potato soup will do just that.
What makes Ree’s recipe stand out? It’s the perfect balance of creamy, chunky, and savory elements, enhanced with a little bacon for that extra flavor kick. There’s no skimping on ingredients here-every spoonful is a hearty, satisfying experience. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned chef. So, let’s dive in and see why this potato soup should be your next kitchen masterpiece.
Potato Soup Ree Drummond Recipe
Ree Drummond’s potato soup recipe has become a staple in many households because of its perfect mix of ingredients and simple yet satisfying preparation. The combination of tender potatoes, rich broth, heavy cream, and crispy bacon creates an unforgettable bowl of comfort food. Here’s what you’ll need to pull off this masterpiece.
Ingredients Needed
To make this potato soup, you’ll want to make sure you have all the right ingredients on hand. No shortcuts-this soup thrives on fresh, quality components. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 6 large russet potatoes – Peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks. Russet potatoes are perfect for soup because of their high starch content, which gives the soup that silky, creamy texture.
- 6 slices of bacon – You’ll crisp this up to add a savory crunch to the soup. Bacon adds depth and smokiness to the dish.
- 1 medium onion – Diced. The onion will provide a subtle sweetness and aromatic base flavor for the soup.
- 2 cloves of garlic – Minced. Garlic enhances the savory notes of the dish and adds complexity.
- 4 cups of chicken broth – Or vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian option. The broth forms the liquid foundation of the soup, adding richness without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 ½ cups of half-and-half – This is the secret to that creamy, luxurious texture without being overly heavy.
- Salt and pepper – To taste. You’ll want to season throughout to enhance the flavor at every stage of cooking.
- Chives – Finely chopped for garnish. These bring a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – For topping. What’s potato soup without some melted cheese to make it even more indulgent?
- Sour cream – Optional, but it’s a delicious, tangy topping that pairs perfectly with the soup’s richness.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these steps to bring Ree Drummond’s potato soup to life:
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Cook The Bacon
Start by frying the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon, crumble it up, and set it aside. Leave the bacon fat in the pot-it adds so much flavor to the soup base!
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Sauté The Onion And Garlic
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You want to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn, so keep an eye on it!
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Cook The Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 15 minutes.
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Mash The Potatoes
Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher to mash some of them in the pot. This will create a thicker texture without making the soup too smooth. You want some chunks of potato for texture.
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Add The Cream
Stir in the half-and-half to make the soup extra creamy. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Season
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to adjust the seasoning as you go along. You might want to add a little more salt since potatoes can absorb it quickly.
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Serve And Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chives.
Ingredient Insights
Every ingredient in Ree Drummond’s potato soup has a purpose that elevates the dish. Here’s why each one matters:
- Russet Potatoes: These potatoes have a high starch content, which gives the soup a thick, creamy texture as they break down while cooking. Their mild flavor also allows the other ingredients to shine.
- Bacon: Bacon isn’t just for flavor; it brings crunch and a smokiness that adds layers of depth to the soup. It’s that little indulgent surprise that makes the dish feel special.
- Chicken Broth: The broth is essential for the savory base of the soup. It’s lighter than cream but still imparts plenty of flavor, setting the stage for the richness of the cream to come in later.
- Half-and-Half: This ingredient brings the soup its creamy, smooth consistency without the heaviness of pure cream. It’s the perfect middle ground.
- Cheddar Cheese and Sour Cream: These ingredients work in tandem to add creaminess and a slight tanginess. The cheese melts into the soup, while the sour cream provides a refreshing contrast to the richness.
Expert Tips
- Make it Ahead: Potato soup is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. If you have time, make a big batch and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you like a thicker soup, use less broth or mash more of the potatoes. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth or half-and-half.
- Bacon Tip: For even more flavor, use a combination of crispy bacon and rendered bacon fat in the soup. This adds both texture and a deeper, more complex bacon flavor.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a sharp blue cheese for a twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. You can still get a smoky flavor by adding a touch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
Recipe Variations
- Loaded Potato Soup: Add extra toppings like crispy crumbled bacon, sautéed onions, or even chopped broccoli to make it more of a “loaded” potato soup.
- Spicy Potato Soup: Kick it up a notch with some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You could also use spicy sausage instead of bacon for an extra bite.
- Vegan Potato Soup: Replace the half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk, and skip the bacon for a plant-based version. Use nutritional yeast in place of cheese to add a cheesy flavor.
- Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup: Stir in steamed broccoli towards the end of cooking for a veggie-packed twist. The broccoli pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
Final Words
Ree Drummond’s potato soup is a perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, leaving bowls empty and hearts full. With its creamy texture, crispy bacon bits, and the subtle sweetness of sautéed onions and garlic, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to over and over again. Plus, it’s versatile, meaning you can make it your own with the variations and tips mentioned above.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients In Ree Drummond’s Potato Soup Recipe?
Ree Drummond’s potato soup recipe includes potatoes, bacon, onion, chicken broth, heavy cream, butter, garlic, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Optional ingredients include shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives for garnish.
Can I Make Ree Drummond’s Potato Soup Recipe Without Bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon if you’d prefer a vegetarian version of the soup. You could also substitute bacon with a plant-based bacon alternative or smoked paprika to add a similar smoky flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Make Ree Drummond’s Potato Soup?
The total time to prepare Ree Drummond’s potato soup is approximately 1 hour, including 15 minutes for prep and 45 minutes for cooking.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Potato For This Soup?
While Russet potatoes are recommended for their starch content, you can substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture. Just be aware that the consistency and flavor may slightly vary.
How Can I Make Ree Drummond’s Potato Soup Recipe Spicier?
To make the soup spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños. Adjust the amount based on your desired spice level.
Can I Freeze Ree Drummond’s Potato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze potato soup, but it’s best to do so before adding cream or dairy. Freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stove and then stir in the cream after thawing.
Is It Possible To Make Ree Drummond’s Potato Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, Ree Drummond’s potato soup can be made ahead of time. Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cream, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and then reheat on the stove before adding the cream.
How Can I Thicken Ree Drummond’s Potato Soup?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot or use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of flour with butter and stir it into the soup to help thicken it.
Can I Use Low-fat Milk Instead Of Heavy Cream In This Potato Soup Recipe?
You can substitute low-fat milk for heavy cream, but the soup may not be as rich or creamy. To achieve a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of butter or sour cream in place of some of the heavy cream.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes To Serve With Potato Soup?
Some great side dishes to serve with Ree Drummond’s potato soup include a simple green salad, crusty bread, garlic bread, or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. For a more indulgent side, try serving it with homemade cornbread.