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Pioneer Woman Freezer Potato Soup

Pioneer Woman Freezer Potato Soup - recipe card
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This creamy, hearty potato soup is designed for the freezer, offering a comforting bowl of rich, velvety goodness with tender potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and a luscious, cheesy finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a satisfying meal that tastes freshly made even after months in the freezer.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (4 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and foamy, add the onion and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent, but not browned.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Pour in the broth, then add the potatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered.
  4. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender, meaning a paring knife slides through a cube with almost no resistance. Do not overcook, or the potatoes will turn mushy.
  5. Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, gently mash about one-third of the potatoes right in the pot. This creates a naturally thick, creamy texture while leaving chunks of potato for body. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to puree about half the soup for an ultra-smooth result.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the milk until no lumps remain. This slurry helps stabilize the soup for freezing and thickens it slightly. Stir the milk mixture into the pot.
  7. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes. The soup will thicken slightly; you may see gentle bubbles around the edges, but do not let it boil.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar until both are fully melted and the soup is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  9. If serving immediately, ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chives. If freezing, let the soup cool completely to room temperature before transferring to containers.
  10. To freeze: portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving 1 inch of headspace. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
  11. To reheat from frozen: thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Transfer to a pot and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until hot (at least 165°F / 74°C). Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup is too thick.
  12. To reheat in the microwave: thaw overnight, then microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway, until steaming hot.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe quart-sized bags or containers. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot (165°F / 74°C). If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore the original consistency. Do not freeze and reheat more than once.

Nutrition

Keywords: freezer potato soup, potato soup, creamy potato soup, make ahead soup, freezer meal, comfort food, homemade soup, potato cheddar soup, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Pioneer Woman inspired

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-freezer-potato-soup-recipe/