Copycat Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup Recipe

If there’s one soup that can sweep you back to the excitement and warmth of the Smoky Mountains, it’s the Copycat Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup. Rich, creamy, and brimming with veggies, this beloved classic instantly comforts and delights. I adore how it strikes that balance between familiar and special, capturing the down-home flavor of Dolly’s iconic dinner show with every spoonful. Quick to prepare and made from pantry staples, it’s just the kind of satisfying recipe you’ll reach for on cozy weeknights or when you want a crowd-pleasing starter everyone gushes over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Copycat Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Each one plays a key role, adding body, flavor, creaminess, or just a dash of nostalgia to the final bowl.

• Butter: Provides a rich base that helps create a silky texture and brings out the flavors of the spices.
• All-purpose flour: Acts as the soup’s thickener, giving every spoonful that dreamy, velvety consistency.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering, perfect for building background flavor.
• Onion powder: Lends mellow sweetness and a subtle sharpness characteristic of down-home comfort food.
• Salt: Enhances and brings together all the other flavors—a touch less if you’re using salted butter or regular broth!
• Ground white pepper: Gives gentle warmth and an authentic touch to the soup, plus keeps the creamy color pristine.
• Chicken broth (14.5 oz can): Lays down the savory foundation; low-sodium works great if you want more control.
• Mixed vegetables (15 oz can, drained): The star of the show: sweet corn, peas, carrots, green beans—whatever the blend, it makes the soup both flavorful and hearty.
• Half and half: Rounds everything out with fullness and a lush, creamy finish, for pure comfort in a bowl.

How to Make Copycat Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. As soon as it’s melted and bubbly, stir in the flour along with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground white pepper. Cook this mixture for about one minute while stirring often; this helps eliminate any raw flour taste and lets the spices bloom in that luxurious melted butter.

Step 2: Add Broth and Veggies

Next, pour in the chicken broth and add in all the drained mixed vegetables. Whisk gently to help dissolve the flour mixture and distribute the vegetables throughout. Let the soup come just to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let everything mingle for about five minutes. This step brings all those flavors together, and the broth starts to thicken into a velvety base.

Step 3: Mash to Your Liking

Now it’s time for a bit of texture customization! Use a potato masher, an immersion blender, or a standard blender to mash up the vegetables. You can leave some chunks for a rustic finish or blend it smooth—all up to your personal taste. I love it somewhere in the middle: creamy but with a few bites of veggie for a bit of heartiness.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream

Pour in the half and half and whisk to combine. Bring the soup back up to a gentle simmer for another five minutes. Watch that it doesn’t boil—just a gentle bubble is all you need to thicken it up and marry all those rich, comforting flavors. When it looks lusciously creamy and coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready for the table!

How to Serve Copycat Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup

Garnishes

The signature color of Copycat Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup is creamy and inviting, but a fun garnish goes a long way! I like to add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for color, or even a little extra grind of white pepper right on top for a subtle kick. Point being—make it look as joyful as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a show-starter, especially when served with classic Southern breads. The best companion? Fluffy biscuits, cornbread, or hoecakes—just as they do at the Stampede dinner show. They’re perfect for dunking into that creamy bowl and soaking it all up, but you could also serve it as a light course alongside a big family-style roasted chicken or a fresh garden salad.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to channel those dinner show vibes at home, serve Copycat Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup in big white mugs or small handled crocks. Add some checkered napkins, Mason jar drinks, or even little personal bread baskets for each guest. For extra fun, try setting bowls out on a wooden serving board with all the fixings and toppings alongside—it makes the meal feel special and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra soup? Lucky you! Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them into airtight containers. They’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so the next-day bowl might be even tastier.

Freezing

You can freeze Copycat Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup, but keep in mind that creamy soups may separate a bit when thawed. For best results, freeze portions in freezer-safe zip-top bags laid flat (for quick defrosting), and label them with the date. Use within one month for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For reheating, simply pour the soup into a saucepan and warm it gently over low heat, stirring often so it doesn’t scorch or curdle. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or half and half to loosen it up. Microwave also works; heat in 1-minute increments and stir well until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just dice your favorite fresh vegetables (like carrots, green beans, corn, and peas) and sauté them briefly in the butter before adding flour, or steam until tender before blending into the soup for a garden-fresh twist.

Is there a vegetarian version of Copycat Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup?

You can easily swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based butter and cream alternatives. The soup still turns out wonderfully flavorful and soothing, so everyone can enjoy it regardless of dietary preferences.

Can I make this Copycat Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day in advance often deepens the flavors. Just cool it down, refrigerate, and gently reheat when you’re ready to serve. You might want to add a bit of extra broth if it thickens up overnight.

What if I don’t have white pepper?

No worries—you can substitute with black pepper, though the appearance of the soup will have tiny flecks. The flavor stays delicious, so use whichever you have on hand.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Try swapping the regular flour for your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend. Most blends work as a one-for-one substitute, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Copycat Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup at home, there’s truly no better moment than now. It’s fast, fuss-free, and guaranteed to win hearts—plus, it brings a little bit of Southern joy straight to your kitchen. Grab a big pot, gather your crew, and savor the magic of this crowd-pleasing classic! Let me know how yours turns out!

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