Loaded Potato Soup

This Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup is perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying. The pressure cooker helps create a rich, creamy soup that’s ready in no time. The blend of broth and cream of chicken soup with tender russet potatoes creates a lovely comfort food experience. You’ll love how everything cooks together so effortlessly, allowing you to enjoy more time with family or relax after a long day.

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Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, this easy recipe is designed to make your cooking fun. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious bowl of loaded potato soup. Plus, there’s room for personal touches, letting you tailor it to your liking. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that feels indulgent but is straightforward to prepare!

Why This Recipe Works

This Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup harnesses the power of the Instant Pot to create a creamy and flavorful dish in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. The combination of broth, cream of chicken soup, and perfectly cooked russet potatoes melds together for a comfort food experience that feels indulgent yet is achievable for busy cooks.

When you’re short on time but still crave a hearty meal, this recipe is your go-to. It combines simple ingredients into a delicious soup that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The Instant Pot makes it easy to achieve that rich texture that typically takes hours to prepare, making it the ideal solution for home cooks facing a hectic weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup

You’ll fall in love with this recipe not only for its rich taste but also for its versatility. A dish that’s hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest of appetites, it can be easily customized to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Plus, it’s the perfect family meal when you just want to cozy up at home.

Think about those dark winter nights when all you want is something warm and delicious. This soup checks all the boxes. It’s filling but stays light enough to avoid that heavy feeling after dinner. You can even serve it as a starter for a small gathering, and I guarantee your guests will ask for seconds!

Ingredients

To make this comforting soup, you’ll need:

• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 can/box cream of chicken soup (I prefer Pacific Foods brand)
• 7-8 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes (about 2.5 pounds)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
• Black pepper, to taste (the more, the better!)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
• 5-6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• Sliced green onions for garnish
• Additional shredded cheddar cheese for serving

Gathering these ingredients ahead of time will help you stay organized and keep the cooking process smooth. It’s all about having fun in the kitchen!

Cooking Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

Start by adding the butter to the Instant Pot and turn on the sauté function. Once the butter has melted, toss in the diced onions. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Combine the Ingredients

Next, add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chopped russet potatoes, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything well to mix the ingredients thoroughly. After that, secure the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the vent valve to “sealing.”

Pressure Cook the Soup

Now, it’s time to cook! Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking is complete, quickly release the steam, then safely open the lid once the pin has dropped.

Create the Creamy Slurry

In a small bowl, mix together the milk and flour to create a slurry. This mixture will help thicken your soup to the perfect consistency.

Thicken the Soup

With the Instant Pot set back to sauté, stir the flour-milk slurry into the soup. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken to your desired creamy texture.

Add Cheese and Serve

Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese into the thickened soup until it melts and becomes smooth. Serve hot, garnished with the chopped bacon, sliced green onions, and more cheddar cheese on top. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavor!

Serving Suggestions

To make this meal even heartier, consider pairing your Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup with a crusty bread roll or a fresh side salad. You can also serve it as a comforting appetizer for gatherings or as a cozy main dish during family dinners.

Tips for Success

• For an added flavor boost, consider using homemade chicken broth.
• Adjust the thickness of the soup by modifying the quantity of milk and flour in the slurry.
• If you enjoy a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for heat.

Variations

If you want to mix things up, you can easily swap out the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or a lighter option if that’s your preference.

For anyone looking to make a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth and omit the bacon, perhaps replacing it with smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash more milk if needed to keep that creamy texture.

Pairing Ideas

This loaded potato soup pairs beautifully with crispy Brussels sprouts or other side dishes like roasted garlic bread and a classic Caesar salad.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

2. How can I make this soup healthier?
You can reduce the amount of cheese and use low-fat milk or even almond milk as a substitute to lighten the dish.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

4. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen. Just make sure to leave out the dairy when cooking, adding it in during reheating to maintain the texture.

5. What can I add for extra flavor?
Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices like paprika, can wonderfully enhance the soup’s flavor profile.

This Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that not only delivers on taste but also on convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this creamy soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. With its straightforward process and room for creativity, you’ll find it nearly impossible to resist making this comforting recipe time and again!

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