Warm up your kitchen with my delicious Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup! This creamy and comforting dish is loaded with flavor and easy to make. You’ll only need a few simple ingredients, like russet potatoes, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dish to impress guests, this soup is sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into the recipe so you can enjoy every comforting bowl!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Warmth: This loaded potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days and cozy nights.
- Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot makes this recipe so simple, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in no time.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings and ingredients to suit your taste, making it a versatile choice.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and cheddar cheese creates a luscious texture that is hard to resist.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon (optional)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
In this recipe, I use four large russet potatoes. They give the soup a nice, creamy texture. I also chop one medium onion and mince three cloves of garlic. These add great flavors to the soup.
Next, I pour in four cups of vegetable or chicken broth. This gives the soup its base. Don't forget a cup of heavy cream for richness! I also stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that cheesy goodness.
If you want to add some crunch, use half a cup of cooked turkey bacon. For a tangy kick, I include half a cup of sour cream. A tablespoon of olive oil helps in sautéing the onions and garlic.
I season the soup with one teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Finally, I top my soup with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Each ingredient works together to create a rich and comforting bowl of loaded potato soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sauté the Base
First, set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in one chopped medium onion. Cook the onion for about 2-3 minutes until it is soft. Next, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for one more minute until it smells great.
Add Potatoes and Broth
Now, stir in four diced russet potatoes. Add one teaspoon of smoked paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste. Pour in four cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Make sure the broth covers the potatoes well.
Pressure Cook
Close the lid tightly and set the valve to sealing. Cook on 'Manual' high pressure for 10 minutes. When the time is up, let the pot cool down for 10 minutes. After that, carefully do a quick release for any leftover pressure.
Blend the Soup
Open the lid slowly. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup. Blend it until you get your desired smoothness. If you want some texture, leave a few chunks of potato unblended.
Stir in Cream and Cheese
Switch back to 'Sauté' mode. Add one cup of heavy cream, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and half a cup of sour cream. Stir until everything melts and mixes well together.
Adjust Seasoning
Now, taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if you think it needs it. For extra flavor, you can mix in half a cup of crumbled turkey bacon if you like.
Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with more shredded cheese and chopped green onions. Enjoy your warm and creamy soup!
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes are the best choice for this soup. They are starchy and creamy. Other types, like red or yellow potatoes, can work too, but they might not be as smooth. Russets give your soup a rich texture. Their flavor shines through, making every bite tasty.
Perfecting the Texture
To get the right texture, blend your soup well. Use an immersion blender for ease. If you want some chunks, blend only half the soup. This keeps it thick and hearty. Adjust blending to fit your style. Some like it smooth, while others prefer a little bite.
Enhancing Flavor
You can boost the flavor with a few simple tricks. Try adding more spices like garlic powder or onion powder. Fresh herbs like thyme or chives also add depth. For a kick, toss in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper. If you like smoky flavors, add more smoked paprika. Each of these can make your soup even better!
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup due to their starchy nature, which creates a creamy texture when blended.
- Customize Your Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream to control the richness of the soup. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, consider incorporating a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Variations
Cheesy Broccoli Loaded Potato Soup
To make this soup even better, add broccoli and cheese. Start by adding a cup of chopped broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps the broccoli bright and crunchy. After blending the soup, stir in an extra cup of shredded cheddar. This makes the soup creamy and cheesy. You can also top it with more cheese and a sprinkle of green onions. This twist gives you a tasty way to enjoy your veggies.
Vegan Loaded Potato Soup
For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream and cheese with plant-based options. Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream. For the cheese, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also use vegan sour cream to keep it rich. Make sure to check all your broth options too. Many vegetable broths are vegan, but some contain animal products. This way, you can enjoy a delicious soup that fits your diet.
Spicy Loaded Potato Soup
If you like some heat, try making it spicy! Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can mix in the jalapeños with the onions for a kick. If you prefer a milder spice, add it to the bowl as a topping. This way, everyone can adjust the heat to their liking. Spicy loaded potato soup is a fun twist that adds warmth and flavor.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
You can store leftover loaded potato soup in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the soup cool before placing it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The soup will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips
For the best texture, reheat the soup slowly on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep it smooth. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook loaded potato soup in the Instant Pot?
Cooking loaded potato soup in the Instant Pot takes about 40 minutes total. Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep time: 15 minutes to chop and gather ingredients.
- Cooking time: 10 minutes under high pressure.
- Natural release time: 10 minutes to let the pressure drop slowly.
- Quick release: A few minutes to release any remaining pressure.
This method lets you enjoy a creamy soup in no time.
Can I use frozen potatoes in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen potatoes. However, you need to adjust cooking time. Frozen potatoes may take longer to cook. I recommend adding 2 to 3 extra minutes to the pressure cook time. Be sure to check for tenderness.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter soup, here are some good alternatives to heavy cream:
- Half-and-half: This is a mix of milk and cream.
- Milk: Use whole milk for a creamier texture.
- Coconut milk: This adds a nice flavor and is dairy-free.
- Cashew cream: Blend soaked cashews with water for a rich, creamy option.
These substitutes will change the taste a bit, but they still work well.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To spice things up, try these tips:
- Add jalapeños: Fresh or pickled for a kick.
- Use hot sauce: A few dashes will do.
- Sprinkle cayenne pepper: This adds heat without changing the texture.
- Incorporate smoked paprika: This adds depth and warmth to your soup.
Adjust the heat to your liking!
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat it on the stove or microwave.
For meal prep, I suggest storing it in individual containers. This way, you can grab a serving when you need it. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
This article covered how to make loaded potato soup. We discussed ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for texture and flavor, plus variations for different tastes. Finally, we explored storage methods and answered common questions.
Try this soup for a warm, hearty meal. It is easy to make and packed with flavor. Enjoy your cooking, and share this tasty recipe with others!
