Hearty & Easy Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup: Creamy Comfort in Minutes
Craving the ultimate comfort food but short on time? This Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup is your answer! Made with tender red and gold baby potatoes (skins left on for extra flavor and nutrients), instant pot cooked with fresh celery, savory bacon, and gooey cheese, it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. Get ready for a warming loaded baked potato experience, all in one satisfying bowl.
Ah, soup season! While I love a good soup any time of year, there’s something truly special about autumn and winter that just begs for a warm, comforting bowl. And what better way to kick off the cozy season than with a bowl of this outstanding Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup? It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience – a hug in a bowl, if you will, perfectly embodying the rich flavors of your favorite loaded baked potato, but elevated into a creamy, dreamy soup.
Unlock Instant Pot Magic: Why This Appliance is a Game Changer
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, especially for busy individuals and families. This incredible multi-cooker isn’t just another gadget; it’s a kitchen superhero, transforming lengthy cooking processes into quick, effortless tasks. If you’ve been on the fence about getting one, or perhaps you own one but haven’t explored its full potential, now is the perfect time. Imagine enjoying a hearty, slow-cooked taste in a fraction of the time. This loaded potato soup is a prime example – tasting like it simmered all day, yet ready in mere minutes.
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In our household, potatoes are practically a food group. Growing up, a meal didn’t feel complete without potatoes, and that sentiment still holds true for me. They bring a unique comfort and heartiness that few other ingredients can match. Many evenings, a simple loaded baked potato becomes our entire dinner, and it’s always met with contented smiles. This soup captures that same beloved essence, transforming it into an even more comforting, spoonable form.
Deconstructing the Classic: What Makes a Loaded Baked Potato So Good?
A classic loaded baked potato is a symphony of textures and flavors. It starts with a fluffy russet potato, a perfect canvas for indulgent toppings. Here’s what typically goes into creating that iconic comfort:
- Russet Potato: The cornerstone, known for its starchy, fluffy interior once baked.
- Butter: Melts into the hot potato, adding richness and a silky texture.
- Sour Cream: A cool, tangy counterpoint that provides creaminess and balances the richness.
- Crispy Bacon: Salty, smoky, and crunchy bits that add a fantastic layer of flavor and texture.
- Shredded Cheese: Often cheddar, it melts beautifully, offering a sharp, savory bite.
- Green Onions (Scallions): Fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color, providing a delightful finish.
From Baked Potato to Dreamy Soup: Our Instant Pot Twist
This Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup brings all those beloved elements into a single, cohesive dish, with a few delightful twists. Instead of traditional russets, we opt for a mix of vibrant red and golden baby potatoes. Why? These smaller, waxier potatoes hold their shape better during pressure cooking and mashing, contributing to a wonderfully textured soup. Plus, we leave the skins on! Not only do potato skins add a rustic charm and extra fiber, but they are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, boosting the nutritional value and contributing a deeper, earthy flavor to the soup. This soup features the classic combination of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, rich butter, and tangy sour cream. We also introduce a touch of celery for a subtle crunch and aromatic depth, along with chicken stock for a flavorful base and cream cheese to enhance the soup’s luxurious, velvety consistency. The result is a soup that tastes incredibly decadent yet feels wholesome and homemade.
More Than Just a Soup Maker: The Versatility of Your Instant Pot
If you’re still contemplating an Instant Pot purchase, or perhaps you own one but haven’t fully embraced its potential, allow me to sing its praises! It’s far more than just a pressure cooker. Did you know it can also function as a slow cooker, a rice cooker, a yogurt maker, a sauté pan, and even a steamer? You can whip up tender roasts in about 40 minutes, bake cheesecakes and cakes, and yes, make incredibly effortless and delicious soups like this one. Its multi-functional design makes it an indispensable tool for any kitchen, saving time, space, and effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even for preparing holiday feasts with less stress. Think about the holidays coming up – an Instant Pot makes a truly fantastic gift, offering convenience and culinary adventure to anyone who receives it. Consider it an investment in more homemade meals and less time spent in the kitchen!
For those interested in discovering fantastic deals or future opportunities related to Instant Pot products, keep an eye on trusted culinary blogs and retailers! Many sites periodically host giveaways or promotions, making it easier than ever to bring this revolutionary appliance into your home. Always check the terms and conditions for any specific promotion you might encounter, as eligibility, prize delivery, and regional restrictions can vary.
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What’s your go-to soup when you need comfort? For me, while potato soup holds a cherished spot as a very close second, my ultimate favorite remains a classic homemade chicken noodle soup. I’ve always prepared it on the stovetop, just like my mom taught me – a true family tradition. However, my oldest daughter, who has been living on her own for a couple of years now, absolutely swears by her Instant Pot. As a hairstylist working incredibly long hours, it allows her to enjoy wholesome, homemade meals in a fraction of the time, keeping her away from the convenience (and often less healthy options) of drive-thrus. She made me promise that my next Instant Pot soup recipe would be her beloved chicken soup, so definitely stay tuned for that! And after that? An Instant Pot version of my popular Cream of Reuben Soup is next on the list. The possibilities are truly endless!
Speaking of delicious Instant Pot soups, my friend Lisa has a couple of fantastic recipes that I also highly recommend: her Instant Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, and her Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is wonderfully hearty and satisfying. Give those a whirl if you’re looking for more ways to utilize your Instant Pot for incredible soups!
Ready to dive into the creamy, dreamy goodness? Let’s get to the recipe and discover how simple it is to create this comforting masterpiece in your Instant Pot! You won’t believe how quickly you can have a restaurant-quality soup on your table. 
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Print Recipe
Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 3 pounds baby gold and red potatoes cubed with skins left on
- 2 cups celery chopped
- 3 Tablespoons shallots minced
- 1 1/2 quarts chicken stock
- 5 Tablespoons butter
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 8 ounce container sour cream
- 4 ounce cream cheese
- 1 4.3 ounce package Real Bacon bits
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup tops of green onions sliced (scallions)
Instructions
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In your 6 quart Instant Pot, add your cubed potatoes (skins on), chopped celery, and minced shallots. Pour chicken stock over the potatoes until they are just covered.
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Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to the soup or manual setting for 10 minutes.
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Once the cooking cycle is complete and the timer goes off, carefully turn the venting knob to quick-release the steam and pressure. When all steam has dissipated, open the pot and remove the lid, keeping the “Keep Warm” function on.
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Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes and celery in the pot until they reach your desired consistency – whether you prefer it chunky or smoother.
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Stir in the butter, sour cream, cream cheese, most of the shredded cheddar cheese, and most of the bacon bits. Reserve a small amount of cheese and bacon for garnishing each serving. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the cheeses are melted into the soup.
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Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
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Ladle the hot, creamy soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving generously with the remaining shredded cheese, reserved bacon bits, and sliced green onions (scallions) for that perfect “loaded” finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
We are thrilled to share this amazing Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup recipe with you, and we’re not alone! A fantastic group of fellow food bloggers also share a passion for delicious, easy-to-make meals. Check out some of these incredible culinary creators and their wonderful recipes:
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