The perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory, this Instant Pot Potato Soup delivers the ultimate comfort in every spoonful. Inspired by a classic loaded baked potato, it’s rich in flavor, easy to whip up, and ready in just 30 minutes — no peeling or mashing required!
Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or craving something hearty yet simple, this soup checks all the boxes. Topped with crispy bacon, fresh chives, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, each bite is as satisfying as the last. Make it your own with veggie add-ins or keep it classic — either way, this bowl of cozy never disappoints.
Full Recipe:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small yellow onion, chopped
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3 carrots, sliced into rounds
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3 ribs celery, sliced into half-moons
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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2 teaspoons dried oregano
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3 large russet potatoes, cubed
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3½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
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10.5 ounces canned cream of chicken (or cream of celery)
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons water
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Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings:
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¾ cup crumbled cooked bacon
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½ cup chopped fresh chives (or green onions)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
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Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and heat briefly. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Cancel sauté mode. Add cubed potatoes, broth, and cream of chicken soup. Stir to combine.
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Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Let pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure.
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Set Instant Pot to sauté again. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the soup and cook until thickened.
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Ladle into bowls and top with bacon, chives, and shredded cheddar. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 395 kcal | Servings: 6 bowls
A Creamy Hug in a Bowl: Why Instant Pot Potato Soup Is a Must-Try
Instant Pot Potato Soup is more than just a warm meal—it’s comfort in a bowl. This creamy, hearty, and flavor-packed soup channels the essence of a classic loaded baked potato, topped with all the fixings like cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives. It’s a dish that brings nostalgia, warmth, and incredible satisfaction, especially during chilly days. The Instant Pot makes this traditional comfort food faster and more accessible than ever, offering you restaurant-quality soup in a fraction of the time.
Unlike stove-top soups that require careful babysitting and longer cooking durations, the Instant Pot revolutionizes soup-making by combining convenience and flavor. You get the depth of slow-simmered ingredients with the speed of modern kitchen technology, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
The Flavor Profile: Creamy, Savory, and Perfectly Balanced
What makes this potato soup stand out is its balanced flavor profile. The base is a blend of onions, carrots, and celery sautéed in olive oil, which offers a classic mirepoix aroma. These vegetables not only add flavor but also provide texture and nutrients. Russet potatoes are the star of the show, bringing a soft, starchy richness that breaks down beautifully into the creamy broth.
A can of cream of chicken soup adds that luxurious, velvety texture while intensifying the flavor with its savory undertones. For a vegetarian version, cream of celery or mushroom works just as well. Garlic powder and oregano infuse the soup with subtle herbal notes that elevate the entire dish without overpowering it.
To finish, a slurry of cornstarch and water thickens the soup, transforming it into the ideal consistency—neither too runny nor overly dense. The result is a hearty, creamy bowl that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Versatility at Its Best: Customize to Your Taste
One of the greatest things about this soup is how customizable it is. Think of it as a canvas—you can add whatever toppings or mix-ins suit your palate or dietary needs. Want it extra cheesy? Stir in more shredded cheddar or even a dollop of cream cheese. Craving more protein? Add shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even browned sausage.
Vegetables also make excellent additions—corn kernels, broccoli florets, or sautéed mushrooms work seamlessly here. The soup adapts well to what’s in your pantry or fridge, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
Even the base can be modified for different dietary preferences. Vegans can use plant-based butter or oil for sautéing, substitute a non-dairy cream soup or make a roux from almond milk and flour, and top the soup with vegan cheese and tempeh bacon. This flexibility makes it a great go-to meal for families with diverse dietary needs.
A Seasonal Favorite with Year-Round Appeal
While Instant Pot Potato Soup naturally feels like a fall or winter dish—something you crave when the wind is howling and you want to wrap your hands around a warm bowl—it also holds its own year-round. The light, creamy broth and mild seasoning mean it doesn’t feel overly heavy, making it enjoyable even during early spring or on a rainy summer day.
The classic flavors never go out of season. Whether you serve it with crusty bread in the winter or alongside a fresh salad in the spring, this soup fits comfortably into any seasonal meal plan.
Why the Instant Pot Makes a Difference
The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to soups like this. Traditional potato soup can take up to an hour or more on the stovetop, especially if you’re waiting for the potatoes to soften and the broth to reduce. But the Instant Pot slashes the cooking time to around 20 minutes while locking in flavor through pressure cooking.
This method also retains more nutrients compared to boiling, especially in vegetables like carrots and celery, which often lose vitamins when simmered too long. The sealed environment enhances the depth of flavor, and the sauté function lets you do everything in one pot—no extra pans required.
For busy parents, working professionals, or anyone looking to simplify their meal prep, this convenience is a huge advantage. Plus, cleanup is a breeze.
Serving Suggestions: What Goes Best with Potato Soup
Instant Pot Potato Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. A warm, crusty baguette or homemade dinner rolls are perfect for dipping and mopping up every last spoonful. A crisp green salad adds a refreshing contrast and helps balance the richness of the soup.
For something more filling, consider pairing the soup with a sandwich—grilled cheese is a classic that complements the creamy texture and savory notes beautifully. Want to elevate your table presentation? Serve the soup in bread bowls or with herbed croutons for an extra-special touch.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This soup is not only delicious when fresh but also makes fantastic leftovers. Once cooled, it can be stored in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container. It also freezes well for up to three months—just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
When reheating, use a stovetop over medium heat for the best texture, stirring frequently to prevent separation. If you’re in a rush, microwaving is also an option—just heat it in 30-second intervals and stir in between to ensure even warming.
If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, you can easily loosen it up with a splash of broth or milk during reheating.
Health Considerations: What to Know
Though rich and creamy, this soup can be adjusted to suit different health goals. Use low-sodium broth and soup bases if you’re watching your salt intake. Skim or reduced-fat cheese options can lower the overall calorie count without sacrificing too much flavor.
You can also reduce or omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of butter for a heart-healthier fat source. Want to add more fiber? Leave the potato skins on, or toss in a handful of greens like kale or spinach at the end of cooking.
Despite being indulgent, this dish can be made into a balanced meal with a few thoughtful tweaks.
Culinary Heritage and Modern Adaptation
Potato soup has been a staple in kitchens for centuries, particularly in colder climates where root vegetables like potatoes are abundant. From Ireland to Eastern Europe to North America, every culture has its own take on this humble, nourishing dish. The use of potatoes, broth, and a thickening agent is universally beloved.
The Instant Pot version brings this timeless comfort food into the modern age. It’s a fusion of old-world comfort and contemporary convenience, offering the best of both worlds to today’s home cooks.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Repeating
Instant Pot Potato Soup checks all the boxes: it’s fast, flexible, budget-friendly, and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy night in or adding it to your weekly meal rotation, it never fails to deliver on flavor and satisfaction. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of toppings, this soup transforms into something truly special.
It’s the kind of recipe that invites creativity, pleases picky eaters, and offers the comfort we all crave. From its velvety texture to its soul-warming taste, Instant Pot Potato Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a moment of delicious calm in a busy day.