Instant Pot potato soup pairs wonderfully with fresh, crusty bread. A warm slice slathered with butter is perfect for soaking up every creamy drop of the soup. It’s a comforting and satisfying side.
A crisp garden salad with tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. It lightens the meal and offers a nice balance of flavors.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing, with their melty goodness adding extra comfort. Dipping it into the soup enhances the experience, making every bite even better.
Roasted vegetables, such as seasonal root veggies, add color and nutrition. Their lightly caramelized edges bring texture and depth, creating a well-rounded meal.
If you love comfort food as much as I do, you’re in for a treat. My love affair with potato soup began years ago on a cold winter evening. The snow fell in huge flakes, and I found myself craving something warm, creamy, and utterly satisfying. Enter the Instant Pot.
Imagine all the flavors of a classic potato soup achieved in a fraction of the time! With the Instant Pot, I discovered a way to meld hearty potatoes, crispy bacon, and fragrant herbs into a beautiful bowl of bliss. The simplicity of this dish makes it an absolute winner in my household.
Let’s dive into why this Instant Pot potato soup is not just easy but downright irresistible.
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What is Instant Pot Potato Soup?
Instant Pot potato soup is a comforting meal that combines potatoes, savory bacon, onions, and spices, all cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot.
This handy appliance uses pressure cooking to transform ingredients into a creamy, luscious soup in just a fraction of the time that traditional methods require. With each spoonful, the flavor takes center stage.
Why This Recipe Works
A few features make this recipe a standout:
1. Time Efficiency: The Instant Pot dramatically speeds up the cooking process. What could take an hour or more on the stove is reduced to less than 30 minutes.
2. Flavor Infusion: Pressure cooking allows for flavors to meld beautifully. Each ingredient plays its part, creating a robust backdrop for the potatoes.
3. Creaminess Factor: The use of heavy cream and all-purpose flour thickens the soup perfectly without making it heavy.
4. Adaptable Ingredients: This recipe thrives on substitutions depending on what you have in your pantry or personal preferences.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Gathering ingredients is part of the fun. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 6 thick-cut bacon slices, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Instant Pot Potato Soup
This soup is straightforward to make. We’ll break it down step-by-step to ensure that you create something truly delightful.
Step 1: Sauté the Bacon
Start by selecting the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot. It heats quickly. Once hot, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot for the next steps.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
In the bacon fat, toss in the finely diced onion. Cook them until they turn translucent, which usually takes about 3–4 minutes. Add a pinch of salt to the onions to help them sweat and deepen in flavor.
Step 3: Add Herbs and Spices
Once the onions are set, stir in the fresh thyme and garlic powder. Let them cook for about a minute, allowing those delightful aromas to fill your kitchen.
Step 4: Incorporate the Potatoes
Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. This is where the dish truly takes form. Stir them around to coat with the bacon fat and onion mixture. It’s an essential step for building layers of flavor.
Step 5: Pour in the Chicken Stock
Now it’s time for the chicken stock. Carefully pour it over the potatoes. Make sure there are no stuck bits on the bottom of the pot from sautéing; this can cause a burn notice.
Step 6: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set it for 10 minutes. After it’s done, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes, then switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
Step 7: Thicken Up
Open the lid and give your soup a good stir. In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with heavy cream until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture back into the soup. This will help thicken it to a desired creamy consistency.
Step 8: Season to Taste
Taste the soup and adjust your seasonings with salt and pepper. You can also fold in some of that crispy bacon now for extra flavor!
Step 9: Serve!
Spoon the soup into bowls and top with your preferred garnishes. More crispy bacon? Perhaps some chopped green onions or shredded cheese? The choice is yours!
Tips for Perfect Soup
Here are my top five tips to ensure your Instant Pot potato soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the way to go. They break down nicely, creating that luxurious texture.
- Bacon Options: You can also use turkey bacon for a healthier variant or even leave out the bacon for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, just add extra stock! You can modify until it hits the sweet spot for you.
- Flavor Boosters: Consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an added flavor dimension.
- Herb Alternatives: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish even further. Parsley, chives, or dill work wonderfully if you prefer a fresh finish!
How to Store Leftovers
Your Instant Pot potato soup is going to be a popular dish, but if you do have leftovers, here’s how to properly store them:
- Cool Down: Allow the soup to cool completely. This helps prevent any condensation forming inside the storage container.
- Use Air-tight Containers: Transfer the soup into airtight containers.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you need a longer storage option, consider freezing it!
- Freezing Tips: To freeze, place the soup in freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion and sealing tightly. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Nutrition Information
Instant pot potato soup nutrition facts
How Would I Recommend Serving Instant Pot Potato Soup?
When it comes to serving this delightful soup, consider the pleasing options available:
- Top with Extra Bacon: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon pieces on top for a savory crunch. It adds texture and flavor.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or chives can brighten the soup visually and flavor-wise. Freshness goes a long way.
- Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: Creaminess elevates the experience, creating a rich layer of flavor. Plus, it looks fancy!
- Serve with a Side: Pair with toasted garlic bread or a tangy side salad for balance and variety.
Alternative Ingredients
If some ingredients aren’t available, do not fret. Here are a few substitutions that work just as well:
- Chicken Stock Alternatives: You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. If you need a low-sodium option, homemade stock is a fantastic alternative.
- For Heavy Cream: Swap in whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream for a dairy-free option. This will change the flavor slightly but still delicious.
- All-Purpose Flour: If your goal is gluten-free, cornstarch is an excellent substitute. Mix it with water first for best results.
- Fresh Thyme: Dried thyme works, too! Use a ratio of 1:3 (1 teaspoon of dried for every tablespoon of fresh).
Conclusion
As I sit here enjoying a steaming bowl of Instant Pot potato soup, I can’t help but reflect on the simplicity and joy this recipe brings to the table. It’s a dish that evokes memories, brings family together, and warms the soul.
Whether you whip it up on a chilly evening or serve it at a cozy gathering, this soup is bound to impress.
It’s time to grab your Instant Pot, round up the ingredients, and create this comforting bowl of goodness. Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in my kitchen. Enjoy the process, have fun, and don’t forget to share with friends. Happy cooking!
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Instant Pot Potato Soup Recipe-Gourmet And Food
Description
If you love comfort food as much as I do, you're in for a treat. My love affair with potato soup began years ago on a cold winter evening. The snow fell in huge flakes, and I found myself craving something warm, creamy, and utterly satisfying. Enter the Instant Pot.
Imagine all the flavors of a classic potato soup achieved in a fraction of the time! With the Instant Pot, I discovered a way to meld hearty potatoes, crispy bacon, and fragrant herbs into a beautiful bowl of bliss. The simplicity of this dish makes it an absolute winner in my household.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
This soup is straightforward to make. We’ll break it down step-by-step to ensure that you create something truly delightful.
Step 1: Sauté the Bacon
-
Start by selecting the "Sauté" function on your Instant Pot. It heats quickly. Once hot, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot for the next steps.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
-
In the bacon fat, toss in the finely diced onion. Cook them until they turn translucent, which usually takes about 3–4 minutes. Add a pinch of salt to the onions to help them sweat and deepen in flavor.
Step 3: Add Herbs and Spices
-
Once the onions are set, stir in the fresh thyme and garlic powder. Let them cook for about a minute, allowing those delightful aromas to fill your kitchen.
Step 4: Incorporate the Potatoes
-
Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. This is where the dish truly takes form. Stir them around to coat with the bacon fat and onion mixture. It’s an essential step for building layers of flavor.
Step 5: Pour in the Chicken Stock
-
Now it’s time for the chicken stock. Carefully pour it over the potatoes. Make sure there are no stuck bits on the bottom of the pot from sautéing; this can cause a burn notice.
Step 6: Pressure Cook
-
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set it for 10 minutes. After it’s done, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes, then switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
Step 7: Thicken Up
-
Open the lid and give your soup a good stir. In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with heavy cream until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture back into the soup. This will help thicken it to a desired creamy consistency.
Step 8: Season to Taste
-
Taste the soup and adjust your seasonings with salt and pepper. You can also fold in some of that crispy bacon now for extra flavor!
Step 9: Serve!
-
Spoon the soup into bowls and top with your preferred garnishes. More crispy bacon? Perhaps some chopped green onions or shredded cheese? The choice is yours!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 314kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23g36%
- Saturated Fat 6.6g33%
- Cholesterol 28mg10%
- Sodium 678mg29%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 7g15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Here are my top five tips to ensure your Instant Pot potato soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the way to go. They break down nicely, creating that luxurious texture.
- Bacon Options: You can also use turkey bacon for a healthier variant or even leave out the bacon for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, just add extra stock! You can modify until it hits the sweet spot for you.
- Flavor Boosters: Consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an added flavor dimension.
- Herb Alternatives: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish even further. Parsley, chives, or dill work wonderfully if you prefer a fresh finish!
