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.
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.
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.
Gathering ingredients is part of the fun. Here’s what you’ll need:
This soup is straightforward to make. We’ll break it down step-by-step to ensure that you create something truly delightful.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Here are my top five tips to ensure your Instant Pot potato soup turns out perfectly every time:
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:
Instant pot potato soup nutrition facts
When it comes to serving this delightful soup, consider the pleasing options available:
If some ingredients aren't available, do not fret. Here are a few substitutions that work just as well:
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!
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.
Servings 5
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Here are my top five tips to ensure your Instant Pot potato soup turns out perfectly every time:
Maria George is a cookbook author and registered dietitian, passionate about merging gourmet cuisine with nutrition through her blog Gourmet And Food. Based in Illinois, she draws on her rich culinary background to create elegant, approachable recipes that celebrate quality ingredients and creativity in the kitchen. Maria’s goal is to inspire food lovers of all levels to explore gourmet cooking and enjoy the art of dining.