When the day calls for something warm, hearty, and irresistibly creamy, there's nothing quite like a bowl of homemade potato soup. And thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you can whip up this classic comfort food in record time without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're curled up on a chilly evening or just looking for an easy crowd-pleaser, this Instant Pot Creamy Potato Soup is the answer. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own!
Ingredients
Here's a simple list of what you'll need to create this velvety soup. Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it a fuss-free way to transform potatoes into a soul-soothing meal.
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter option)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon thyme (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 4-5 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Potato Soup
Making potato soup has never been this easy. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, turning simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece in no time.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" setting.
- Melt the butter in the pot, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until aromatic and softened.
Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Broth
- Turn off the "Sauté" mode by pressing "Cancel."
- Add the diced potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using).
- Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook Under Pressure
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the "Sealing" position.
- Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to vent any remaining steam.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, only blend about half the soup, leaving some potato chunks for texture.
No immersion blender? No problem! Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and pulse until creamy. Be cautious of hot liquids!
Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, blending well until the cheese is melted and the soup is silky smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes—extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, or parsley.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete, satisfying meal!
Tips for Customization
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Lighten It Up: Swap heavy cream for milk or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some diced carrots, celery, or corn along with the potatoes for added color and nutrients.
- Go Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your broth to ensure it doesn’t contain hidden gluten.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Make It Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon garnish while still enjoying a flavor-packed soup.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your creamy potato soup with a side of fresh-baked bread, crackers, or a light garden salad. It’s also fantastic served in a bread bowl for that extra cozy touch. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the silky consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Creamy Potato Soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. It’s a dish that brings people together, warms hearts, and satisfies appetites effortlessly. Whether it’s for a casual lunch or a comforting dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Give it a try tonight—you’ll be amazed at just how easy and delicious homemade potato soup can be!
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