Name: Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 8 pieces of bacon, diced; 4 ounces sour cream or dairy free yogurt or cashew cream; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Chives, sliced; Shredded cheddar cheese; Additional smoked paprika (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 5 reviews

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn humble potatoes into a soul-warming, creamy delight, let me introduce you to the magic of the Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and just the right amount of tangy sour cream to create a bowl of pure happiness. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight or feeding hungry guests, this soup is a breeze to whip up and guarantees that everyone leaves the table with a smile.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a stainless steel pot filled with a clear, light brown broth that has small, white diced pieces floating throughout, likely potatoes. There are small bits of reddish seasoning scattered on top, as well as some black pepper specks. The pot is set against a white marbled surface. The broth looks lightly bubbling, with a smooth texture and small bubbles forming at the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the crispy bacon that adds crunch to the smoked paprika that gives a subtle, smoky depth. These everyday essentials come together to form a soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

Bacon (8 pieces, diced): The star that brings savory crispiness and a wonderful smoky aroma.
Russet potatoes (3 pounds, peeled and cut into ½” pieces): Perfect for that creamy, fluffy texture once cooked.
Chicken broth (4 cups): Adds savory richness and helps infuse the potatoes with flavor.
Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors naturally.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle, aromatic punch without overwhelming the dish.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and balances the creaminess.
Smoked paprika (¼ teaspoon): Lends a hint of smoky warmth that ties the soup together beautifully.
Sour cream (4 ounces) or dairy-free yogurt/cashew cream: Provides tangy creaminess that makes every spoonful luscious.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of brightness to lift the flavors.
Chives (sliced, for garnish): Adds a fresh, mild onion note and a pop of color.
Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish): Melts wonderfully on top, adding gooey richness.

How to Make Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by pressing the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Toss in the diced bacon and cook it until it reaches that perfect crispiness, which takes about 7 minutes. This step not only provides those irresistible bacon bits but also releases flavorful fat to cook your soup in. Once crispy, turn off the sauté function and carefully remove the bacon, leaving about a teaspoon of bacon grease behind for that extra depth of flavor.

Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Spices

Next, add your peeled and chopped potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth, sea salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir to combine those ingredients evenly – the broth will absorb all those spices, infusing the potatoes with wonderful taste as they cook.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Soup

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure valve is set to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 12 minutes. When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes for gentle cooking, then carefully release any remaining pressure. This method ensures your potatoes are tender and ready to be transformed into silky soup.

Step 4: Blend and Enrich the Soup

Carefully remove about 2 cups of the cooked potatoes and set them aside—these chunks will give your soup a delightful texture. Using an immersion blender, puree the remaining soup base until smooth and creamy. Then whisk in your sour cream along with the lemon juice to add tang and richness. This smooth, velvety base is what makes this Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe so unforgettable.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Now, stir the reserved potato chunks back into the pureed soup, giving it that signature "loaded" feel with chunks to enjoy. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. This step ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 6: Serve with Toppings

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with your crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chives. If you’re a fan of a little extra smokiness, a pinch of smoked paprika on top can be the perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

A close-up of a bowl with creamy beige soup as the base layer, topped with a white creamy swirl in the center, then sprinkled with small bright orange shredded cheese pieces and crispy reddish-brown bacon bits, finished with small bright green chopped chives scattered on top, all in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To truly elevate this soup, don’t skimp on garnishes. Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese provide texture and richness, while fresh chives add a pop of color and subtle onion flavor. These toppings make each mouthful more exciting and satisfying.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a warm, crusty baguette or buttery garlic bread to scoop up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the creaminess and keeps the meal feeling fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or in small ramekins layered with extra cheese and bacon, then broiled until bubbly. You could also drizzle with a swirl of sour cream or dairy-free alternative and sprinkle smoked paprika artistically for an inviting presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it a perfect soup to enjoy the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this soup for up to 3 months. Just cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to restore its creamy consistency without losing flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky depth, and top with sautéed mushrooms or crispy fried onions for texture.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream to keep the soup creamy while catering to dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.

Is it possible to use other types of potatoes?

Russet potatoes work best because they break down nicely and create a creamy texture, but Yukon Gold can be used too. Avoid waxy potatoes as they may not soften as well during cooking.

Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced carrots, celery, or even corn when adding the potatoes to create more veggies and flavor complexity.

Do I have to use an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot really speeds up the process and makes the soup incredibly easy, but you can adapt this recipe for stovetop by simmering the potatoes in broth until tender, then blending and finishing as directed.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s so simple yet endlessly comforting. The combination of creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and tangy sour cream makes it a perfect meal any time of year. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will become a go-to favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need