Potato soup-who doesn’t love a bowl of creamy, comforting potato goodness, especially when it’s cold outside? It’s the kind of dish that can transport you to cozy evenings by the fireplace, or feel like a warm hug after a long day. But sometimes, you want that creamy soup without the hassle of peeling, chopping, and simmering potatoes for hours. Well, that’s where the magic of instant potatoes comes in!
Using instant potatoes in your soup might seem unconventional to some, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. Not only does it drastically cut down the cooking time, but it also creates a super smooth, velvety texture in no time. Plus, you get all the potato flavor you love with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious potato soup that doesn’t require a ton of prep, this easy potato soup using instant potatoes recipe is perfect for you. Let’s dive in!
Easy Potato Soup Using Instant Potatoes Recipe
This recipe is the ultimate no-fuss way to make a hearty, comforting potato soup. Instant potatoes do all the heavy lifting, allowing you to whip up a creamy bowl of potato soup in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients Needed
For this quick and satisfying potato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Instant potato flakes (about 1 to 1.5 cups): This is the base of the soup, giving it that creamy, rich texture without the long cooking time.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and depth to the soup. You can also use olive oil for a lighter version.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): For flavor and a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): To give the soup a savory punch.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups): The liquid base that helps bring everything together. You can use low-sodium for a healthier version.
- Heavy cream or milk (1 cup): For that velvety, creamy texture that makes potato soup so irresistible. Use milk for a lighter soup.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring the flavors together.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Optional but adds a nice cheesy flavor and extra creaminess.
- Green onions or chives (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor on top.
- Bacon bits (optional but recommended!): For a crispy, salty topping that takes the soup to the next level.
Cooking Instructions
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Start by heating the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent-about 5 minutes. This brings out the natural sweetness of the onion.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
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Add Broth And Bring To A Simmer
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Stir In Instant Potatoes
- Once the broth is simmering, slowly whisk in the instant potato flakes. They will thicken the broth almost instantly, creating the base of your soup.
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Add Dairy
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or milk. This will give the soup a smooth, creamy texture. If you’re using milk, the soup will be slightly lighter, but still incredibly delicious.
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Season To Taste
- Taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the seasoning in the broth might already add some salt, so adjust accordingly.
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Add Cheese And Optional Toppings
- If you’re using cheese, stir it in now, allowing it to melt into the soup and add an extra layer of richness. You can also sprinkle bacon bits and green onions on top for a crunchy, flavorful finish.
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Serve And Enjoy!
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with more cheese, bacon bits, and fresh herbs, and serve hot!
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at why each ingredient plays an essential role in making this soup the perfect combination of flavors and textures:
- Instant Potato Flakes: These are dehydrated potatoes that have been cooked and mashed, so they rehydrate easily when combined with liquid. They give the soup a creamy, smooth texture in record time without needing to cook actual potatoes.
- Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base to the soup, helping it feel luxurious while also rounding out the flavors. You could substitute this with olive oil for a lighter option or even vegan butter if you prefer a plant-based version.
- Broth: Whether you choose chicken or vegetable broth, it serves as the flavorful liquid that carries the essence of the soup. Chicken broth brings a bit more richness, while vegetable broth is perfect for a lighter, vegetarian version.
- Heavy Cream/Milk: The key to making this soup indulgently creamy. Heavy cream will create a luscious, thick soup, while milk keeps it a bit lighter but still creamy enough to satisfy.
- Cheddar Cheese: This is optional, but it really enhances the richness of the soup. Melted cheese adds an extra depth of flavor and a nice gooey texture, making each spoonful even more decadent.
- Bacon Bits: Bacon is that perfect savory crunch that balances the creaminess of the soup. It adds a salty, smoky flavor that elevates the whole dish.
Expert Tips
- Control the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can always add more instant potato flakes. If it’s too thick, just add a little more broth or milk until you get the consistency you like.
- Make it Spicy: Want to give your soup a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño along with the garlic. It’ll give the soup a nice warmth without overpowering the flavor.
- Make Ahead: This soup stores well, so you can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit more milk or broth to loosen it up if necessary.
- Cream Cheese Addition: For an extra creamy and tangy twist, add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese when you’re mixing in the dairy. It makes the soup even more velvety and adds a subtle flavor boost.
- Garnishes: Experiment with different garnishes. Croutons, shredded cheese, sour cream, or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate your soup’s look and flavor.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible! Here are a few ways you can tweak it to suit your preferences:
- Loaded Potato Soup: Add cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream to give it that “loaded potato” feel. A handful of shredded cheddar wouldn’t hurt either.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and leave out any bacon toppings. You could also add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami flavor.
- Vegan Option: To make this soup vegan, use plant-based butter, unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and vegan cheese. You can also skip the cream entirely and rely on the richness of the potatoes and broth.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the simmering broth for a fragrant and herbal touch. Just remove the stems before serving.
Final Words
This easy potato soup using instant potatoes is everything you want in a cozy, creamy bowl of goodness: simple, fast, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re having it for lunch, dinner, or as a comforting starter, this soup is sure to be a hit. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t require hours of preparation or tons of ingredients, but still delivers that rich, heartwarming flavor you crave.