When you’re craving a warm, hearty bowl of comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, Instant Pot Potato Soup is the perfect solution. Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, this soup delivers all the cozy flavor of traditional potato soup in a fraction of the time thanks to the pressure cooker.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a foolproof cold-weather dinner, this Instant Pot potato soup checks every box: fast, affordable, filling, and endlessly customizable.

What Is Instant Pot Potato Soup?

Instant Pot Potato Soup is a pressure-cooked soup made primarily from potatoes, broth, milk or cream, and aromatics, prepared in an electric pressure cooker. The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time while still allowing the flavors to develop fully.

Unlike stovetop versions that require constant monitoring, this method delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

Why Instant Pot Potato Soup Is So Popular

This recipe has become a favorite among home cooks for several reasons.

Why People Love It

Ready in under 40 minutes

One-pot meal with easy cleanup
Budget-friendly ingredients
Thick, creamy texture

Comforting and filling
Great for leftovers and meal prep

It’s classic comfort food, modernized for busy lifestyles.

Flavor Profile and Texture

A well-made Instant Pot potato soup is:

Creamy and smooth, with optional chunks
Savory and buttery, never bland

Mild yet deeply comforting
Perfectly balanced, not overly heavy

The potatoes provide body and natural thickness, while dairy adds richness and depth.

Best Potatoes for Potato Soup

The type of potato you choose matters.

Russet Potatoes

High starch content
Break down easily

Create thick, creamy soup

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Naturally buttery flavor
Hold their shape better

Ideal for chunky potato soup

Many cooks use a combination for the best texture.

Key Ingredients Explained

Understanding the role of each ingredient helps you achieve perfect results every time.

Potatoes

The foundation of the soup. Peeled or unpeeled depending on texture preference.

Onion and Garlic

Build savory depth and aroma.

Broth

Chicken or vegetable broth adds flavor while keeping the soup balanced.

Milk, Cream, or Half-and-Half

Adds richness and creaminess. Amount can be adjusted to taste.

Butter

Enhances flavor and mouthfeel.

Seasonings

Salt, black pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or parsley.

Optional Add-Ins

Bacon
Cheese
Green onions

Sour cream

Why the Instant Pot Is Perfect for Potato Soup

The Instant Pot excels at potato soup because it:

Cooks potatoes evenly and quickly

Locks in flavor under pressure
Reduces liquid evaporation
Allows sautéing and pressure cooking in one pot

This results in deeply flavored soup with minimal effort.

How Instant Pot Potato Soup Is Made (Overview)

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Onion and garlic are sautéed directly in the Instant Pot to build flavor.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth

Potatoes are added and covered with broth.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Cook under high pressure until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Release Pressure

Use quick or natural release depending on timing.

Step 5: Blend or Mash

Blend partially for creamy texture or mash for chunkier soup.

Step 6: Add Dairy

Stir in milk, cream, butter, or cheese until smooth.

Chunky vs Creamy Potato Soup

One of the best things about potato soup is how customizable it is.

Chunky Style

Mash lightly

Leave potato pieces intact
Rustic and hearty

Creamy Style

Blend more thoroughly

Smooth and velvety
Restaurant-style texture

You can even combine both for the best of both worlds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Much Liquid

Results in thin soup. Potatoes naturally release moisture.

Over-Blending

Can make soup gluey due to excess starch release.

Adding Dairy Too Early

Milk and cream should be added after pressure cooking.

Underseasoning

Potatoes need adequate salt to shine.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Potato Soup

Cut potatoes evenly
Use warm dairy to prevent curdling

Season gradually and taste often
Blend carefully for desired texture
Let soup rest a few minutes before serving

Small adjustments make a big difference.

Popular Variations

Loaded Potato Soup

Add bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions.

Cheesy Potato Soup

Stir in sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack.

Bacon Potato Soup

Crispy bacon adds smoky depth.

Vegan Potato Soup

Use plant-based butter, milk, and vegetable broth.

Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Add thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf.

Is Instant Pot Potato Soup Healthy?

Potato soup can be balanced depending on ingredients.

Nutritional Highlights

Potatoes provide potassium and fiber
Can be made lower-fat with milk instead of cream

Naturally gluten-free
Filling and satisfying

For a lighter version, reduce cheese and use more broth.

How to Store and Reheat Potato Soup

Refrigeration

Store in airtight container
Keeps for 3–4 days

Reheating

Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave

Add milk or broth if thickened

Freezing

Freezes well without dairy
Add cream after reheating for best texture

Best Toppings for Potato Soup

Toppings elevate simple potato soup into something special.

Shredded cheese
Crispy bacon

Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Chopped green onions
Fresh herbs

Let everyone customize their bowl.

What to Serve With Potato Soup

Crusty bread or rolls
Garlic bread

Simple green salad
Grilled cheese sandwich

These sides complement the soup perfectly.

Perfect Occasions for Instant Pot Potato Soup

Weeknight dinners
Cold weather meals
Meal prep lunches

Casual entertaining
Comfort food cravings

It’s always the right time for potato soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Fresh is best, but frozen diced potatoes can work.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and butter.

Why is my soup gummy?

Over-blending releases too much starch.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as you don’t exceed the max fill line.

Why This Recipe Is a Comfort Food Staple

Instant Pot Potato Soup delivers everything people love about classic potato soup—richness, warmth, and nostalgia—without the long cooking time. It’s simple, reliable, and endlessly adaptable, making it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Potato Soup is the ultimate combination of convenience and comfort. Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s a one-pot meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you enjoy it plain or fully loaded, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy.

Once you make it in the Instant Pot, you may never go back to the stovetop version again.

Instant Pot Potato Soup: Creamy Comfort Food Made Fast and Easy

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 4 slices bacon, chopped (or ½ cup diced ham)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled & cubed (~6 cups)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

For topping:
• Extra shredded cheese
• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream or chives

Instructions

Sauté: Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add oil and bacon; cook until crisp. Remove half for garnish; leave drippings in pot.
Add onion; cook 3–4 min until soft. Stir in garlic; cook 30 sec.

Pressure cook: Add potatoes, broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Secure lid, set valve to Sealing.
- Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook (High) for 8 minutes.

Natural release 5 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
Blend (optional): For creamy texture, use an immersion blender to purée ⅓–½ of the soup (or transfer 2 cups to a blender, then return).
Finish: Stir in cream and cheddar until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve hot, topped with reserved bacon, cheese, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream!