Loaded Baked Potato Soup

The pot lid rattles and you know dinner is almost ready. That comforting noise is kinda like a promise this creamy potato soup is just about done. You catch that slight hiss from the pressure valve and you smile because you remember why you gotta love your pressure cooker.

There’s something about a bubbling pot that fills up your kitchen with cozy smells. The scent of simmering bacon and spiced potatoes makes you feel warm even before you take your first bite. You recall last time you waited patiently, watching the float valve dance as the pressure builds, telling you the soup is cooking just right.

As the natural release starts, you get ready for that tender pull moment. The potatoes will be soft but still hold their shape a lil bit, the flavors gonna be rich and creamy enough to satisfy your soul after a long day. You’re one step closer to that bowl of goodness and you can almost taste it already.

The Truth About Fast Tender Results

• The pressure cooker traps steam so the potatoes get tender quicker than stove-top methods.
• You’ll hear that valve hiss once the float valve pops up, signaling pressure build is on point.
• Natural release is key for creaminess; it lets the soup settle without a sudden burst of air messing up the texture.
• The small diced potatoes cook evenly so you avoid mush everywhere but still get soft bites.
• You don’t need to babysit the pot much thanks to hands-off pressure cooking.
• Butter and bacon fat blend with the steam to add flavor during the pressure cycle.
• The whole process takes about 30 minutes total, making weeknight dinners simple but special.

Your Simple Ingredient Checklist

• 6 strips uncooked bacon cut into small pieces. This adds that smoky crisp you’re gonna crave.
• 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted or salted, either works since you’ll taste all kinds of richness.
• 1 medium yellow onion chopped up fine, about 1.5 cups or 200 grams to soften into sweetness.
• 3 large garlic cloves minced for a mild kick that blends cozy with potatoes.
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour to thicken things up just right without getting cakey.
• 2 ½ pounds gold potatoes peeled and chopped, stick to pieces no bigger than 1 inch so they cook fast.
• 4 cups chicken broth brings savory depth, the backbone of your soup goodness.
• 2 cups milk and ⅔ cup heavy cream bring that creamy finish that makes this soup a hug in a bowl.
• Salt and pepper for seasoning plus a little ancho chili powder for a subtle warmth and smoky edge.
• ⅔ cup sour cream folds in tangy smoothness, and toppings like cheddar cheese, chives, and extra bacon if you’re feeling fancy.

Walking Through Every Single Move

Step one is cookin the bacon in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. You wanna get those bacon pieces crisp. When done, fish 'em out with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave those drippings in the pot because that’s flavor gold.

Next, toss in the butter and let it melt down. Then add chopped onion. Stir it around about five minutes until it’s soft and smells sweet.

Add your minced garlic and cook it for just half a minute. You gotta keep stirring so it won’t burn and taste bitter.

Sprinkle the flour over that onion and garlic mix. Stir real good so it all blends and cook for a couple minutes to kill the raw flour taste.

Now gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Take your time getting it smooth. Stir in the diced potatoes right after.

Bring the soup to a boil then pop the lid on your pressure cooker. Wait for that float valve to pop and listen out for the valve hiss. Reduce the heat and cook until potatoes get tender, about 10 to 15 minutes under pressure.

When time’s up, let it natural release so the steam can settle. Open the lid and use a potato masher or immersion blender to get your soup creamy but still chunky — whatever you prefer.

Stir in milk, heavy cream, and salt. Warm it gently another 5 to 10 minutes. Then ladle it out and top with crispy bacon, cheddar, chives, and sour cream if you want. Enjoy that bowl full of love.

Time Savers That Actually Work

• Prepping bacon and chopping potatoes the night before makes dinner come together quicker.
• Using pre-minced garlic from a jar saves you that extra peeling and chopping step.
• Frozen diced onions work nicely if you’re in a rush but fresh is always better taste-wise.

When you’re juggling a busy day, these little hacks help you keep it easy without losing the full flavor or creaminess you need.

Your First Taste After the Wait

The first spoonful hits your mouth warm and velvety smooth. You feel the tender potatoes giving just enough bite beneath that creamy broth. It’s like a soft cozy blanket for your taste buds.

Then you get that smoky surprise from bacon bits mixed with onion sweetness and a gentle kick of ancho chili powder. It’s comfort food but with a lil something extra that keeps you coming back.

The sour cream swirls in with a tang that cuts the richness just right. You notice how every bite changes a little with the toppings and you love the mix of chunky and creamy textures.

How to Store This for Later

If you got leftovers (and trust me you will), store your soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just warm it gently on the stove or microwave.

For longer storage, freezer bags or containers work great. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

You can also cool the soup completely and keep it in glass jars for easy grab-and-go meals. Just warm gently before serving.

When reheating, stir occasionally to keep that creamy texture nice and smooth. Adding a splash of milk when warming helps if it feels too thick.

The FAQ Section You Actually Need

Q1: Can I use other potatoes? Sure thing. Russets or red potatoes work too. Just keep pieces small for even cooking and adjust cook time slightly.

Q2: What if I don’t have chicken broth? You could swap it with veggie broth or even water with some extra seasoning. It still turns out tasty.

Q3: Can I skip the bacon? Yep, just add a little oil for sautéing onions or use smoked paprika to add some smoky flavor.

Q4: How thick should the soup be? It’s kinda up to you. Mash some potatoes for chunkier texture or blend fully for super creamy. Both work real good.

Q5: What’s natural release and why use it? Natural release means you don’t release the pressure right away. It lets the soup settle and stops it from splashing out or getting watery.

Q6: Can I add veggies? Absolutely! Carrots or celery diced small can be sautéed with onions for extra flavor and texture.