Oh, man, who doesn’t love a big bowl of comfort food? Especially when it’s easy enough for a busy weeknight! That’s where this loaded baked potato soup with instant potatoes comes in. It’s like a hug in a bowl, seriously! I remember my mom making something similar when I was a kid – total lifesaver on those crazy school nights. And trust me, this version is even quicker thanks to the magic of instant potatoes. This recipe is for all of you out there: home cooks who want something simple, food lovers who crave flavor, those of you who love a good shortcut, and families who just want to eat something yummy together!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
Okay, so why should you make *this* loaded baked potato soup? Let me tell you – it’s a game-changer! Here’s the lowdown:
Quick and Easy
Seriously, we’re talking *instant* potatoes here! Huge time saver, and nobody will even know the difference. Promise!
Comforting and Flavorful
It’s like diving headfirst into a fully 
loaded baked potato…but in soup form! All that creamy, cheesy, bacony goodness? Yes, please!
Perfect for Weeknights
Under 30 minutes from start to finish. That’s faster than ordering takeout, and way more satisfying, trust me.
Family-Friendly
Even the pickiest eaters will slurp this stuff up. It’s a guaranteed win for kids and adults alike. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy dream. Don’t worry, it’s all stuff you can easily find!
Soup Base Ingredients
For the soup itself, you’ll need:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups instant potato flakes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (this is important – nobody wants lumpy soup!)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Topping Ingredients
Now, for the *best* part…the toppings! Get ready to load it up:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (because, bacon!)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is seriously so easy, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a steaming bowl of loaded baked potato soup in no time!
Simmer the Broth and Milk
First, grab a big pot and pour in your 6 cups of chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups of milk. Now, put it over medium heat and let it come to a simmer. Not a rolling boil, okay? A gentle simmer is what we want. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Add Instant Potatoes and Creamy Ingredients
Now for the magic! Stir in those 1 1/2 cups of instant potato flakes. Then, add the 1 cup of sour cream and that softened cream cheese. Make sure that cream cheese is nice and soft, or you’ll end up with little lumps – nobody wants that! Stir it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Mmm, looking good!
Season and Thicken
Time for flavor! Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a taste and adjust as needed. Maybe you like a little more pepper? Go for it! Now, let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every now and then. This will help it thicken up to that perfect, comforting consistency. If it gets too thick, just add a splash more milk.
Garnish and Serve
Alright, the best part! Ladle that creamy goodness into bowls. Now, pile on the toppings! Sprinkle on that 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, crumble that 1/2 cup of cooked bacon on top, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. Serve it up hot and watch everyone devour it!
Tips for the Best Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
Want to take your loaded baked potato soup with instant potatoes from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way!
Use High-Quality Chicken Broth
Seriously, the broth makes a *big* difference! A good, flavorful broth will really elevate the taste of your soup. Trust me on this one!
Don’t Overcook the Soup
Overcooking can make the soup *way* too thick. Keep an eye on it and don’t let it simmer for too long. We want creamy, not gluey!
Adjust the Thickness
Too thin? Add a little more instant potato flakes, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired thickness. Too thick? A splash of milk will fix it right up!
Fresh Toppings
Don’t skimp on the toppings! Freshly shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and vibrant green onions make all the difference in both flavor and texture. It’s worth the extra effort!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or just wanna switch things up a bit? No problem! Here’s the scoop on some swaps you can make in your loaded baked potato soup with instant potatoes.
Instant Potato Flakes
I usually go for the plain ol’ instant potato flakes – nothing fancy! But hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, try mashed sweet potato flakes for a fun, slightly sweet twist!
Cream Cheese
Oops, no cream cheese? No sweat! Just use extra sour cream instead. It’ll still be creamy and delicious, I promise!
Bacon
Okay, I *love* real bacon, but sometimes you just need a shortcut, right? 
Bacon bits are totally fine in a pinch! Or, if you’re trying to be a bit healthier, turkey bacon works great too!
Variations of Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but feeling a little wild? Let’s jazz it up! Here are a few fun ways to tweak your loaded baked potato soup with instant potatoes!
Spicy Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
Want some heat? Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Just be careful – a little goes a long way!
Cheesy Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
Cheddar’s great, but why stop there? Try using Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra kick of flavor! The cheesier, the better, right?
Vegetarian Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
No bacon? No problem! Just skip it or use vegetarian bacon bits. Still totally delicious and comforting!
Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
Got questions about this loaded baked potato soup with instant potatoes? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of instant potatoes?
You *can*, but it’ll take longer! You’ll need to boil the potatoes until they’re super soft, then mash them really well. The texture will be a little different, too – more rustic. Instant potatoes give you that super smooth, creamy texture quickly!
Can I freeze this loaded baked potato soup?
Yep, you sure can! Let it cool completely, then pop it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. Just be aware that the texture *might* change a bit after freezing, but it’ll still taste amazing!
How can I make this soup healthier?
Easy peasy! Use low-fat milk and sour cream. Also, go easy on the cheese and bacon. You can even add some extra veggies, like chopped broccoli or cauliflower!
What other toppings can I use?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Try chives, pickled jalapenos for a kick, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Get creative!
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You bet! Just toss the broth, milk, and seasonings into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Then, stir in the instant potatoes, sour cream, and cream cheese during the last 30 minutes. Top as usual before serving. So easy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep that loaded baked potato soup with instant potatoes tasting amazing the next day.
Storing Leftovers
Just let the soup cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!
Reheating Instructions
Stovetop or microwave – your call! On the stovetop, heat it gently over medium-low heat, stirring now and then. In the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot. Just be careful not to boil it!
Nutritional Information for Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, so I can’t give you exact numbers. But just keep in mind that the nutrition info will vary based on the brands and ingredients you use!
Enjoy Your Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes!
There you have it! I hope you love this loaded baked potato soup as much as my family does. If you try it, leave a comment below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Sharing is caring!
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