Loaded Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
on Jan 28, 2013, Updated Feb 18, 2023
Did you know that you can make a Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes? This recipe is so quick and easy to make and tastes better than most restuarant soups. Since this soup is made with instant mashed potatoes there is no need to peel or boil the potatoes..
I decided to head into the pantry and get creative with some of my recent deals. Grabbing a box of Betty Crocker Garlic instant potatoes, I figured I would make loaded potato soup, kind of like they serve at O’Charley’s. I then browsed through my stockpile for additional ingredients to make it all work. This is my recipe for Instant Potato Soup and I think it works pretty well..
Why You’ll Love Loaded Potato Soup from Instant Potatoes Recipe
- It’s simple to make. No potato peeling necessary.
- Most ingredients are already in your pantry or fridge.
- It’s very inexpensive to make.
This Instant Mashed Potato Soup was one of the first recipes that I did on my blog back in 2013, and it still works for a quick and easy soup recipe. Back then I was a coupon deal queen and need to use up all my great bargain finds, The recipe filled the bill and tasted great!
Ingredients For Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
- Betty Crocker Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Evaporated Milk
- Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock
- Center Cut Bacon
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Onion diced
- Water
How to Make Potato Soup Using Instant Potatoes
Note: detailed measurements and instructions are located in the recipe card below.
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- Start by chopping the bacon into small pieces.
- Get a pot large enough for the soup (6 quart). Don’t get too small a saucepan.
- Cook bacon over medium-high heat until bacon starts to render.
- Toss in the onion and cook until onion is tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, add evaporated milk and stir in potatoes.
- Add shredded cheese and continue to stir. If the consistency is too thick, you can add milk to thin it to the thickness you prefer.
- Cook over medium heat stirring occasionally to bring it up to serving temperature.
- Sprinkle a little shredded cheese, some bacon crumbles and slice scallions over each bowl and it looks and tastes yummy!
Variations for this Potato Soup Recipe
- Instant Potatoes: I used Garlic Mashed Potatoes, but you can use whatever you have on hand. You could try the Four Cheese, Sour Cream and Chives or Roasted Garlic and Cheddar varieties (see them all here).
- Spices: garlic powder, chili powder or even a sprinkle of red pepper will kick up the flavor profile. Experiment with spices that you like most.
- Cheese: I used sharp cheddar, but feel free to substitute your favorite.
- Garnish: Bacon bits, chives, sour cream… pick your favorites
FAQs about Loaded Potato Soup
It most likely goes back to that ancient Irish or French who had to feed lots of people ith cheap and available ingredients. The modern versions seem to have started with STeak & Ale and Bennigan’s restaurant chains in the 70’s and 80’s.
Tips for Making the Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
- Cook in a large pot or Dutch Oven– make sure you have enough room for the finshed dish (this is a one pot meal).
- If your soup appears thick , you can add add about 1/4 -1/2 cup of milk.
- Don’t forget to garnish with bacon, cheese and green onions. It completes the look!
- Don’t add salt. The processed ingredients already have enough sodium.
What to Serve with Loaded Instant Potato Soup
Here are a few ideas if you are looking to compliment the soup.
- A simple tossed garden salad is perfect side for a bowl of soup. Add on some CopyCat Olive Garden Dressing!
- Bread – Grab a french loaf and top it with my Garlic Butter Spread for an easy side.
Other Delicious Soup Recipes
- This CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup will be a hit with you I promise. If you love Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup you are going to be amazed on how easy it is to make at home.
- If you are looking for an easy and hearty soup recipe, you will want to make this Chicken Tortilla Soup. It’s loaded with shredded chicken, tomatoes, corn, black beans, onions, and green chilies, all in a tasty broth.
- This Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup is loaded with lots of vegetables, beef, and tons of flavor! You can toss all your ingredients in the Crock-Pot and have dinner ready when you are. Perfect fall and winter comfort food.
Did you make this recipe? If so, be sure to rate with a star rating and drop a comment below.
Loaded Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 box Betty Crocker Garlic Mashed Potatoes (about 9 oz)
- 2 can Evaporated Milk
- 1 can Swanson Chicken Broth
- 6 slices Blue Grass Center Cut Bacon
- 8 oz Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 medium Onion diced
- 5 cup Water
Instructions
- Start by chopping the bacon into small (1/2 in. squares) and cook in a pot large enough to cook the soup ( i used a 6 quart one).
- Once this begins to render add the onion and cook until onion is tender.
- Add chicken broth and water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, add evaporated milk and stir in potatoes. Add shredded cheese and continue to stir. If the consistency is too thick, you can add milk to thin it to the thickness you prefer.
- Cook over medium heat stirring occasionally to bring it up to serving temperature.
- To finish off the presentation, you can fry up a few slices of the remaining bacon and slice some green onions for garnishing. Sprinkle a little shredded cheese, some bacon crumbles and slice green onions over each bowl and it looks and tastes yummy!
