Disgustingly Easy Loaded Potato Soup With Instant Potatoes

Okay, friends, let’s be real: sometimes you just need a big bowl of comfort, stat! And that’s where my super-easy loaded potato soup with instant potatoes comes in. I’ve been making this for years, ever since my college days when time (and, honestly, cooking skills!) were seriously lacking. But trust me, even though it’s quick, it doesn’t skimp on flavor. I promise this creamy, dreamy soup will hit the spot, and you won’t believe how fast you can whip it up. Seriously, from zero to cozy in like, 15 minutes? Total win!

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes

Okay, so why make this loaded potato soup with instant potatoes? Lemme tell ya:

• Fastest Soup Ever: Seriously, it’s ready faster than you can say “pass the bread!”
• Pantry-Friendly: Got instant potatoes? You’re halfway there!
• Comfort Food Central: Creamy, cheesy, bacony goodness. Need I say more?
• Totally Customizable: Load it up with your faves – cheese, bacon, green onions, you name it!

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes

Alright, gather ’round, because here’s what you’ll need to make this magical loaded potato soup with instant potatoes happen. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff!

• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup butter (I always use salted, but unsalted works too!)
• 1/2 cup milk (any kind you like!)

And for the *loaded* part, which is honestly my favorite:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (go for sharp cheddar for extra flavor!)
• 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (because everything’s better with bacon, right?)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for that pop of freshness!)

Oh, and obviously, you’ll need instant potato flakes! Just grab your favorite brand – enough to make about 4 servings according to the package instructions. Easy peasy!

How to Make Loaded Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes: Step-by-Step

Okay, here’s the super-simple rundown on how to make this loaded potato soup with instant potatoes. Seriously, even if you’ve never “cooked” before, you got this!

1. **Boil the water:** First things first, grab a pot and pour in 4 cups of water. Add a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Crank up the heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Careful, it gets hot!

2. **Butter and milk time:** Once the water’s boiling, stir in that 1/4 cup of butter until it’s all melted and dreamy. Then, pour in the 1/2 cup of milk. This is where the creaminess starts, folks!

3. **Potato Flake Magic:** Now for the big reveal! Grab your instant potato flakes and start adding them to the pot, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the soup is nice and smooth. This is important, lumps are no fun! If you want a thicker soup, just add more flakes until you reach your desired consistency.

4. **Load it Up!:** Okay, the soup itself is done! Now comes the *really* fun part: the toppings! Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to pile ‘em high. Sprinkle on that shredded cheddar cheese, crumble some bacon on top (or a lot, I’m not judging!), dollop a spoonful of sour cream (or Greek yogurt – healthy-ish, right?), and finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

5. **Serve it Hot:** That’s it! Your loaded potato soup with instant potatoes is ready to devour. Serve it hot, maybe with a side of crusty bread for dipping (trust me on this one!). Enjoy!

See? Wasn’t that ridiculously easy? Now go enjoy your bowl of warm, comforting goodness!

Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes

Wanna take your loaded potato soup with instant potatoes from “good” to “OMG amazing?” Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t skimp on the butter! Seriously, it adds so much richness and flavor. Real butter is the way to go, trust me.
• Warm the milk first. Microwaving the milk for like 30 seconds before adding it to the pot helps everything blend together smoother and faster. Plus, it keeps the soup hotter!
• Cheese, please! Grate your own cheese instead of using the pre-shredded stuff. It melts way better and tastes a million times better.
• Taste as you go! Seasoning is key, so don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of garlic powder to really kick things up a notch.

Variations on This Loaded Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got the basic loaded potato soup with instant potatoes down. Now, let’s get a little crazy, shall we? Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Spice it Up! Add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños for a little kick. Ooh, or try a swirl of sriracha – yum!
• Go Green! Stir in some steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost. Hey, gotta get those greens in somehow, right?
• Cheesy Goodness Overload! Experiment with different cheeses. Maybe some Gruyere or even a little bit of pepper jack for a little zing!

Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this loaded potato soup with instant potatoes your own!

Serving Suggestions for Your Loaded Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing loaded potato soup with instant potatoes… what do you serve with it? Well, my go-to is always some crusty bread for dipping (duh!). A simple side salad also works wonders. Or, for the ultimate comfort food experience? Grilled cheese! Seriously, the cheesy, warm combo is outta this world!

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes

Can I use milk alternatives in this loaded potato soup recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re dairy-free, almond milk, soy milk, or even oat milk work great in this loaded potato soup recipe. Just keep in mind that some milk alternatives have a slightly different flavor, so it might change the taste just a tiny bit. But don’t worry, it’ll still be delicious!

How can I make this soup even thicker?

Easy peasy! If you want a super-thick loaded potato soup, just add more instant potato flakes! Start with a tablespoon or two at a time, stirring well after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. You can also mash a cooked potato and stir it in, if you have one handy!

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Hmm, generally, I don’t recommend freezing this loaded potato soup with instant potatoes. Dairy-based soups can sometimes get a weird texture after freezing and thawing. But, if you really wanna, try freezing it without the toppings, then add the cheese, bacon, etc., after reheating. No promises though!

What kind of toppings can I use?

Oh, the sky’s the limit! Besides the cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions I mentioned, you could also try chives, crispy fried onions, a swirl of pesto, a dollop of guacamole (trust me!), or even some crumbled tortilla chips for a fun crunch! Get creative!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a heads up: the nutritional info is just an estimate! It can vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. So, take it with a grain of salt, okay?

Enjoy Your Homemade Loaded Potato Soup with Instant Potatoes

And that’s all there is to it! I really hope you give this loaded potato soup with instant potatoes a try. It’s one of my all-time favorite quick and easy comfort meals, and I think you’ll love it too! If you do make it, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And hey, if you’re feeling extra generous, give the recipe a rating – it really helps other folks find it! Happy slurping!

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