Potato Soup Using Instant Potatoes: Creamy, Cozy, and Quick to Make

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of creamy potato soup to bring comfort to your day. And with the help of instant potatoes, this hearty classic comes together in a fraction of the time—without sacrificing any of the flavor. Whether you need a quick lunch or a cozy dinner on a chilly night, this easy soup delivers.

This guide to making potato soup with instant potatoes shows just how easy it is to create a rich, satisfying meal from pantry staples. Add cheese, bacon, or green onions to dress it up, or enjoy it just the way it is—simple and delicious.

How to Make Instant Potato Soup

This quick recipe combines the creaminess of instant potatoes with rich broth, butter, and milk for a classic, thick potato soup in minutes.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

• 1½ cups instant mashed potato flakes

• ¼ cup butter

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled

• 2 green onions, sliced

• Sour cream for garnish

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Preparing Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Base
In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and butter to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Milk
Whisk in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in milk and continue heating until just below a boil.

Step 3: Stir in Potato Flakes
Reduce heat to low. Slowly whisk in instant potato flakes until the soup reaches your desired thickness. Add more flakes for a thicker soup or more milk for a thinner consistency.

Step 4: Finish and Serve
Simmer for 2–3 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with shredded cheese, bacon, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Servings

Serves 4 as a main or 6 as a starter.

Presentation & Decoration

Garnish Ideas:

• Sprinkle with cheddar cheese

• Add bacon bits and green onions

• Drizzle with sour cream or heavy cream swirl

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls

• Pair with a side salad for a complete meal

Best Time to Eat

Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in 15 minutes for busy evenings
Lunch Meal: Easy to pack in a thermos or reheat
Comfort Food Night: Warm, filling, and soul-soothing

Portion Guide

• Individual: About 1½ cups per serving

• Group: Double the recipe for 8 servings

Storage & Shelf Life

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

• Freezing: Freeze in single-serve portions for up to 1 month

• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan or microwave, add milk if needed to loosen

Allergy Guide

• Gluten-Free: Use certified GF instant potatoes and broth

• Dairy-Free: Substitute with plant-based milk and butter

• Nut-Free: Naturally nut-free

More Recipes Using Instant Potatoes

• Cheesy Potato Casserole: Layer instant potatoes with cheese and bake

• Instant Mashed Potato Cakes: Combine flakes with egg, cheese, and herbs; pan-fry

• Instant Potato Topped Shepherd’s Pie: Use instead of mashed potatoes for the topping

Tag your potato soup creations and let us know how you turned this pantry-friendly recipe into your new go-to comfort food. You might just see your version featured in our next cozy meal roundup!