Instant Pot Panera Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Craving the creamy comfort of Panera’s famous baked potato soup? With this Instant Pot version, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors in half the time! This rich, velvety soup is packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty cheese—perfect for cozy nights at home.

Panera Bread’s Baked Potato Soup Copycat recipe brings the delicious, creamy comfort of the original right to your kitchen. Made with tender potatoes, rich cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, this homemade version is just as indulgent as the one from Panera.

It’s the perfect meal for chilly days, offering the same hearty, flavorful goodness with a fraction of the effort. Whether you make it in your Instant Pot or on the stove, this copycat recipe will satisfy your cravings and quickly become a family favorite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time, allowing you to enjoy this creamy, hearty soup in under an hour.
• Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream, cheese, and tender potatoes gives you a velvety texture that’s both comforting and satisfying.
• Loaded with Flavor: Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of seasonings make each spoonful burst with flavor, just like the Panera original.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers for later in the week.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to your liking, adding extras like green onions, sour cream, or more cheese for extra richness.

If you love copycat Panera Soup Recipes, try my recipe for Copycat Instant Pot Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup, Panera Turkey Chili Recipe (copycat), or Instant Pot Copycat Bistro Panera French Onion Soup.

What you’ll need to make Panera Bread baked potato soup copycat

• Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the savory, aromatic base of the soup.
• Bacon bits: Bacon bits provide a crispy, savory touch to the soup.
• Potatoes: Yukon potatoes offer a creamy, smooth texture when cooked.
• Oregano: Dried oregano brings earthy, herbal notes to the soup.
• Parsley: Dried parsley adds color and a mild, fresh flavor.
• Chicken broth: Chicken broth or chicken stock forms the savory liquid base of the soup.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and a velvety texture to the soup.
• All-Purpose flour: Flour thickens the soup, making it creamy and hearty.
• Whole heavy cream or half and half: Makes the soup rich and indulgent.
• Cream cheese or sour cream: Creates a smooth, tangy richness.
• Salt: Enhances the soup’s flavors and balances richness.
• Black pepper: Provides a mild heat and seasoning.
• Chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor and freshness.
• Bacon bits: Bacon bits add a crispy, smoky topping.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts and adds creamy, cheesy goodness.

How to make Panera Bread baked potato soup

Step One: Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Step Two: Add the diced Yukon potatoes to the pot. Stir in the oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the bacon bits or crumbs for that delicious smoky flavor.

Step Three: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are covered (you can add more if needed). Stir everything together.

Step Four: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting.”

Step Five: Open the Instant Pot lid and use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency. You can leave some chunks for texture or blend it smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese (or sour cream). Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step Six: In a small bowl, make a slurry by mixing the flour with a few tablespoons of broth from the Instant Pot. Add the slurry to the soup and stir well. This will help thicken the soup. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary with extra salt, pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer.

Step Seven: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and fresh chives for that classic Panera touch.

Panera Baked Potato Soup Recipe Expert Tips

• Use Yukon Gold Potatoes – They have a natural buttery texture and flavor that’s perfect for soup. They mash easily and make the soup creamy without any effort.
• Add Sour Cream for Extra Creaminess – While cream cheese provides richness, sour cream adds a tangy flavor that makes the soup even more authentic and creamy. You can use either, or both!
• Adjust the Consistency – If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth or blend the soup longer. If you like it thinner, simply add more broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Sauté the Onions and Garlic – Don’t skip the sauté step! It helps release their full flavor, giving the soup a deep, savory taste that makes a big difference in flavor.
• Garnish Generously – Top your soup with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chives, and a dollop of sour cream. The garnishes add texture and bring that “baked potato” feel to the soup.

Recipe Variations And Add-Ins

• Meat: For a hearty, protein-packed soup, add cooked shredded chicken or sausage. Crumbled bacon is also a great addition to bring that smoky flavor to the soup.
• Cheese: Swap in sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or Gouda for a richer, more flavorful soup. You can also stir in cream cheese for extra creaminess or melt mozzarella for a stretchier texture.
• Seasonings: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for an added depth of flavor and a subtle kick. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an earthy touch.
• Veggies: Try adding fresh spinach, kale, or carrots for extra nutrition and color. For a hearty twist, add corn or celery to enhance the soup’s texture and flavor profile.

What To Serve With Panera Bread Baked Potato Soup Copycat Recipe

Panera Bread Baked Potato Soup Copycat Recipe is a rich and hearty dish, perfect for pairing with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it with a warm, crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls to soak up the creamy soup. A light, crisp side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the soup. You can also add a protein element, like grilled chicken or crispy bacon on top of the soup, for extra flavor and texture.

Storing

• Storing: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it cools completely before refrigerating to maintain its texture.
• Freezing: To freeze, transfer the soup to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

Instant Pot Panera Baked Potato Soup Recipe Faqs

Can I use other types of potatoes in this recipe? Yes, you can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes with russet potatoes, but Yukon Golds give the soup a creamier texture.

Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the Instant Pot.

Can I freeze Panera Baked Potato Soup? Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make it dairy-free, you can swap the cream, butter, and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives such as coconut cream, dairy-free butter, and non-dairy cream cheese.

How do I make the soup thicker? For a thicker soup, mash more of the potatoes or blend some of the soup with an immersion blender.

Can I add more bacon to the recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to add extra bacon for a richer smoky flavor. You can also use turkey bacon as a leaner option.

Can I use pre-cooked bacon bits instead of cooking fresh bacon? Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon bits or crumbs if you prefer a quicker option. Just add them in when you sauté the onions and garlic for extra flavor.

More Easy Panera Copycat Recipes

• air fryer panera four cheese souffle
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• air fryer panera copycat four cheese flatbread
• instant pot copycat bistro panera french onion soup
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• instant pot panera creamy tomato soup copycat recipe
• air fryer copycat panera pepperoni flatbread
• air fryer copycat panera cinnamon crumb coffee cake
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• copy cat panera mac n cheese in the instant pot

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