Instant Pot French Onion Baked Potato Soup Food

INSTANT POT® LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP

Steps:

• Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Add onion, bacon, and butter to the hot pot and saute until bacon is crispy, 5 to 8 minutes. Turn off Saute function and transfer contents to a small bowl.
• Add potatoes, water, and garlic base to pot and close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 12 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
• Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 15 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Mash potatoes against the side of the pot, leaving some chunks if desired. Add onion-bacon mixture and half-and-half; stir to combine.
• Ladle into soup bowls and top with green onions, Cheddar cheese, and black pepper.

FRENCH ONION POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• Place a layer of sliced onions on the bottom of the baking dish. Add a sprinkle of French onion soup mix and a layer of bacon pieces, followed by layers of potato slices, shredded cheese, and cream. Continue adding layers of the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of shredded cheese on the top.
• Spray a piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray and cover the baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven until potatoes and onions are tender, 40 to 50 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until nicely browned and bubbly, about 10 minutes more.

INSTANT POT FRENCH ONION BAKED POTATO SOUP

Steps:

• Place potatoes, broth, and 1 tablespoon salt into Instant Pot. Close lid, set pressure to high, and cook 20 minutes. Allow Instant Pot to remain on warm setting.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter until melted. Add onions, season generously with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized, about 25 minutes. If necessary, add 1-2 tablespoons water to skillet to prevent burning, scraping bottom of pan to incorporate caramelization. Adjust heat as necessary to prevent burning.
• In a small skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
• If necessary, release pressure manually on Instant Pot. Using an immersion blender, blend potatoes and broth until nearly smooth. Add milk, cream, and remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Blend to combine. Fold in half of cheese, half of caramelized onions, and thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If soup is too thick, thin to desired consistency with additional milk.
• Serve, garnished with reserved cheese, reserved onions, chives, sour cream, and bacon.

HAM, CHEESE, AND ONION BAKED POTATO TOPPING

Steps:

• Combine oil, ham, and onion in microwave-safe dish and microwave on high 1 minute.
• Sprinkle cheese over hot split baked potato and microwave 30 seconds.
• Spoon ham mixture over cheese and sprinkle with parsley.