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AI-generated image of a bowl of potato soup next to a can of cream of potato soup
Cheapism / DALL-E 3

In the realm of quick, budget-friendly meals, soups often come to mind. But you know what’s even better? Soups that don’t take hours to make. That’s where our favorite cooking hack comes in: Using canned soup to craft a variety of easy and delicious meals. 

If you’re a fan of spuds, we’ve compiled some of our favorite recipes that call for cream of potato soup as the base to help you save time and money. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or just looking to indulge in a comforting solo meal, these recipes centering around cream of potato soup promise maximum taste with minimal effort.

1. Creamy Bacon Potato Chowder

Bowl of Homemade Corn Chowder
rudisill/istockphoto

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this hearty chowder combines creamy potatoes with the smoky flavor of bacon. Start by frying bacon until crispy, then saute onions in the bacon grease. Add a can of cream of potato soup, milk, and cubed potatoes or corn. Let it simmer and top it off with more crumbled bacon, cheese, and chopped chives.

Recipe: Campbell’s

2. Easy Shepherd’s Pie

rudisill/istockphoto

This hearty and satisfying dish is great for a family dinner and can be easily frozen to enjoy throughout the week. To recreate it, saute ground beef with onions, seasonings, and mixed vegetables. Layer in a baking dish with cream of potato soup and top with mashed potatoes. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the crust looks golden brown. 

Recipe: Campbell’s

3. Potatoes Au Gratin

High angle of scalloped gratin potatoes topped with grated cheese and herbs in ceramic baking dish on table with towel and branches of greens
foodandstyle/istockphoto

Elegant yet simple, this recipe is perfect for a small dinner party or a fancy weeknight dinner. Start by combining your cream of potato soup with Parmesan cheese, potatoes, a splash of milk, and salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake covered for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another five to 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. 

Recipe: Panera at Home

4. Creamy Chicken Potato Casserole

freeskyline/istockphoto

A great choice for busy weeknights, this hearty casserole brings together the classic flavors of chicken and potatoes in one dish. Layer cubed chicken, sliced potatoes, and a mix of cream of potato and cream of chicken soups. Sprinkle with cheese and seasonings, and bake until the potatoes are fork tender and the chicken is cooked through. 

Recipe: Gonna Want Seconds

Related: Beautiful Casserole Dishes That’ll Wow the Dinner Table

5. Easy Vegetable Pot Pie

chicken pot pie
mikafotostok/istockphoto

A great option for meatless Mondays, this pot pie is hearty, filling, and does not skimp on flavor. Start by sauteing your favorite mixed veggies and combine them with a can of cream of potato soup and half a cup of milk. Pour into a pie crust, top with another crust, and bake until golden brown for a vegetarian twist on a beloved classic. 

Recipe: All Recipes

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6. Creamy Potato and Ham Soup

Cream potato soup with bacon on wooden table
gbh007/istockphoto

Perfect for using up leftover ham, this soup is a hearty option for a simple yet satisfying lunch or dinner. To recreate it at home, slice the ham into small cubes and cook with diced celery and onions. Stir in cream of potato or chicken soup, milk, and a pinch of thyme. Simmer until the flavors meld and the ham has softened. 

Recipe: Stef’s Eats and Sweets

Related: 30 Easy Soup Recipes That Last for Days

7. Favorite Cheesy Potatoes

Homemade Cheesey Scalloped Potatoes with Parsley Flakes
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Ideal for brunch, this cheesy delight is an easy way to impress guests, or to treat yourself to a protein-filled meal. Combine French onion dip, cream of potato soup, and sour cream, and season to your liking. Pour into a casserole dish and bake until set (about 30 minutes, uncovered). Stir before serving and garnish with more cheese or fresh parsley. 

Recipe: Taste of Home

Related: 13 Cheap and Easy Recipes Using Cream of Mushroom Soup

8. Loaded Baked Potato Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese. traditional american dish macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce
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A fun twist on classic mac and cheese, this recipe is sure to impress both kids and adults alike. It’s also super easy to make. Cook your macaroni until al dente, then mix it with a creamy potato soup, green onions, bacon, seasonings, and a blend of cheeses. Bake until bubbly and top with more cheese for a creamy twist on this dinner staple. 

Recipe: Bear Creek Country Kitchens

Related: 21 Campbell’s Soup Recipes for a Quick and Easy Meal

9. Seafood Chowder

Traditional dish seafood chowder with slices of soda bread
Jasmina81/istockphoto

We haven’t forgotten you, seafood lovers. This creamy chowder is flavorful, comforting, and won’t take hours to make. Start by simmering chunks of white fish and shrimp in a blend of cream of potato and celery soups, milk, onions, and celery. Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper (optional). 

Recipe: Delish

10. Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes

Sliced potatoes baked in cream and cheese Gratin dauphinois
larik_malasha/istockphoto

Scalloped potatoes are the perfect side dish for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a comforting and filling meal. To make them, thinly slice potatoes and layer them in a baking dish. In a saucepan, make a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisk in milk and cream of potato soup to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs, and drizzle over the potatoes. 

Recipe: Tasting Table

Meet the Writer

A native of Queens, New York, Alina has a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications from Baruch College and enjoys writing about culture, tech, travel, and lifestyle. Prior to joining the Cheapism team, Alina worked as a U.S.-based correspondent for Vision Times and interned for several media outlets during college. In her free time, Alina loves to try out as many new restaurants as she can, go on scenic hikes with friends, tackle a hot yoga class, or spend hours going down a Wikipedia/Reddit rabbit hole. Always looking for ways to stretch her money, Alina loves to stay updated on money-saving tips and helpful life hacks that make everyday chores more manageable. You can reach her at [email protected].