Hash Brown Potato Soup is a warm, comforting dish that perfectly balances creamy textures with hearty flavors. It’s simple to make, filling, and incredibly versatile, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. With just a few key ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying bowl of soup that the whole family will love. Whether served as a cozy meal on a chilly day or as a delightful starter for a gathering, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why We Love This Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe
This Hash Brown Potato Soup recipe has earned its place in our hearts for several reasons. First, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can get it on the table in under an hour, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. The creamy consistency paired with cheesy goodness creates a rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use frozen hash browns, which means you always have the main ingredient on hand. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that feels indulgent but isn’t heavy on the wallet or your schedule.
Ingredients about Hash Brown Potato Soup
To make this delicious Hash Brown Potato Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash browns
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
How to Make Hash Brown Potato Soup Directions
Making Hash Brown Potato Soup is incredibly straightforward and requires just a few simple steps:
- Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This will be the base for your flavors.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onions until they turn translucent, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The goal is to soften them and bring out their sweetness.
- Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional minute, stirring regularly so that the garlic does not burn. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Now, it’s time to introduce the star ingredient—add the frozen hash browns. Stir them into the mixture, allowing them to cook until they just start to soften. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, bringing everything to a boil. Doing this will help to infuse all the flavors together.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. This slower cooking process will deepen the flavors, so let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- After the soup has simmered, season it with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. This addition will give your soup a luscious texture. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Finally, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the soup, creating a creamy and cheesy base.
- Taste your soup and see if it needs any extra seasoning. If it does, adjust with more salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve your delicious Hash Brown Potato Soup hot, garnished with fresh chives or green onions if you desire.
How to Serve Hash Brown Potato Soup
Serving Hash Brown Potato Soup can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Consider ladling the soup into warm bowls, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors right from the start. You can add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy touch and finish it off with a handful of finely chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad, making it a complete meal. You can also serve it as an appetizer in smaller cups for gatherings, allowing your guests to sample it before the main course. Feel free to accompany it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil for an added layer of richness.
Expert Tips: Hash Brown Potato Soup
To elevate your Hash Brown Potato Soup, here are some expert tips to consider:
- Customize Your Broth: Whether you choose chicken or vegetable broth, opt for low-sodium versions to keep control over the saltiness of the soup. This allows you to adjust the flavors without overwhelming them with sodium.
- Add More Veggies: For additional nutrition, consider incorporating other vegetables like carrots or celery. Just chop them finely and add them after the onions and before the hash browns. They’ll soften beautifully during cooking.
- Cheese Variations: If you want to mix things up, experiment with different types of cheese such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack for unique flavors. You can even incorporate a blend of cheeses for a more complex taste.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you’re a fan of spice. This subtle heat can enhance the overall flavor and make the soup even more interesting.
- Texture Preferences: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender after adding the cream. This will give you a silky consistency while maintaining some chunky bits.
How to Store Hash Brown Potato Soup
Storing your leftover Hash Brown Potato Soup is easy:
- Refrigerate: Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze: If you’d like to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When stored properly, it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheat with Care: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to restore some creaminess as it reheats.
Variation of Hash Brown Potato Soup
While the classic version of Hash Brown Potato Soup is delicious, there are numerous ways to put your spin on it:
- Cheesy Broccoli Hash Brown Soup: Toss in some frozen or fresh broccoli florets during the simmering stage. The vibrant green veggie will add nutrition and color, making your soup even tastier.
- Loaded Hash Brown Soup: Top your finished soup with crispy diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and additional cheese for a loaded twist that replicates a baked potato experience.
- Italian Herb Spin: Add dried herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano to the pot for a Mediterranean flair. You can even sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for that lovely umami flavor.
- Coconut Curry Hash Brown Soup: Mix in coconut milk instead of heavy cream and add curry powder for an exotic twist. This variation will transport your taste buds to an entirely different culinary world.
- Mexican-Style Hash Brown Soup: Incorporate black beans, corn, and even a squeeze of lime juice, garnishing with cilantro for a fresh, zesty finish.
FAQs
What is Hash Brown Potato Soup?
Hash Brown Potato Soup is a creamy and hearty soup made primarily with frozen hash browns, broth, cream, onions, and cheese. It’s an easy and comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
How can I make Hash Brown Potato Soup vegetarian?
To make Hash Brown Potato Soup vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This substitution maintains the flavors and richness while keeping it meat-free.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes, but they will require additional preparation. You’ll need to peel, chop, and boil them until tender before adding to the soup.
Is Hash Brown Potato Soup suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze Hash Brown Potato Soup for up to three months. Just make sure to store it properly in freezer-safe containers.
How spicy is Hash Brown Potato Soup?
The soup is not inherently spicy. However, you can easily tailor the spice level to your preference by adding ingredients like cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
Hash Brown Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag 30 oz frozen hash browns
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth Use low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a creamy texture.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Add for flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese You can use other types like Gruyere or Monterey Jack.
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing.
Garnish
- to taste Fresh chives or green onions Optional for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring to avoid burning.
Cooking
- Introduce the frozen hash browns and stir for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Pour in 4 cups of broth and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and stir to combine.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and the soup is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives or green onions.
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