When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of potato soup with hashbrowns to make you feel cozy. This easy recipe combines creamy potatoes with crispy hashbrowns for the perfect comforting meal. With just a few ingredients, you can make a hearty soup that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Why We Love This
This potato soup with hashbrowns is the definition of comfort in a bowl. It’s creamy, hearty, and easy to make, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal. Here’s why this soup is bound to become your go-to:
- Quick and Simple: With hashbrowns as the star ingredient, you skip the hassle of chopping and prepping fresh potatoes. Just grab a bag of frozen hashbrowns, and you’re halfway there! The recipe is straightforward, meaning even beginner cooks can pull it off.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something so satisfying about a bowl of creamy potato soup. The blend of tender potatoes and crispy hashbrowns creates the perfect texture, making each spoonful feel like a warm hug.
- Versatile and Customizable: This soup can be easily adapted to suit your taste. Want to add a bit of spice? Toss in some cayenne or smoked paprika. Craving extra richness? A little shredded cheddar on top will elevate the flavor even more. The possibilities are endless, making this soup perfect for any palate.
- Great for Meal Prep: Not only is this soup a hit at dinner, but it also stores well in the fridge for leftovers. It’s even freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it on a busy day when you don’t feel like cooking.
This hearty potato soup is the perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be foolproof while delivering amazing results.
Ingredients
Frozen hashbrowns – Quick and easy, they add texture and flavor.
Medium potatoes – Russet potatoes work best for a creamy soup.
Onion – Adds savory depth.
Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the flavor.
Chicken or vegetable broth – The base for the soup.
Heavy cream – Makes the soup rich and creamy.
Salt – Enhances the flavor.
Black pepper – Adds mild spice.
Paprika (optional) – Adds a smoky flavor.
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the easy steps for making this delicious potato soup with hashbrowns. Trust me, you’re going to love how simple and quick this recipe is!
Cook the onions and garlic: Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in a pot with a little oil for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add potatoes and broth: Add diced potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Stir in hashbrowns: Add frozen hashbrowns and simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring well.
Blend for creaminess (optional): For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup and return it to the pot.
Add cream and seasonings: Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Serve and enjoy: Serve in bowls and garnish with toppings like cheese, bacon, or herbs.
Pro Tips
Here are some handy tips to ensure your potato soup with hashbrowns turns out perfect every time. With these tricks, you’ll elevate your soup and make the cooking process even easier!
For a creamy texture: If you prefer a super creamy soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the pot. This will give you a silky smooth base with just a few chunky bits of potato for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender, then return it to the pot.
Adjust thickness: If your soup is too thick, simply add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency. If you want it thicker, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, or mash some of the potatoes with a fork or potato masher.
Season to taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t be afraid to adjust the salt and pepper. Taste as you go, and if you want more depth of flavor, a pinch of paprika or garlic powder can really make a difference.
Toppings for extra flavor: While this soup is delicious on its own, adding toppings can make it even more irresistible! Consider garnishing with crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. These simple additions will add both flavor and texture to each bite.
Make ahead: This soup actually gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. If you’re meal prepping, make a big batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Variations
One of the best things about potato soup with hashbrowns is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few variations to make this recipe even more exciting!
Cheesy Potato Soup: Add some extra richness by stirring in shredded cheddar cheese or cream cheese as the soup simmers. The cheese will melt into the soup, making it even creamier and more flavorful. You can also top each bowl with more cheese for a cheesy finish!
Spicy Potato Soup: If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a bit of jalapeño for a kick. This adds a whole new dimension of flavor to the soup and will warm you up even more.
Loaded Potato Soup: For a heartier, more filling meal, add some extra toppings like crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions. These classic loaded potato toppings will take your soup to the next level and give it an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This potato soup with hashbrowns is the ultimate comfort food, and pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a full meal. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more satisfying:
Serve with crusty bread: A thick slice of warm, crusty sourdough bread or baguette is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup. The texture of the bread will complement the smooth soup beautifully, and you can use it to soak up every last bit.
A light salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup. The crispness of the greens adds a nice balance to the richness of the potato soup.
Grilled cheese: For a comforting, classic combo, serve your potato soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich. The gooey cheese and crispy bread will add a deliciously indulgent element to the meal.
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FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about potato soup with hashbrowns to help you make the most of this delicious recipe!
Can I make potato soup with frozen hashbrowns?
Absolutely! Frozen hashbrowns work just as well as fresh ones in this recipe. In fact, they can save you some time since they’re already shredded. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly in the soup for a few extra minutes to allow them to absorb the flavors.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While russet potatoes are the go-to for this recipe because they become soft and creamy, you can certainly experiment with other types of potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes will give the soup a buttery texture, while red potatoes will add a firmer bite. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may affect the soup’s texture.
Can I make this potato soup ahead of time?
Yes! Potato soup with hashbrowns actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months, but be sure to reheat it gently to avoid curdling.
Is potato soup with hashbrowns gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any flour or wheat-based ingredients. However, if you’re adding any toppings or sides, be sure to check their ingredients for hidden gluten.
How do I make the soup spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, there are plenty of ways to spice up your potato soup. Add some cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or crushed red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s cooking. You can also serve it with a dollop of spicy sour cream for an extra kick!
potato soup with hashbrowns
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen hashbrowns
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional
Instructions
Cook the onions and garlic:
- In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onions are soft.
Add the potatoes and broth:
- Once the onions and garlic are cooked, add the diced potatoes and broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in the hashbrowns:
- Add the frozen hashbrowns to the pot. Stir well and let everything simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the hashbrowns to heat through and soften.
Blend for creaminess (optional):
- If you like your soup a bit smoother, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. This creates a creamy texture while keeping some chunks for added texture.
Add the cream and seasonings:
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve and enjoy:
- Once your soup is creamy and heated through, it’s ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with any toppings you like, such as shredded cheese, crispy bacon, or fresh herbs.