When the weather gets cold, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of hash brown potato soup to bring comfort. This rich, creamy soup is the ultimate quick-fix comfort food, and with the help of frozen hash browns, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want a cozy meal on a chilly night, this soup is bound to be a hit. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or ingredients.
Unlike traditional potato soup, which requires peeling, dicing, and cooking fresh potatoes, this hash brown potato soup recipe takes a shortcut by using frozen hash browns. This saves time while still delivering that creamy, hearty texture we all love in a good potato soup. You can follow this simple recipe and even add your own twists to make it truly yours. If you’re looking for step-by-step guidance on perfecting potato-based soups, check out this guide on how to make the best hash brown potato soup.
Now, let’s talk about toppings. The beauty of potato soup lies in its ability to pair well with various garnishes, from bacon to cheddar cheese and even green onions.
What is Hash Brown Potato Soup?
Hash brown potato soup is a hearty, creamy soup made using frozen shredded or cubed hash browns, which cuts down on preparation time. The frozen hash browns are simmered with a flavorful broth, garlic, onions, and a roux made from butter and flour, creating a rich and smooth texture. The soup is then finished with milk or cream, along with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese to create a comforting, cheesy potato soup.
Compared to other potato soups, this version has the added benefit of convenience. You don’t need to peel and chop fresh potatoes—simply grab a bag of frozen hash browns, and you’re halfway to a delicious meal. Plus, the texture of the hash browns allows the soup to maintain a slightly chunkier consistency, which is perfect for those who love their potato soup with a bit of bite.
Ingredients for Hash Brown Potato Soup
To create the perfect hash brown potato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen hash browns (shredded or cubed, depending on your texture preference)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for making the roux)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cups milk or heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnishing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, sour cream, extra shredded cheese
These simple ingredients come together to make a soup that is both flavorful and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hash Brown Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Start by heating the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onions and garlic. Cook them until the onions are soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This step helps to build a strong flavor base for your soup.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Once the onions and garlic are sautéed, stir in the flour. This will create a roux, which helps to thicken the soup. Cook the flour for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove any raw flour taste. The mixture should become a light golden color as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Hash Browns
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps from the flour. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the frozen hash browns. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the hash browns are tender.
Step 4: Add Milk and Cheese
Once the hash browns have cooked through, reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the milk or cream. Let the soup warm through but avoid bringing it to a boil, as this can cause the milk to curdle. After the milk is well incorporated, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Adjust Seasonings and Serve
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice. Once the soup is seasoned to your liking, ladle it into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and extra cheese.
Tips for the Best Hash Brown Potato Soup
Making the perfect hash brown potato soup doesn’t have to be complicated, but a few simple tips can take it to the next level:
- Choosing the Right Hash Browns: Both shredded and cubed frozen hash browns work well in this recipe, but shredded hash browns will give the soup a creamier texture, while cubed hash browns offer a chunkier bite.
- Making the Soup Thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour when making the roux or use a cornstarch slurry. You can also reduce the amount of broth for a heartier consistency.
- Achieving Creaminess: For extra creamy soup, use heavy cream instead of milk. If you want an even richer flavor, consider adding a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
These tips will help you customize your soup to your exact liking, ensuring it turns out perfectly every time.
Variations of Hash Brown Potato Soup
One of the best things about hash brown potato soup is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few popular variations you can try:
- Loaded Hash Brown Potato Soup: Turn your soup into a loaded version by adding classic baked potato toppings such as crumbled bacon, sour cream, green onions, and extra cheese.
- Vegetarian Hash Brown Potato Soup: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon to make a delicious vegetarian version. You can even add some extra veggies, like diced carrots or celery, for more flavor.
- Spicy Hash Brown Soup: For those who love heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the soup. This adds a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the cheese and potatoes.
- Cheddar Broccoli Hash Brown Soup: To add a bit of green to your soup, stir in some cooked broccoli florets. The combination of cheddar and broccoli makes for a nutritious and flavorful twist.
These variations allow you to experiment and add your own personal touch to the soup, making it a dish that you can adapt for any occasion.
How to Store and Reheat Hash Brown Potato Soup
Storing Leftovers
Leftover hash brown potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain the soup’s creamy texture, make sure it cools completely before storing. If you plan to freeze the soup, let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to freezer-safe containers. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat the soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup has thickened too much after storing, add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to your desired consistency. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval.
FAQs About Hash Brown Potato Soup
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes if you prefer. Simply peel and shred or dice the potatoes and follow the same instructions. Keep in mind that fresh potatoes may take slightly longer to cook than frozen hash browns.
What kind of cheese works best in potato soup?
Cheddar cheese is the classic choice for potato soup, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Hash brown potato soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. Just be sure to reheat it gently to maintain its creamy texture.
How do I make the soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch to thicken the soup instead.
Can I use a slow cooker to make hash brown potato soup?
Yes, this recipe works well in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the onions and garlic, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the broth, hash browns, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add the milk and cheese just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Hash Brown Potato Soup
- Not sautéing the onions and garlic properly: Take the time to sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. This builds the flavor foundation for the entire soup.
- Adding milk or cream too early: Adding the dairy too early in the cooking process can cause it to curdle. Wait until the hash browns are fully cooked before stirring in the milk or cream.
- Not using enough seasoning: Potatoes tend to soak up a lot of flavor, so be generous with your seasonings. Taste the soup as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, and even a little cayenne if you want some heat.
- Overcooking the soup: While it’s important to cook the hash browns until they are tender, be careful not to overcook the soup, as this can lead to a mushy texture.
Conclusion
Hash brown potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich, creamy flavor with minimal effort. By using frozen hash browns, you can enjoy all the goodness of traditional potato soup without the hassle of peeling and chopping fresh potatoes. Whether you keep it simple or load it up with toppings, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
With its easy-to-follow recipe, versatility in toppings and variations, and convenience for meal prep, hash brown potato soup is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. So why not give it a try? Warm up a bowl of this delicious soup, and let the creamy, cheesy goodness take the chill off your day.