Easy Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe

Ah, soup-the ultimate comfort food. There’s something about a warm, hearty bowl of soup that makes everything feel a little bit better, especially when the weather outside is chilly. If you’re a fan of creamy, comforting dishes that are easy to whip up but pack a punch of flavor, then this Easy Hash Brown Potato Soup recipe is about to become your new go-to.

The best part? You don’t need to be a master chef to make this soup, and it doesn’t take hours of preparation either. This recipe is super simple, budget-friendly, and comes together in just a fraction of the time compared to traditional potato soups. It’s everything you love about a classic potato soup but with a twist that’s both unique and delicious. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this cozy, mouthwatering dish!

This soup is creamy, comforting, and has just the right amount of savory flavor thanks to the hash browns. They’re a great shortcut, so you skip all the peeling and chopping of regular potatoes while still achieving that wonderful potato flavor. If you love rich, creamy soups but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you.

Ingredients Needed

Before we get into the cooking, let’s gather everything you’ll need. Here’s a rundown of the essential ingredients to make this simple but hearty soup:

Frozen Hash Browns (about 4 Cups)

These are the star of the show. You can opt for the shredded variety, but cubed hash browns work just as well. They eliminate the need for dicing potatoes, making prep much quicker.
Chicken Or Vegetable Broth (4 Cups)

Broth adds depth of flavor to the soup. You can go with chicken broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative. Be sure to choose low-sodium broth so you can control the salt levels in the soup.
Heavy Cream (1 Cup)

This gives the soup its luxurious, velvety texture. If you’re watching calories, you could use half-and-half or whole milk, but the cream really takes this soup to the next level.
Cheddar Cheese (1½ Cups, Shredded)

This ingredient brings in that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave in a potato-based soup. Shredded sharp cheddar works best for that bold, tangy flavor, but feel free to use mild cheddar if you prefer a more subtle taste.
Butter (2 Tablespoons)

Butter gives the soup its rich, smooth base and enhances the flavors of the broth and cream.
Onion (1 Medium, Diced)

A diced onion is essential for flavor and adds that comforting savory taste that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
Garlic (2 Cloves, Minced)

Garlic is like the best friend of any savory dish-it just brings everything together with its aromatic warmth.
Salt And Pepper (to Taste)

Simple seasoning goes a long way. Salt and pepper help bring out all the other flavors, so don’t skip on these basics.
Green Onions Or Chives (for Garnish)

Optional, but they add a fresh, crisp element to the soup. They’re also visually appealing when sprinkled on top.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve got everything together, let’s get cooking. The process is pretty straightforward-no complicated techniques here. Just follow these steps:

Prepare The Base

In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the diced onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add The Broth

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally to combine the flavors.
Stir In The Hash Browns

Add the frozen hash browns to the pot. No need to thaw them first-just dump them right in! Give everything a good stir and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the hash browns soften and break down a bit.
Add The Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Bring it to a gentle simmer again, but don’t let it boil.
Add The Cheese

Slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the soup. This is where the magic happens-watch as your soup turns beautifully creamy and cheesy!
Season

Taste your soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. You may want to adjust the seasoning a bit to suit your taste preferences.
Simmer

Let the soup simmer on low for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with green onions or chives for a burst of color and freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down some of these ingredients to see why they’re so crucial to the dish:

Frozen hash browns: These are your time-saver. Not only do they add the classic potato flavor, but they also contribute texture to the soup, so you get that comforting, chunky bite without the hassle of chopping and boiling potatoes.
Heavy cream: The cream is what makes this soup rich and velvety. It gives the soup a luxurious mouthfeel and balances out the savory flavors. If you prefer a lighter option, you could substitute with whole milk or even unsweetened almond milk, though the texture will be slightly thinner.
Cheddar cheese: You’ll want a cheese that melts beautifully and adds flavor depth. Sharp cheddar is perfect because it has a bold taste that cuts through the richness of the cream, adding balance. The more cheese you add, the cheesier and more indulgent it gets!

Expert Tips

Here are a few pro tips to make this hash brown potato soup even better:

Use a good quality broth: A flavorful broth can really elevate the soup. If you’re using store-bought broth, opt for a low-sodium version so you have more control over the saltiness.
Grate the cheese yourself: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the soup. Freshly grated cheese will melt smoother and make for a creamier consistency.
Make it ahead of time: Like many soups, this hash brown potato soup actually gets better the next day! The flavors have time to meld together, and the soup thickens up. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
Add bacon or sausage: For an extra layer of flavor, throw in some cooked bacon bits or sausage. The salty, savory addition will take this soup to another level.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations you can try to customize your soup:

Add vegetables: If you want to make the soup a bit heartier, throw in some diced carrots, celery, or even frozen corn. These vegetables will add color and texture.
Spicy kick: Love a bit of heat? Add a chopped jalapeño or some crushed red pepper flakes to the soup for an extra zing.
Vegan version: For a dairy-free or vegan option, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream, and swap the cheese for a dairy-free version. You can also opt for vegetable broth to make the soup completely plant-based.
Loaded version: Top the soup with sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and a sprinkle of green onions to make it even more indulgent-kind of like a loaded baked potato in soup form!

Final Words

This Easy Hash Brown Potato Soup is an incredible, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any time of the year but especially comforting on a cold day. It combines the rich creaminess of traditional potato soup with the simplicity and convenience of hash browns, making it a family-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy.

With the right balance of ingredients, expert tips, and a few variations, you can make this recipe your own. Whether you stick to the basic version or dress it up with some fun twists, you’ll find that this soup is an instant crowd-pleaser that’s impossible to get tired of.

Easy Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe