When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as universally loved as a warm, hearty bowl of potato soup. The creamy texture, combined with the subtle flavors of the potatoes and seasonings, makes it a perfect dish for colder weather or anytime you crave something cozy. What makes this Easy Potato Soup with Hash Browns a standout is its convenience and simplicity. The best part? You can make it in a crock pot, which means you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooking process do all the heavy lifting. The addition of hash browns speeds up the process and adds a creamy, smooth texture to the soup without needing to peel and chop fresh potatoes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need something quick for dinner, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Easy Potato Soup Crock Pot With Hash Browns Recipe
This potato soup recipe is as easy as it gets. It’s not only incredibly simple but also versatile and forgiving, making it perfect for beginners or busy folks who don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. By using frozen hash browns, you eliminate the need for peeling, chopping, and dicing raw potatoes-cutting down on both prep time and mess. And because it’s made in a crock pot, you don’t need to hover over the stove. Just toss everything in, and your dinner will be ready in a few hours.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, comforting potato soup:
- Frozen hash browns (about 30 oz) – These are your main ingredient, saving you time on peeling and chopping. They break down beautifully in the slow cooker, turning your soup creamy without much effort.
- Chicken broth (4 cups) – This gives the soup a rich, savory base. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz) – Adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor. If you want a vegetarian alternative, you can swap it for cream of mushroom soup.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded) – The cheese gives the soup its signature richness and comforting taste.
- Heavy cream (1 cup) – For that silky smooth texture, heavy cream is your friend here. You can substitute with half-and-half if you’re looking to lighten things up, but it may lose some of the richness.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped) – A savory touch to enhance the soup’s flavor profile. You can use frozen chopped onions to save even more time.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – A hint of garlic adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste) – These are essential for seasoning. You’ll want to taste as you go and adjust to your preference.
- Bacon (optional, 4 slices, cooked and crumbled) – A popular topping for that salty, crispy bite. It’s not necessary, but if you love bacon, it adds another dimension of flavor.
- Green onions (optional, for garnish) – Adds a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the richness of the soup.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, here’s how to put it all together:
- Prepare the crock pot: Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or lightly greasing it. This ensures the soup won’t stick.
- Combine ingredients: Add the frozen hash browns, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, chopped onion, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot and set it on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The soup is done when the hash browns are fully cooked and the cheese has melted into a creamy consistency. Give it a quick stir halfway through to make sure it’s cooking evenly.
- Optional step (add bacon): If you’re using bacon, cook it separately while the soup is cooking. Once it’s crispy, crumble it into the soup right before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Once the soup is finished cooking, ladle it into bowls and garnish with green onions and more shredded cheese, if desired.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this potato soup plays a key role in bringing the dish to life:
- Frozen hash browns: The beauty of using hash browns is that they break down easily in the slow cooker, which helps create that velvety texture you want in potato soup. It also speeds up the cooking process-no need to dice potatoes!
- Cream of chicken soup: This acts as a shortcut to add richness and body to the soup. It’s a canned ingredient that saves you from making a roux or a béchamel sauce, streamlining the process.
- Heavy cream: The cream is what gives the soup that luxurious, rich mouthfeel. If you used milk or half-and-half instead, the soup might still be tasty, but it won’t have the same decadent texture.
- Cheddar cheese: It’s essential for that cheesy flavor that everyone loves in a potato soup. Plus, it helps thicken the broth, adding depth to the overall dish.
- Bacon and green onions: These are optional, but they elevate the soup to the next level. Bacon adds a salty crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh, herbal note to balance out the creamy richness.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip the stirring: While the soup is cooking, stir it halfway through to ensure the ingredients blend well together and prevent any sticking to the sides of the crock pot.
- Adjust the consistency: If the soup turns out thicker than you’d like, add a little more chicken broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s too runny, let it cook uncovered for a little longer to thicken up.
- Cheese tip: To make sure the cheese doesn’t clump together, add it towards the end of cooking and stir well until it melts evenly. Avoid adding it at the start, as it can separate and make the soup greasy.
- Seasoning is key: Don’t be afraid to taste your soup and adjust the seasoning. Depending on your broth and cream of chicken soup, you may need more salt or pepper.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian version: You can make this recipe vegetarian by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth and the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup.
- Spicy potato soup: If you like a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the crock pot for a spicy kick.
- Loaded potato soup: Add extras like sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, or crumbled bacon right before serving for a “loaded” version.
- Dairy-free option: For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the heavy cream, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Final Words
This Easy Potato Soup with Hash Browns is the ultimate comfort food-simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. The crock pot makes the process almost entirely hands-off, allowing you to go about your day while the soup slowly comes together. It’s an incredibly flexible recipe, so feel free to experiment with different toppings, seasonings, and variations to make it your own.