Hash Brown Soup Recipe

Hash browns are a beloved breakfast staple, often paired with eggs, bacon, or sausages, and they have a wonderfully crispy, golden texture that makes them irresistible. But have you ever thought about turning those crispy delights into a rich, comforting soup? A Hash Brown Soup is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering all the familiar flavors of hash browns in a creamy, velvety broth. This recipe combines the crispy goodness of hash browns with savory, flavorful broth and a variety of ingredients to create a hearty, satisfying dish that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to warm up on a chilly evening or an innovative way to use up leftover hash browns, this recipe has got you covered!

This comforting Hash Brown Soup brings together the crispy texture of hash browns with creamy, savory goodness in every bite. Imagine the rich flavors of potatoes, cheese, and creamy broth, all melding together in perfect harmony. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for cold days when you need something hearty and filling.

Ingredients Needed

To make a delicious hash brown soup, you’ll need the following:

Base Ingredients

Frozen Hash Browns (about 4 cups): These make up the base of your soup. Using frozen hash browns saves time and helps achieve the perfect texture. You can also use freshly grated potatoes if preferred.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4 cups): The broth brings in depth and a savory foundation for the soup. Choose your broth based on your preference – chicken for a heartier flavor or vegetable for a lighter, plant-based option.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): This is the secret to creating a creamy, rich texture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or milk, but heavy cream makes it truly indulgent.
Shredded Cheese (1 ½ cups): Cheddar is often the go-to for its sharp, melty qualities, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even gouda.
Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
Onion (1 medium): Chopped finely, the onion brings a slight sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic is an essential ingredient in nearly every savory soup. It adds aromatic depth and flavor.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): These will help elevate and balance all the flavors. A pinch of salt is essential for bringing out the natural taste of the ingredients, while freshly cracked black pepper adds a touch of heat.

Optional Ingredients For Extra Flavor

Bacon Crumbles (½ cup): For that extra crispy texture and smoky flavor. You can also use turkey bacon or omit entirely for a vegetarian version.
Green Onions (chopped, for garnish): Adds a fresh, crisp bite that complements the creaminess of the soup.
Sour Cream (for topping): A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy, refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Creating this soup is straightforward and involves just a few steps. Here’s how you’ll bring this flavorful dish to life:

Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Add The Hash Browns
- Stir in the frozen hash browns and cook for about 5 minutes, letting them soften and start to lightly brown on the edges.
Pour In The Broth
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the hash browns have fully softened and have absorbed the flavors of the broth.
Add The Cream And Cheese
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
Season The Soup
- Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a bit more flavor, feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
Serve And Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with optional toppings like crispy bacon crumbles, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Here’s a breakdown:

Frozen Hash Browns: These are super convenient and provide the essential potato element in the soup. They cook down to a soft texture but still retain a slight bite, making the soup hearty.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient is key to creating the rich, luxurious texture of the soup. It provides the creamy base that makes every spoonful feel indulgent.
Shredded Cheese: Not only does cheese add creaminess, but it also brings sharpness, which cuts through the richness of the cream and balances the soup’s overall flavor.
Broth: The broth is the flavor foundation of the soup. Chicken broth adds a savory depth, while vegetable broth keeps the dish light and fresh.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatics add layers of complexity. Onion provides a subtle sweetness, while garlic adds depth and a bit of sharpness.

Expert Tips

For Extra Creaminess: Blend part of the soup to create a smoother, creamier texture. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for an easy way to achieve this.
Customize the Flavor: Experiment with different cheese types. A mix of cheddar and gouda will make the soup extra cheesy and give it a smoky flavor.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a bit of heat and smoky undertones.
Vegetarian Version: If you want to make this soup vegetarian, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon.
Leftover Hash Browns: This recipe is an excellent way to repurpose leftover hash browns. Just make sure to break them up if they’ve been pre-cooked for an even consistency.

Recipe Variations

This Hash Brown Soup is incredibly versatile, and you can play around with different ingredients to create your ideal version. Here are a few variations you can try:

Bacon Lovers: Add extra crispy bacon bits or pancetta for a meaty flavor boost.
Spicy Hash Brown Soup: Stir in some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup some heat.
Loaded Hash Brown Soup: Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and extra bacon crumbles for a fully loaded experience.
Vegan Version: Swap the cream for coconut milk or cashew cream, and use plant-based cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Potato and Leek Hash Brown Soup: Add leeks to the soup for a delicate, sweet flavor to balance the richness of the cream and potatoes.

Final Words

Hash Brown Soup is a fantastic way to transform the simple, familiar hash brown into something completely new and exciting. Its creamy, comforting texture combined with the savory, cheesy flavors is sure to satisfy anyone’s cravings for something hearty and filling. Whether you’re looking to make a cozy dinner or serve a unique dish at a gathering, this soup is sure to impress. Best of all, it’s a relatively quick and easy recipe to whip up with minimal prep time!

Hash Brown Soup Recipe