Hash brown potato soup is the perfect blend of creamy, savory flavors with a satisfying crunch from the hash browns. It’s a comforting dish that combines the heartiness of potatoes with a velvety, rich broth, making it a go-to for cold days or when you’re in the mood for something filling and delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple and versatile enough to suit any palate.
What is Hash Brown Potato Soup?
Hash brown potato soup is a creamy soup made with hash brown potatoes, broth, cream, and a mix of vegetables and seasonings. It’s an easy and hearty dish that’s both filling and flavorful. The hash browns give the soup its potato base without the need for peeling and cubing fresh potatoes, making it a quick and convenient recipe for busy nights.
Ingredients for Hash Brown Potato Soup
The beauty of hash brown potato soup is its simplicity. Most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hash Browns: You can use frozen shredded hash browns or make them fresh from scratch.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Onions: Sautéed onions add a savory foundation to the soup.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic touch.
- Cream or Milk: This adds richness and creaminess to the soup.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar or a cheese of your choice for added flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or parsley.
- Butter and Flour: These help thicken the soup and create a roux for a creamy base.
- Toppings: Bacon, green onions, and sour cream are popular toppings to enhance the soup.
How to Make Hash Brown Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing them until they become soft and fragrant. This step creates the flavor base for the soup.
Step 2: Add the Hash Browns
Stir in the frozen or fresh hash browns, cooking them until they begin to soften. If using frozen hash browns, there’s no need to thaw them ahead of time—they will cook down in the broth.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
Sprinkle flour over the hash browns, onions, and garlic, stirring constantly. The flour will help thicken the soup. Gradually add the broth, stirring to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the hash browns to fully cook and the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese
Once the soup has thickened and the hash browns are tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream or milk. For an extra layer of richness, add shredded cheese and let it melt into the soup.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and any herbs of your choice. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, chopped green onions, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Hash Brown Potato Soup
- Customize the Soup Base: For a lighter version, swap out heavy cream for milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut milk.
- Add Vegetables: You can add additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn to give the soup more texture and nutrients.
- Use Fresh Potatoes: If you prefer a more traditional soup, substitute the hash browns with fresh diced potatoes. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well for their creamy texture.
- Make it Spicy: For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply let it simmer longer or add more flour during the thickening stage.
Why Hash Brown Potato Soup is So Popular
Hash brown potato soup combines convenience with indulgence. Using frozen hash browns saves time, while the cream and cheese create a decadent, rich soup that feels luxurious. The soup’s versatility makes it a hit with both kids and adults, and it can easily be dressed up for a dinner party or served as a simple weeknight meal.
Comfort Food Factor
Potato soup, in general, is synonymous with comfort food. It’s hearty, warming, and easy to prepare. The hash browns make it even more approachable because they skip the peeling, chopping, and boiling of potatoes, which can often be a time-consuming process.
One-Pot Wonder
This soup is also a one-pot meal, meaning fewer dishes and easier clean-up. Everything from sautéing the onions to simmering the broth happens in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Variations of Hash Brown Potato Soup
Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Soup
For a cheese lover’s dream, increase the amount of cheddar or experiment with other types of cheese like Gruyère, gouda, or mozzarella. The extra cheese adds an additional layer of creaminess and makes the soup more decadent.
Hash Brown and Ham Potato Soup
Add diced ham for a protein boost and a smoky, savory flavor. Ham pairs perfectly with the creamy potato base, turning the soup into a heartier meal. This variation is great for using up leftover holiday ham.
Vegetarian Hash Brown Potato Soup
By swapping out chicken broth for vegetable broth and omitting bacon, you can easily make this dish vegetarian. Add extra vegetables or even tofu for added texture and protein.
What to Serve with Hash Brown Potato Soup
Hash brown potato soup is a filling dish on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty loaf of bread to soak up the creamy soup.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese: For the ultimate comfort food pairing, serve the soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich.
Storing and Reheating Hash Brown Potato Soup
Hash brown potato soup is an excellent dish to make ahead of time and store for later.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the creamy texture.
- Freeze: If you plan to freeze the soup, avoid adding the cream or milk until reheating. Cream-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen, but this can be avoided by adding the dairy when reheating. Freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Hash brown potato soup is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up on a cold winter day or serving it as a weeknight dinner, this creamy soup is sure to satisfy. With a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a rich, flavorful meal on the table in no time!
FAQs
Q1: Can I make hash brown potato soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! To make this in a slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients except the cream and cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q2: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute fresh diced potatoes for hash browns. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding the cream.
Q3: How can I thicken my hashbrown potato soup?
A: You can thicken the soup by adding more flour when making the roux or letting it simmer longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes to create a thicker consistency.
Q4: Can I make hashbrown potato soup dairy-free?
A: Yes! Swap the cream for coconut milk, almond milk, or another non-dairy alternative. Use dairy-free cheese or skip it entirely.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat hashbrown potato soup?
A: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. If the soup is too thick, you can add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out.
