There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially on those chilly days when all you want to do is curl up and enjoy something hearty. Hash Brown Potato Soup captures all the cozy goodness you need, combining the simplicity of hash browns with rich flavors to create a delightful dish that warms the soul. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers.
Why We Love This Hash Brown Potato Soup
What makes Hash Brown Potato Soup so special? It’s not just the comforting warmth; it’s the ease of preparation as well. You can whip up this delicious soup in under an hour, using just a handful of ingredients often found in your pantry and freezer. The creamy texture combined with the flavors of sautéed onions, garlic, and cheddar cheese creates a delightful experience in every spoonful. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a fresh salad, making it a flexible option for any meal. It truly encapsulates the essence of comfort food.
Ingredients about Hash Brown Potato Soup: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Comfort
For this cozy dish, you only need a few staple ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying soup. Below is a list of what you will need:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash browns
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
How to Make Hash Brown Potato Soup: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Comfort
Creating this flavorful Hash Brown Potato Soup is straightforward. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Heat the Olive Oil: Start by taking a large pot and putting it on the stove over medium heat. Once your pot is warm, pour in the olive oil. Give it a moment to heat up before moving on.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot. Allow it to sauté for a few minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Next, toss in the minced garlic, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, which should only take about a minute.
- Add the Hash Browns: Now it’s time to introduce your frozen hash browns. Stir them into the pot, ensuring they mix well with the onions and garlic. You want to cook them for about five minutes until they start to soften up, releasing their wonderful potato aroma.
- Pour in the Broth: Carefully add your chicken or vegetable broth to the mixture. Stir everything together and bring the pot to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed, enhancing the soup’s flavor with each bite.
- Let It Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial as it lets the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a deliciously rich soup.
- Incorporate the Cream: After simmering, pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything together until well combined, and let it simmer for an additional five minutes. This step adds an extra layer of creaminess to your soup.
- Add the Cheese: Now, it’s time for the star ingredient – the cheddar cheese! Stir it into the pot, letting it melt into the soup and create that gorgeous creamy texture that you crave.
- Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is your chance to make sure it’s just right for your palate.
- Serve it Up: Ladle your delicious hash brown potato soup into bowls. If you’re looking to impress, garnish with fresh chives or sliced green onions. This not only adds color but also brings a lovely freshness to each bowl.
How to Serve Hash Brown Potato Soup: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Comfort
Serving Hash Brown Potato Soup is a delightful experience in itself. You can serve it as a stand-alone meal or as a wonderful starter before your main course. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It’s the perfect dish for family gatherings, casual dinners, or even a cozy night in.
Consider setting the table with some extra toppings on the side such as more shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of crispy onions. This allows everyone to customize their own bowl, making the meal just a little more interactive and fun. You can also present this soup in rustic bowls for a charming touch that enhances the comfort food vibe.
Expert Tips: Hash Brown Potato Soup: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Comfort
Making Hash Brown Potato Soup can be a simple task, but there are a few tips that can help you elevate it to the next level:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: While frozen hash browns are convenient, feel free to use fresh potatoes if you prefer. Just peel and dice them into small cubes, adding additional cooking time as needed.
- Customize Your Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even a smoked cheese for added flavor.
- Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the simmering phase. This can add an aromatic quality to your soup that complement the earthy flavors of the potatoes.
- Make it Heartier: Add some protein like cooked chicken, turkey, or even beans for a heartier meal. This is especially great for people looking for something more filling.
- Blend It: If you enjoy a smooth texture, consider using an immersion blender to purée the soup after adding the cream and cheese. This will create a creamy blend without the chunks.
How to Store Hash Brown Potato Soup: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Comfort
Storing your leftover Hash Brown Potato Soup is simple. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Just remember, when you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variation of Hash Brown Potato Soup: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Comfort
Hash Brown Potato Soup is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to mix and match ingredients based on your taste preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
- Vegetable Loaded: Add vegetables such as carrots, peas, or corn to the pot for added color and nutrition. Sauté them along with the onions to infuse their flavors into the soup.
- Spicy Kick: Spice things up by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This will give your soup a lovely kick if you’re craving something hotter.
- Vegan Alternative: To make this soup vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Opt for nutritional yeast instead of cheese for that cheesy flavor.
- Sweet Potato Twist: Try using sweet potatoes instead of regular hash browns for a sweeter, different flavor profile. This can also add a beautiful orange hue to your soup.
- Herbed Variations: Infuse your soup with specific flavor profiles by adding herbs like dill, cilantro, or parsley, based on your preferences.
FAQ
What is Hash Brown Potato Soup?
Hash Brown Potato Soup is a creamy soup made primarily with frozen hash browns, broth, heavy cream, and cheese, creating a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Can I make Hash Brown Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time. Just allow it to cool completely, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate. It can last in the fridge for up to three days.
Is Hash Brown Potato Soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! As long as you use gluten-free broth, Hash Brown Potato Soup is a gluten-free dish that’s flavorful and comforting.
How do I thicken Hash Brown Potato Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) during the simmering phase.
What can I serve with Hash Brown Potato Soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even some cheesy garlic bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy crafting your very own Hash Brown Potato Soup and filling your home with warmth and comfort!
Hash Brown Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag 30 oz frozen hash browns
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste Fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the frozen hash browns and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stir, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and add salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or green onions if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!