Creamy and Dreamy: Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe

Are you craving a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious soup that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this hash brown potato soup recipe! This isn’t your average potato soup. The addition of hash browns adds a wonderful texture and subtle flavor that elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a cozy weekend lunch. Plus, it’s customizable to your preferences – add your favorite toppings and make it your own!

## Why Hash Browns in Potato Soup?

You might be wondering, why hash browns? Well, they’re not just a shortcut! Here’s why they make this soup so amazing:

* **Texture:** Hash browns add a delightful, slightly chunky texture that prevents the soup from being overly smooth. Some pieces will soften and melt into the soup, thickening it beautifully, while others retain a bit of their structure.
* **Flavor:** They impart a subtle potato flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. The slight crispness they may have before being added to the soup also contributes to the overall flavor profile.
* **Convenience:** Using frozen hash browns significantly reduces prep time. No peeling and dicing potatoes – just grab a bag from the freezer!
* **Thickening Power:** The starch in the hash browns helps to naturally thicken the soup, creating a creamy and comforting consistency without needing excessive amounts of cream or flour.

## The Ultimate Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe

This recipe is designed to be simple and straightforward, using readily available ingredients. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and toppings to your liking!

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
* 1 medium yellow onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
* 1 (30 ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, partially thawed
* 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for a richer soup)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, chopped green onions, chives, hot sauce

**Equipment:**

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons

**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. **Add Broth and Hash Browns:** Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring to a simmer. Add the partially thawed shredded hash browns. Stir to combine.
3. **Simmer and Cook:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the hash browns are tender and easily broken apart with a spoon. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. **Add Milk and Cream:** Stir in the milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream (if using). Heat through, but do not boil.
5. **Season and Adjust:** Season the soup with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt or pepper depending on your preference.
6. **Blend (Optional):** For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Be careful not to over-blend, as you want to retain some of the texture from the hash browns. Alternatively, you can transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. (When blending hot liquids, be sure to vent the blender properly to prevent pressure buildup.)
7. **Serve and Top:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, chopped green onions, or chives. A dash of hot sauce adds a nice kick!

## Tips and Variations

This hash brown potato soup recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some tips and variations to customize it to your liking:

* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, substitute the milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or cashew cream. You can also omit the bacon topping.
* **Add Cheese:** Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or your favorite cheese blend during the last few minutes of cooking. The cheese will melt into the soup, adding a rich and cheesy flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to give the soup a little heat.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sauté other vegetables along with the onion and garlic, such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley, to add depth of flavor to the soup.
* **Make it Chunky:** If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can add diced potatoes along with the hash browns.
* **Add Protein:** Add cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or diced ham to make the soup more substantial.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients (except the milk and cream) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the milk and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Use Different Types of Hash Browns:** Try using different types of hash browns, such as seasoned hash browns or diced hash browns, to change the flavor and texture of the soup.
* **Bacon Lovers Rejoice:** For an even smokier flavor, cook the bacon first in the pot, then remove it and use the bacon grease to sauté the onions and garlic. Crumble the bacon and add it back to the soup at the end.
* **Make it Ahead:** This soup is a great make-ahead dish. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
* **For a Smoother Soup:** While the recipe provides for a slightly chunky texture, you can achieve an ultra-smooth consistency by using an immersion blender or regular blender. Just be cautious when blending hot liquids.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Try adding croutons, fried onions, crispy potato skins, or even a dollop of pesto.

## Serving Suggestions

Hash brown potato soup is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **As a Starter:** Serve a small bowl of soup as a starter before a main course.
* **As a Main Course:** Serve a large bowl of soup as a main course, accompanied by a side salad or crusty bread.
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve a small bowl of soup as a side dish alongside a sandwich or grilled cheese.
* **For Lunch:** Pack a thermos of soup for a warm and comforting lunch.
* **For Dinner:** Enjoy a cozy bowl of soup for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freeze:** Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture of the soup may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Calories:* Approximately 300-400 per serving (depending on toppings)
*Fat:* Approximately 15-25 grams (depending on milk and cream)
*Protein:* Approximately 10-15 grams
*Carbohydrates:* Approximately 30-40 grams

This is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?**
A: Yes, you can. Peel and dice about 2 pounds of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes and add them to the soup along with the broth. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the potatoes are tender.

**Q: Can I use a different type of broth?**
A: Yes, you can use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or even beef broth. The choice of broth will affect the overall flavor of the soup.

**Q: Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?**
A: Yes, you can. Combine all the ingredients (except the milk and cream) in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Stir in the milk and cream after releasing the pressure.

**Q: My soup is too thick. How can I thin it out?**
A: Add more broth or milk to thin the soup to your desired consistency.

**Q: My soup is too thin. How can I thicken it?**
A: You can thicken the soup by simmering it uncovered for a longer period of time, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, and then stir it into the soup. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until it thickens.

**Q: Can I add meat to this soup?**
A: Absolutely! Cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, diced ham, or even sausage would be delicious additions.

**Q: Is this soup gluten-free?**
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, especially if you are using a pre-made broth or hash browns.

**Q: Can I use low-fat milk or cream?**
A: Yes, you can use low-fat milk or cream, but keep in mind that it will result in a less creamy soup.

**Q: How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?**
A: This soup will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

**Q: Can I freeze this soup?**
A: Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Conclusion

This hash brown potato soup recipe is a winner! It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for a cozy night in. The addition of hash browns adds a unique texture and flavor that sets it apart from traditional potato soup. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of warm and comforting goodness! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below!