Hashbrown Potato Soup is a creamy soup made with hashbrowns and russet potatoes, simmered in a rich broth and finished with milk and heavy cream. The result is a thick, velvety soup that’s both satisfying and delicious. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a cheesy richness, while garlic and onions enhance the flavor. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make recipe that can be served as a meal or a side.
Hashbrown Potato Soup is quick to prepare, with a cooking time of about 30 minutes. You can have it ready in no time, making it a great choice for busy nights when you crave a homemade meal. The prep takes about 10 minutes, and the rest is mostly simmering, allowing the flavors to come together. You’ll be enjoying a warm bowl of soup before you know it.
Hashbrown Potato Soup brings back memories of cozy, winter evenings spent with loved ones. The combination of crispy hashbrowns and smooth, creamy broth creates the perfect balance of textures. Adding shredded cheddar cheese at the end makes the soup extra comforting, while a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions gives it a nice pop of flavor. It’s the kind of soup you can make over and over again and still find joy in every bowl.
Why You’ll Love It Hashbrown Potato Soup
- Comforting and Filling: This hashbrown potato soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, warm, and perfect for cold days. The hashbrowns add a thick, satisfying texture that fills you up without being too heavy.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. You don’t need to be an expert chef to make it. Just a few steps, and you’re ready to enjoy a hearty bowl of soup.
- Versatile and Flavorful: This soup is customizable! You can add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. The flavors blend perfectly, creating a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Ingredient Notes for Hashbrown Potato Soup
- Frozen Hashbrowns: These make cooking quick and easy, giving the soup a nice texture without the hassle of peeling and chopping potatoes. You can use any variety, but the traditional shredded ones work best.
- Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup. It also helps sauté the onions and garlic, enhancing the aroma and taste.
- Onion: Provides a savory base to the soup, giving it a slightly sweet and aromatic taste when cooked. Yellow or white onions are great choices.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a wonderful savory flavor that complements the onions and enhances the overall depth of the soup.
- Russet Potatoes: These potatoes are starchy and creamy, making them perfect for thickening the soup. You can use them alongside frozen hashbrowns for extra potato goodness.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Choose the type of broth depending on your preference. Chicken broth will give a meaty, rich flavor, while vegetable broth is perfect for a lighter, vegetarian option.
- Milk: Provides a creamy texture without being too heavy. You can use any milk variety, from full-fat to skim, depending on your taste.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the soup rich and velvety. It adds an indulgent, creamy mouthfeel that will make you want to come back for seconds.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A must-have topping for added flavor. It melts beautifully, giving the soup a cheesy, comforting taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together. Adjust to taste to make sure the soup is seasoned just right.
- Chives or Green Onions: These are optional toppings that add a bit of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor. They’re perfect for garnish and give the soup a finishing touch.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
Hashbrown potato soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for cold days. To make it extra special, use fresh potatoes and cook them until they’re soft and tender. This will give your soup a rich texture and flavor that store-bought hashbrowns simply can’t match.
For added depth of flavor, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. This will bring a savory base to your hashbrown potato soup. Seasoning with garlic, onion, and a pinch of paprika will enhance the flavor profile, giving the soup a warm, inviting taste.
If you want to make the soup extra creamy, try adding a splash of heavy cream or whole milk. This adds richness and helps balance the potato’s natural starches. For a healthier alternative, use low-fat milk or a dairy-free option like almond milk to keep it lighter.
Hashbrown Potato Soup Variation
For a delicious twist, you can experiment with variations of hashbrown potato soup. Add bacon bits or ham for extra protein and a smoky flavor. For a healthier version, swap the cream for low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative. To make it spicy, toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
You can also mix in different vegetables like carrots, corn, or leeks to enhance the flavor. For a cheesy twist, try adding cheddar, mozzarella, or even cream cheese. Customize the soup to your taste by playing around with the ingredients and seasonings.
How to Serve Hashbrown Potato Soup
Hashbrown potato soup can be served as a hearty meal on its own or as a side dish with sandwiches or salads. Top with shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or chopped chives for extra flavor and presentation. Serve it hot with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
For a cozy touch, serve hashbrown potato soup in a bread bowl for an added layer of flavor. Pair it with a light salad or a simple sandwich to balance the meal. This soup is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering both comfort and taste.
Storage Options
Store leftover hashbrown potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you’d like to freeze it, make sure the soup has cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When reheating, do so slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the soup thickens too much after freezing, add a bit of broth or milk to restore its creamy texture. Always check for the freshness of the ingredients before reheating to ensure the best flavor.
FAQs About Hashbrown Potato Soup
Can I make hashbrown potato soup ahead of time?
Yes, hashbrown potato soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
How can I make hashbrown potato soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon. You can also add extra vegetables for flavor.
Can I freeze hashbrown potato soup?
Yes, hashbrown potato soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat it when needed.
What toppings are best for hashbrown potato soup?
Popular toppings for hashbrown potato soup include shredded cheese, crispy bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. You can also add herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
Easy Hashbrown Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen hashbrowns (or fresh if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chives or green onions (for garnish, optional)
Method
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Add the Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for another 3 minutes, letting them absorb the flavors of the onion and garlic.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure it covers the potatoes. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the Hashbrowns: Once the potatoes are soft, add the hashbrowns to the pot. Let them cook for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Cream it Up: Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Continue to cook for 5 minutes until the soup is nice and creamy.
- Blend for Creaminess (Optional): For a smooth texture, use a hand blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Cheese, Please: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the soup is velvety smooth.
- Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chives or green onions if desired.