When the weather turns chilly, or you just need a hug in a bowl, nothing beats a warm and comforting soup. This quick and creamy hashbrown potato soup recipe delivers ultimate satisfaction with minimal effort. It’s packed with rich flavor and a wonderfully smooth texture, making it perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners alike. You will love how easy it is to prepare this hearty meal!
Why You’ll Love This Hashbrown Potato Soup
- Minimal Prep Time: You spend just 5 minutes getting ingredients ready, perfect for your busiest days.
- Rich, Creamy Texture: This soup boasts a luxurious, velvety consistency that truly melts in your mouth.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Create a delicious meal without breaking the bank, using common pantry staples.
- Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Everyone at the table will enjoy this classic, satisfying dish.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Whip up a wholesome dinner in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Quick & Creamy Hashbrown Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, combine the frozen hash brown potato cubes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, finely diced onion, and salted butter over medium heat. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Once the butter has melted, let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, until the hash browns are soft and easily pierced with a fork, stirring frequently. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until the cheese has completely melted and the soup is creamy and combined. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then serve the soup immediately, topped with extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, and green onions if desired. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Notes
Ingredients for Hashbrown Potato Soup
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delightful hashbrown potato soup:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen hash brown potato cubes
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1½ cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Notes & Substitutions
Frozen hashbrown potato cubes are ideal for convenience and texture in this recipe, but shredded hashbrowns also work. For the broth, feel free to use vegetable broth to keep it meat-free or even beef broth for a deeper flavor. If you prefer, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup. Any shredded cheese you love, like Colby Jack or a Mexican blend, can replace cheddar. Greek yogurt or crème fraîche are excellent swaps for sour cream to add tanginess. A white onion or shallot can easily be used instead of a yellow onion.
Equipment You’ll Need
You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this easy recipe. Grab a large pot or Dutch oven to hold all the ingredients. A sturdy wooden spoon or spatula will help you stir everything together. Finally, have measuring cups and spoons ready for precise ingredient amounts.
How to Make Hashbrown Potato Soup
Making this cozy hashbrown potato soup is incredibly simple. You will have a hearty meal ready in no time!
- In your large pot, combine the frozen hash brown potato cubes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, finely diced onion, and salted butter. Place the pot over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted, let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. Continue cooking until the hash browns are soft and easily pierce with a fork. Stir the soup frequently during this cook time to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. You can also cover the pot with a lid; this helps the soup cook faster. Turn down the heat if you notice the soup boiling too vigorously.
- Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix everything until it is well combined and the cheese has completely melted into the creamy soup.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. You might want a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your preference.
- Serve your delicious hashbrown potato soup immediately. Top each serving with your favorite garnishes.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Always stir your soup frequently, especially while simmering, to prevent the hashbrowns from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Covering the pot with a lid during cooking will trap heat and help the hashbrowns tenderize faster. When seasoning, always taste and adjust gradually; you can always add more salt and pepper, but you cannot remove it. Avoid boiling the soup vigorously after adding the dairy, as this can cause the sour cream to curdle. If your soup is too thick, stir in a splash of extra broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve your creamy hashbrown potato soup with classic toppings like extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and freshly sliced green onions. A dollop of extra sour cream also adds a lovely tang. Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread or crunchy crackers for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light green salad to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Allow any leftover soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through heating. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge.
According to Michigan State University Extension, properly cooled soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for three to four days.
Variations
Easily customize this soup to your liking. Stir in some cooked, crumbled sausage or diced ham for added protein and flavor. Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack for a kick, or a smoked gouda for richness. Add extra vegetables such as frozen corn, diced carrots, or celery during the simmering stage. For a spicy version, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth and using a cream of mushroom soup substitute.
Hashbrown Potato Soup Nutrition
This hearty soup offers a satisfying and calorie-dense meal. It provides carbohydrates from the potatoes, fats from the cheese and butter, and some protein from the broth and sour cream. Exact nutritional values will vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices. Always consult a certified nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) |
|---|
| Yields: 8 servings |
| Calories: ~350-400 kcal |
| Fat: ~25-30g |
| Carbohydrates: ~25-30g |
| Protein: ~10-12g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hashbrown Potato Soup
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, but you will need to peel and dice the fresh potatoes, then cook them longer until very tender before adding dairy. Frozen hashbrowns save significant prep and cook time for this hashbrown potato soup.
How long does this soup in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this creamy soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Always cool it completely before storing.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients except the cheese and sour cream in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in the cheese and sour cream during the last 30 minutes. You can also explore other soup crockpot recipes.
Is this hashbrown potato soup freezer-friendly?
Soups with dairy, especially sour cream, can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. While it is possible, the texture might change slightly, so eating it fresh is best.
What makes this soup so creamy?
The combination of cream of chicken soup, melted cheddar cheese, and rich sour cream gives this soup its incredibly smooth and luxurious texture.
Conclusion
This quick and creamy hashbrown potato soup truly embodies simple, comforting cooking. It is a fantastic option for a warm, hearty meal that comes together effortlessly, perfect for those busy days. We encourage you to whip up a batch soon and savor every spoonful of this delicious dish. Share your creations and favorite toppings with us in the comments below!
