Potato soup hash browns have become my ultimate comfort food, especially on a chilly evening. I remember the first time I tried making a version of this dish; I was aiming for something hearty and satisfying, and I stumbled upon the brilliance of adding hash browns right into the soup. The result was a wonderfully creamy potato soup with hash browns that had just the right amount of texture. This easy potato soup hash browns recipe is now a staple in my kitchen, and the aroma of simmering broth and savory potatoes filling my home always brings a smile to my face. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Potato Soup Hash Browns
This recipe for potato soup hash browns is an absolute winner for so many reasons. You’ll adore the incredibly rich and satisfying flavor, making it the perfect comfort food. It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, with a total cook time that means you can have a delicious meal on the table fast, making it an easy potato soup hash browns option for busy weeknights. The creamy potato soup hash browns texture is simply divine, offering a delightful contrast to the tender potatoes. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour. You’ll find yourself making this hearty potato soup hash browns again and again!
Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe Ingredients
Gathering these simple hashbrown potato soup ingredients is the first step to a truly comforting meal. I always start with 4 cups frozen hashbrowns; they provide a wonderful texture and absorb all the delicious flavors. For the base, we need 4 cups chicken broth, which gives it that savory depth. Then, 2 cups whole milk is key to achieving that signature creamy potato soup hash browns consistency. You’ll also need 3 tablespoons butter for sautéing, and 1 medium onion, diced, along with 3 cloves garlic, minced, to build our flavor foundation. To finish, we have 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for that irresistible gooeyness, and 1/2 cup sour cream for extra creaminess and a hint of tang. Don’t forget salt to taste and 1 teaspoon black pepper to season everything perfectly. Lastly, 2 green onions, sliced, make for a beautiful and fresh garnish.
How to Make Potato Soup with Hash Browns
Let’s dive into how to make potato soup with hash browns! This process is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this comforting dish. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 1: Melt the 3 tablespoons butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the 1 medium onion, diced, and 3 cloves garlic, minced. Sauté these aromatics for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and wonderfully fragrant, filling your kitchen with a delicious smell.
- Step 2: Now, stir in the 4 cups frozen hashbrowns. Cook them for about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to start absorbing those lovely onion and garlic flavors and get just a little bit crispy on the edges. This step is crucial for the texture of your potato soup hashbrowns.
- Step 3: Pour in the 4 cups chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all those tasty bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat slightly so the soup is just bubbling gently. Slowly pour in the 2 cups whole milk, stirring constantly. Keep stirring to ensure the milk incorporates smoothly without the soup separating, creating that signature creamy consistency.
- Step 5: Season generously with salt to taste and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Taste a little bit of the broth and adjust the seasonings as needed. You want it perfectly balanced!
- Step 6: Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir it every so often to make sure everything is cooking evenly and the soup is thickening up nicely. This simmering time really allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Step 7: Add the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and the soup is smooth and gloriously cheesy.
- Step 8: Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup sour cream until it’s fully blended. This adds an extra layer of creaminess and a lovely glossy finish to your creamy potato soup hash browns.
- Step 9: Ladle this amazing potato soup with hash browns into bowls. Garnish with fresh 2 green onions, sliced, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Step 10: Serve your delicious creation warm, perhaps with some crusty bread or your favorite crackers. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Potato Soup Hash Browns
To elevate your potato soup hash browns from good to absolutely unforgettable, I’ve picked up a few tricks. Using frozen hash browns is actually a fantastic shortcut, but for the absolute best potato soup hash browns, I sometimes like to crisp them up a bit more in the pan before adding the liquids. This ensures they hold their texture even after simmering. Another tip for that perfect creamy texture? Don’t let the soup boil vigorously after adding the milk; a gentle simmer is key to preventing separation. Finally, always taste and adjust your seasonings right at the end – that’s where the magic happens!
What’s the secret to perfect potato soup hash browns?
The real secret to perfect potato soup hash browns lies in building layers of flavor from the start and not overcooking the hash browns once they’re in the soup. A gentle simmer after adding the milk and cheese is crucial for that creamy, smooth finish every time.
Can I make potato soup hash browns ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the soup base (up to adding the milk and cheese) a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop, add the milk and cheese, and finish as directed. This is a great way to save time! For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out these cold lunch ideas for adults.
How do I avoid common mistakes with potato soup hash browns?
A common pitfall is boiling the soup after adding milk, which can cause it to separate. Always keep the heat on a gentle simmer. Also, avoid over-stirring once the cheese is in; this can make the soup gummy. Just stir until melted.
Best Ways to Serve Potato Soup Hash Browns
This hearty potato soup hash browns is so satisfying on its own, but I love pairing it with a few things to make it a complete meal. For a classic comfort food experience, serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread or warm, soft dinner rolls. These are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth. If you’re looking for a lighter complement, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice fresh contrast to the creamy soup. And for an extra touch of deliciousness, consider a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar as a potato soup hash brown topping. It really takes the dish to the next level!
Nutrition Facts for Potato Soup Hash Browns
This comforting bowl of potato soup hash browns offers a satisfying meal. Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings):
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy eating tips, consider these foods you should eat less of.
How to Store and Reheat Potato Soup Hash Browns
Properly storing and reheating your delicious potato soup hash browns ensures you can enjoy this hearty meal later. Once the soup has cooled slightly, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. For the best quality, I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. You can keep this soup in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. It makes for fantastic lunches throughout the week! If you want to store it for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled soup tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers; it should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. These potato soup hash brown ideas for storage are perfect for busy schedules.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of easy options. On the stovetop, gently warm the soup over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely to prevent splatters, and heating in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Soup Hash Browns
What is potato soup with hash browns?
What is potato soup with hash browns? It’s a wonderfully comforting and hearty soup where the traditional tender potato chunks are complemented by the addition of crispy, flavorful hash browns. It creates a unique texture and a more robust flavor profile than classic potato soup. It’s a delicious twist that makes for a truly satisfying meal!
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen for my potato soup hash browns?
You absolutely can! If you prefer, you can make your own hash browns from fresh potatoes. Just shred them and rinse them well to remove excess starch, then pat them thoroughly dry before adding them to the pot. This ensures they crisp up nicely and don’t make the soup too starchy. For more hashbrown ideas, explore this recipe.
How do I make my potato soup hash browns extra creamy?
For an extra creamy texture in your potato soup hash browns, ensure you don’t boil the soup after adding the milk and cheese. Keep it at a gentle simmer. Stirring in a bit of sour cream or heavy cream right at the end also adds a luxurious richness. You might also consider adding a little more shredded cheese or a touch of cream cheese for ultimate creaminess.
What can I serve with this potato soup hash brown recipe?
This hash brown potato soup recipe is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Crusty bread, garlic rolls, or even a simple side salad with a zesty dressing are perfect accompaniments. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich or some crispy bacon bits as a topping. You might also enjoy these ham and cheddar crescent roll-ups.
Variations of Potato Soup Hash Browns You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic hash brown potato soup recipe, you’ll discover so many exciting ways to customize it! For a vegetarian delight, simply swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and use a plant-based milk and butter. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, consider adding some shredded cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits into the soup itself for an extra protein boost. Want to experiment with different cooking methods? You can try baking this as a potato soup hash brown casserole by transferring the finished soup to a baking dish, topping it with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and baking until golden and bubbly. These potato soup variations hash browns offer endless possibilities for delicious customization!
Potato Soup Hashbrowns: Amazing 10-Step Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of potato soup featuring tender potatoes and crispy hashbrowns. This creamy soup is easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen hashbrowns
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the frozen hashbrowns. Cook for several minutes until they begin to absorb flavor and lightly crisp.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat slightly and add milk. Stir continuously to create a creamy consistency without the soup separating.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and thickening.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted, creating a smooth texture.
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the sour cream until well blended and the soup has a glossy appearance.
- Ladle the potato soup with hashbrowns into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve warm with bread or crackers.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add shredded chicken or bacon for extra protein.
- For a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of flour with the onions and garlic.
- Consider adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicier flavor.
- Substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: potato soup hashbrowns, hash brown potato soup, creamy potato soup hash browns, easy potato soup hash browns, homemade potato soup hash browns, cheesy potato soup hash browns, hearty potato soup hash browns
