Description
Warm up with this creamy hash brown potato soup! An easy, comforting recipe perfect for cozy dinners. Customize with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen hash browns (diced or shredded)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for extra flavor)
- Optional Add-Ins and Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy version)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, for added flavor)
- Chopped chives or green onions (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for garnish)
- Additional black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Begin by heating a tablespoon of butter or oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Hash Browns and Broth: Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the frozen hash browns to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Once the soup comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The hash browns will begin to break down and thicken the soup as they cook.
- Add the Cream and Seasonings: After the soup has simmered and thickened, stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using). Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Optional: Blend the Soup: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer some of the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids—work in batches and allow the steam to escape.
- Add Optional Ingredients: For a richer flavor, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated. If you’re adding bacon, stir in the crumbled bacon at this stage as well.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives, green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or additional cheese and bacon if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Notes
- Customize the Creaminess: Adjust the creaminess of the soup to your preference by using heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a mix of milk and cream. For a lighter version, you can use evaporated milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
- Add Extra Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, consider stirring in a handful of shredded cheese, a splash of hot sauce, or a pinch of smoked paprika. You can also mix in cooked bacon or ham for a heartier version.
- Garnish Wisely: Garnishing with fresh herbs like chives or parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor contrast to the rich soup. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon can also elevate the dish.