Hash Brown Potato Soup

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Creamy, cozy, and loaded with hearty flavor, this Hash Brown Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl. It brings all the rich, velvety goodness of a baked potato soup, but with the ease of frozen hash browns doing most of the work. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or just craving something indulgent and cheesy, this soup is your go-to.

Each spoonful delivers soft potatoes, savory bits of bacon, and a luscious, cheesy base that feels like a warm hug. Best of all, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s weeknight-friendly, making it a family favorite that tastes like it simmered for hours—even if it only took 30 minutes.

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What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use for Hash Brown Potato Soup?

The beauty of this recipe lies in the convenience: frozen shredded or diced hash browns work perfectly. They soften quickly, saving you the prep of peeling and chopping raw potatoes. Look for plain varieties without added seasoning to keep the flavor profile balanced.

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Ingredients for the Hash Brown Potato Soup

Hash Browns (frozen): These are the soul of the soup, giving it that familiar potato comfort while saving time in the kitchen.

Chicken Broth: Acts as the flavorful base that enhances the potato richness.

Cream Cheese: Adds that signature creamy tang and smooth texture.

Cheddar Cheese: For depth, sharpness, and a melt-in-your-mouth cheesy finish.

Milk: Lightens up the soup and blends everything together.

Onion: Gives the soup a sweet, aromatic background note.

Garlic: A little goes a long way in elevating the overall flavor.

Bacon Bits or Cooked Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and savory bliss.

Salt & Pepper: To season it just right.

Butter: For sautéing and added richness.

Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the soup if needed.

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How To Make the Hash Brown Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 2: Add the Hash Browns and Broth

Pour in the frozen hash browns and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Add the chicken broth, give everything a good stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

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Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. The hash browns will start to break down and thicken the soup naturally.

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Step 4: Stir in the Creamy Goodness

Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Pour in the milk and cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until everything is creamy and smooth.

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Step 5: Season and Adjust

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you’d like a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup.

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Step 6: Finish with Bacon and Serve

Top each bowl with crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of extra cheddar or fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot and enjoy the comfort in every spoonful.

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How to Serve and Store Hash Brown Potato Soup

This soup is best served piping hot with a crusty slice of bread or warm dinner rolls on the side. For extra flair, top it with shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, crispy bacon crumbles, or even a dollop of sour cream.

If you’re planning to serve it for a crowd or holiday dinner, keep it warm in a slow cooker on the lowest setting. It holds beautifully without separating.

For storing, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up if it thickens.

Freezing isn’t recommended due to the cream cheese and dairy content, which can separate and alter texture upon thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of hash browns should I use?

Frozen shredded or diced hash browns both work well. Just be sure they’re plain with no added seasonings.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make it up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your chicken broth and bacon are gluten-free and you use cornstarch to thicken instead of flour.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Add in peas, corn, or diced carrots with the hash browns for extra heartiness and color.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can use sour cream or heavy cream, though the tangy richness of cream cheese is highly recommended for the best flavor.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon or use plant-based bacon alternatives.

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Want More Cozy Soup Ideas?

If this Hash Brown Potato Soup hit the spot, you’ll want to try these other comforting bowl-worthy recipes from the blog:

• Creamy Shrimp Chowder for a seafood twist with indulgent richness.
• Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup when you’re craving exotic, cozy flavors.
• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup that’s perfect for hearty weeknight dinners.
• Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup full of bright Mediterranean flavor.
• Funeral Potatoes if you love cheesy potato comfort baked to golden perfection.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can make it whenever the craving hits.

And when you try it out, come back and let me know how it turned out! Did you stick to the classic, or toss in some extra veggies or spice? I love hearing your personal spins and tips.

You can also follow along on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes where I post daily recipes just like this one.

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