The ultimate weeknight comfort meal is here. This Creamy Hash Brown Potato Soup uses frozen hash browns to deliver a quick, thick, and cheesy soup without the hassle of peeling or chopping. Everything goes into one pot, making it ideal for busy evenings or when you just need something warm and cozy on the table fast.
Rich, hearty, and loved by both kids and adults alike, this soup is full of nostalgic flavors and creamy texture. Add your favorite toppings like crispy bacon or green onions for a personalized bowl of goodness. Whether served solo or with crusty bread, this dish is a cold-weather favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 bag (32 oz) frozen shredded hash browns (no need to thaw)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
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3 cups chicken broth
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1 1/2 cups milk
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, green onions, extra cheese, sour cream
Directions:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, chicken broth, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese has fully melted and the soup begins to simmer.
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Reduce heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
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Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
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Taste and season with salt and pepper.
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Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: ~350 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Creamy Hash Brown Potato Soup – The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Weeknights
When the weather turns chilly or you’re just craving something rich and satisfying, there’s nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of soup. And among the many varieties of soup out there, Creamy Hash Brown Potato Soup stands out for its simplicity, accessibility, and soul-soothing taste. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl hearty, creamy, cheesy, and filled with cozy flavors the entire family will love.
What makes this particular soup so special? It’s not just the creamy texture or cheesy richness although those are major highlights. It’s the fact that it uses frozen hash browns as a base, cutting down on prep time and making it incredibly easy to whip together, even on your busiest days.
Let’s dive into why this soup deserves a place in your meal rotation, how you can tweak it for dietary needs or personal tastes, and how to get the most flavor out of every spoonful.
Why Hash Browns Work So Well in Soup
You might be surprised to see hash browns typically associated with breakfast playing a starring role in a soup. But shredded frozen hash browns are actually a brilliant shortcut for traditional potato soup. Not only do they eliminate the need to peel and chop raw potatoes, but they also break down quickly as the soup simmers, helping to create a naturally thick and hearty base.
The starch from the potatoes releases into the soup, giving it a velvety texture without requiring a roux or flour-based thickener. That makes this soup naturally gluten-free (just be sure to use gluten-free broth and soup ingredients if needed).
Another benefit of using hash browns is how they absorb flavors quickly. Whether it’s the savory depth of chicken broth or the richness of cream cheese, hash browns act like little flavor sponges, creating a spoonful that’s delicious from start to finish.
A One-Pot Wonder With Major Time-Saving Perks
One of the greatest strengths of this soup is its sheer convenience. In a world where weeknights are often chaotic kids’ activities, work deadlines, or simply exhaustion from the day this recipe comes to the rescue with its one-pot simplicity.
There’s no sautéing onions or garlic, no blending hot soup in batches, and no complicated steps. You just dump everything into a pot, stir, and let it simmer. The cream cheese melts slowly into the soup, creating a decadent base, and the cheddar cheese finishes it off with a gooey, savory punch.
Clean-up is minimal too, which is always a win. You’re not juggling multiple pans or sheet trays. It’s a straightforward dish with comforting, down-home flavor that tastes like you spent hours cooking.
Customizations and Toppings: Make It Your Own
Another thing to love about Creamy Hash Brown Potato Soup is its flexibility. While the core recipe is delicious as-is, it also provides the perfect blank canvas for customizing.
Want to add protein? Toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken, browned sausage, or crispy bacon bits right before serving. It instantly turns the soup into a complete, hearty meal.
Looking to boost nutrition? Stir in some finely chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering. These greens wilt beautifully into the soup and balance out the richness with a bit of earthiness.
Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use cream of celery soup in place of the cream of chicken. You’ll still get a flavorful, satisfying soup with a rich, creamy texture.
Craving spice? Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. You could even mix in a small can of diced green chiles for a subtle heat that complements the creaminess.
And then there are the toppings arguably the best part for many. Load up your bowl with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, crumbled bacon, or even crunchy fried onions for texture. Everyone in the family can top their bowl the way they like, making dinner feel a bit more interactive and fun.
What to Serve with Hash Brown Potato Soup
Because the soup is so rich and satisfying on its own, you don’t need much to make it a full meal. Still, a few well-paired sides can really elevate the experience.
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Crusty Bread or Rolls: A warm slice of sourdough or a flaky biscuit is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
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Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
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Roasted Vegetables: If you’re craving a bit more on your plate, serve with a side of roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Leftovers of this soup store wonderfully, which makes it ideal for meal prep or make-ahead dinners. Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the cheese and cream cheese reincorporate smoothly.
Want to freeze it? Yes, it freezes quite well. Let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. Keep in mind that dairy-based soups can sometimes separate slightly after freezing, but a good stir during reheating should restore the creamy texture.
Great for All Seasons, Not Just Winter
Although most people think of potato soup as a cold-weather comfort food, this recipe is just as welcome year-round. It’s light enough to enjoy in spring when served with a fresh salad, and it’s a satisfying dish for fall lunches or early dinners. Plus, because the ingredients are pantry and freezer staples, you can make it even when you haven’t planned ahead.
You won’t need to rush to the store for specialty items. Most likely, you already have what you need sitting in your kitchen, which adds to the appeal of this no-fuss classic.
A Budget-Friendly Meal for the Whole Family
If you’re feeding a family on a budget, Creamy Hash Brown Potato Soup is a smart addition to your meal plan. Frozen hash browns, canned soup, and broth are all low-cost staples, yet they come together to create something deeply satisfying. A single pot can easily serve six generous portions, and it stretches even further if you’re pairing it with sides or a salad.
You can scale it up for batch cooking or double it for a gathering or potluck. It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to all ages even picky eaters often go back for seconds.
Conclusion:
Creamy Hash Brown Potato Soup is more than just a recipe it’s a reminder of how good food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and a single pot, you can create a dish that nourishes both the body and the soul.
It’s fast, flexible, and family-friendly, making it the perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket for those days when dinner needs to be both comforting and convenient. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your household especially when you’re craving warmth, comfort, and something undeniably delicious.