Who doesn’t love a hearty bowl of loaded potato soup? It’s comfort food at its finest-rich, creamy, and packed with flavors that warm the soul. What sets this recipe apart is the inclusion of hash browns-yes, you heard that right. Hash browns! The crispy, golden, and slightly crispy texture adds a unique twist to the traditional potato soup, making it even more indulgent and filling. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a holiday gathering, or just a craving for a cozy meal, loaded potato soup with hash browns will hit all the right spots. It’s easy to make, and the layers of flavor make it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Now, let’s dive deep into the recipe so you can recreate this masterpiece in your kitchen!
Loaded Potato Soup With Hash Browns Recipe
This is your one-stop-shop for a loaded potato soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The hash browns bring in a wonderful texture, while the cream, cheese, and bacon make everything decadent. Best part? You can easily adjust the seasonings to fit your taste.
Ingredients Needed
- 4 cups hash browns (frozen or freshly grated)
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives, for garnish
- Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a little extra heat
Cooking Instructions
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Cook The Bacon
Start by crisping up your bacon. Cook it in a skillet until it’s nice and crispy, then set it aside to drain on a paper towel. Once cooled, crumble it up into small pieces.
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Sauté The Onions And Garlic
In a large pot, add a bit of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent, and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing.
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Add The Potatoes And Broth
Now, add the diced potatoes and frozen hash browns to the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring that the potatoes are fully submerged. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Add The Cream And Cheese
Once the potatoes are nice and soft, stir in the heavy cream and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne or paprika.
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Finish It Off
Stir in the sour cream and the crumbled bacon. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors. You want the soup to be thick and creamy, with chunks of potato still holding their shape.
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Serve And Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of chives, and any extra bacon if you’re feeling indulgent. You can even drizzle a bit more sour cream on top for that extra creamy goodness.
Ingredient Insights
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Hash Browns
Frozen hash browns are a huge time-saver here, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can grate your own fresh potatoes. The key is to ensure they’re cooked enough so they provide a crispy, slightly browned texture within the soup. You want to strike that balance between crispy and creamy.
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Potatoes
Russet potatoes are the best choice for this recipe because of their starchy texture. This starchy quality helps thicken the soup naturally, giving it that creamy consistency without the need for extra flour or thickening agents.
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Bacon
Bacon is the star of the show when it comes to adding flavor. The salty, savory bites elevate the creamy soup, making it even more addictive. You can swap out the bacon for turkey bacon if you’re looking for a leaner alternative, but the taste will not be quite as rich.
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Heavy Cream
Heavy cream brings a luxurious texture to the soup, making it rich and velvety. You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter option, but trust me-heavy cream is what takes this soup from good to gourmet.
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Sour Cream
The sour cream adds a tangy contrast to the richness of the soup. It also helps balance out the creamy texture and adds depth to the flavor.
Expert Tips
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Don’t Rush The Potatoes
The key to the best-loaded potato soup is to cook the potatoes long enough to get tender but not mushy. You want those beautiful chunks of potato to stand out in the soup. Be patient when simmering, and don’t skip the step where you let the potatoes cook in the broth until they’re perfectly tender.
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Balance The Texture
If you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. This will give the soup a creamy base while still maintaining some chunky potato goodness. For a thicker soup, simmer it longer to let some of the liquid evaporate.
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Make It Ahead
This soup actually tastes better the next day! All the flavors have time to meld, and the soup thickens up. You can easily make it ahead and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
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Vegan Version
Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and use vegetable broth. You can also replace the bacon with crispy tofu or tempeh to still get a salty, crunchy topping.
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Spicy Version
Add diced jalapeños or green chilies to the soup for some heat. You can also sprinkle in some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to kick things up a notch.
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Cheese Lovers
If you love cheese (who doesn’t?), try mixing in a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or even pepper jack for a smoky, spicy twist.
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Loaded Potato Skin Soup
If you love the crispy skins of baked potatoes, leave the skins on your potatoes when dicing them. This will add an extra element of texture to the soup and give it that "loaded potato skin" feel.
Final Words
This loaded potato soup with hash browns is truly a game-changer. It combines all the best elements of comfort food-potatoes, cheese, bacon, and cream-into one big, satisfying bowl. Whether you’re looking for a filling meal for the family or a dish to impress guests, this soup has everything you need to make a lasting impression.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients In A Loaded Potato Soup With Hash Browns Recipe?
The main ingredients typically include hash browns, potatoes, chicken broth, milk or cream, butter, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Can I Use Frozen Hash Browns For This Recipe?
Yes, frozen hash browns work perfectly for this recipe. They are convenient and add a great texture to the soup without needing to peel or chop fresh potatoes.
How Can I Thicken My Loaded Potato Soup?
To thicken your soup, you can use ingredients like heavy cream, a flour slurry, or cornstarch mixed with water. You could also mash some of the potatoes or hash browns directly into the soup to naturally thicken it.
Is It Possible To Make This Soup Dairy-free?
Yes, you can make the soup dairy-free by using dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk or coconut milk for the cream base, and non-dairy cheese options. For the bacon, use a plant-based substitute or omit it.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Loaded Potato Soup With Hash Browns?
The cooking time for this soup is typically about 30-40 minutes, depending on whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or using a slow cooker. This includes the time for the ingredients to soften and the flavors to blend together.
Can I Use Russet Potatoes Instead Of Hash Browns?
While you can use russet potatoes, hash browns are preferred because they save time and give the soup a smoother texture. If using russets, peel and cube them before adding to the soup, and be sure to cook them thoroughly.
What Toppings Can I Use For Loaded Potato Soup With Hash Browns?
Common toppings include crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, chives, and extra shredded cheese. You can also add a drizzle of heavy cream for extra richness.
Can I Make This Soup In Advance?
Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra milk or broth if it thickens too much.
What’s The Best Way To Freeze Loaded Potato Soup With Hash Browns?
To freeze, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. When reheating, you may need to add a little liquid as the soup may thicken during freezing.
How Do I Make This Soup Spicier?
To add heat, you can include ingredients like diced jalapeños, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even spicy sausage in the soup. Adjust the seasoning to your preferred spice level.