Potato soup is one of those comfort foods that never fails to warm you up, both physically and emotionally. It’s hearty, creamy, and filled with that perfect balance of flavors that make you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket. But what if you could make this classic soup even easier and faster without compromising on taste or texture? Enter Potato Soup with Frozen Hash Browns and Cream Cheese.
This recipe takes advantage of frozen hash browns, which not only save you time but also bring an unexpected creaminess and texture that’s absolutely delightful. The addition of cream cheese makes the soup velvety and rich, giving it that perfect, indulgent flavor.
Whether you’re cooking on a busy weeknight or preparing a cozy dinner for a chill evening, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this delicious, time-saving soup!
Potato Soup With Frozen Hash Browns And Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Ingredients Needed
To create this creamy, comforting soup, here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need. You might already have most of them in your kitchen!
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Frozen Hash Browns (about 1 bag or 4 cups)
- This is the star ingredient that makes this recipe fast, yet so satisfying. Frozen hash browns give your soup both a quick-cook time and a hearty texture. You don’t have to peel or chop potatoes-you’re already halfway there.
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Cream Cheese (8 oz, cubed)
- The creamy richness of cream cheese is what elevates this soup. It gives the soup an almost velvety texture and a tangy undertone that’s hard to resist.
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Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4 cups)
- A flavorful base that infuses the soup with savory depth. You can use whichever broth you prefer, but chicken broth is usually the most popular for its rich, umami flavor.
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Milk (1 cup)
- The milk adds creaminess, balancing out the tanginess of the cream cheese and thickening the soup to a rich, luscious consistency.
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Onion (1 small, chopped)
- A little bit of onion adds a subtle sweetness and complexity. It pairs beautifully with the creamy base and helps cut through the richness of the cream cheese.
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Garlic Cloves (2, minced)
- Garlic adds a fragrant punch of flavor that deepens the overall taste of the soup. It works beautifully alongside the potatoes and cream cheese.
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Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Always season to taste! Salt brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, and pepper adds just the right amount of kick.
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Cheddar Cheese (shredded, optional, for garnish)
- For an extra layer of flavor, shredded cheddar cheese adds a cheesy finish that melts perfectly over the top. It’s totally optional but highly recommended.
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Bacon (optional)
- Bacon bits make a great topping! They provide a crisp, salty contrast to the creamy soup and elevate the entire dish. But don’t worry, the soup is already amazing without it.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s walk through the process step-by-step. Trust me, it’s incredibly easy and super quick.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt.
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Add The Hash Browns
- Dump the frozen hash browns into the pot with the onions and garlic. No need to thaw them! Stir them around for a minute or two to let them get coated with the flavors.
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Pour In The Broth And Milk
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth and milk to the pot. Stir well, making sure everything is combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the hash browns to soften and thicken the soup. You can use a potato masher to lightly mash the hash browns if you want a smoother texture.
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Add The Cream Cheese
- Once the soup is simmering and the hash browns are soft, stir in the cubed cream cheese. Let it melt into the soup, creating a luscious and creamy texture. This will take about 5 minutes. Stir often to make sure the cream cheese melts evenly.
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Season To Taste
- Add salt and pepper to taste. This is when you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can also add some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary if you want to boost the flavor a bit more.
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Optional Toppings
- Once the soup is thickened and creamy, serve it up in bowls. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Ingredient Insights
Here’s a deeper look at some of the key ingredients in this recipe:
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Frozen Hash Browns
- Why frozen hash browns? Because they are pre-cut, and you don’t need to worry about peeling, chopping, or cooking potatoes. They also release a bit of starch, which helps thicken the soup without needing any additional thickeners like flour or cornstarch.
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Cream Cheese
- Cream cheese adds more than just creaminess-it provides a slight tanginess that balances the richness of the potatoes and broth. You could use heavy cream for an even richer taste, but cream cheese gives a unique flavor that makes this soup stand out.
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Milk Vs. Heavy Cream
- Milk is the base for a creamy soup without being overly heavy. However, you could swap in half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer, more luxurious finish. Just keep in mind that heavy cream will make the soup a bit richer, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Expert Tips
To get the most out of this recipe, here are some pro tips that will take your potato soup game to the next level:
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Thickening The Soup
- If you like your soup thicker, consider lightly mashing the hash browns as they cook. You can also use a stick blender to puree the soup for a smoother consistency.
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Adjusting Flavor
- If you like your soup a bit more herby, try adding some dried thyme, rosemary, or even a bit of parsley to bring a fresh, fragrant lift to the dish. You can also add a splash of white wine or vinegar to enhance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
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Extra Creaminess
- If you’re craving even more creaminess, swap some of the milk for heavy cream or add a few more ounces of cream cheese. You can also stir in a handful of shredded cheese while cooking for a cheesy flavor throughout.
Recipe Variations
One of the best parts about this potato soup is how versatile it is. Here are some variations you can try:
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Vegetarian Version
- Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like carrots, celery, or leeks for more depth and texture.
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Spicy Potato Soup
- For a bit of a kick, stir in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle in some chili flakes. If you like it really spicy, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
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Loaded Potato Soup
- Add all your favorite ’loaded potato’ toppings: crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives. You can even toss in some cooked chicken for extra protein.
Final Words
This potato soup recipe with frozen hash browns and cream cheese is a total game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. The combination of creamy broth, tender hash browns, and the tangy richness of cream cheese makes this soup irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile-feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients and make it your own!
FAQs
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead Of Frozen Hash Browns In This Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. However, frozen hash browns save time since they are already shredded and partially cooked, which may give your soup a smoother texture. If using fresh potatoes, peel, chop, and cook them until tender before adding them to the soup.
How Can I Make The Soup Thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup, add a slurry of cornstarch and water, or stir in more cream cheese. For an even thicker texture, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.
Can I Substitute Cream Cheese With A Lighter Alternative?
Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or sour cream to reduce calories. However, the flavor and texture may change slightly.
What Kind Of Broth Is Best For Potato Soup?
Chicken broth or vegetable broth works best for potato soup, as they provide a savory base. You can also use low-sodium broth to control the salt content in the soup.
Can I Freeze Potato Soup With Hash Browns And Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze potato soup. However, the texture may change slightly when reheating due to the cream cheese and potatoes. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove and add extra liquid if needed.
How Long Does It Take To Make Potato Soup With Frozen Hash Browns And Cream Cheese?
This potato soup recipe typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes to prepare, including the time needed to cook the hash browns and let the soup simmer. Using frozen hash browns speeds up the process.
Can I Make This Recipe In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make potato soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all ingredients (except cream cheese) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cream cheese in the last 30 minutes to melt and blend it into the soup.
What Toppings Can I Add To Potato Soup With Frozen Hash Browns And Cream Cheese?
You can top the soup with a variety of ingredients such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, or croutons. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also enhance the flavor.
Can I Make This Potato Soup Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make the soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skipping any bacon or other meat-based toppings. The soup will still be flavorful and hearty.
Can I Make This Potato Soup Spicier?
Yes, to add spice to the soup, you can incorporate ingredients like diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice level according to your personal preference.