Cheesy Hashbrown Soup

Potatoes. We can’t say enough good things about them because they’re just so good all the time! We love baked potatoes and french fries and gnocchi, but one of our favorite dishes happens to be creamy, cheesy potato soup. But not just any soup. Nope… this hash brown potato soup is absolutely our new favorite. Using store-bought hash browns (or homemade, if you’re really feeling ambitious) and lots and lots of cheese, we end up with a thick soup that warms us up and gets us excited for cold weather…. As summer, heat-loving fanatics, any soup that makes us feel even the slightest bit ready for colder temps is A-OK with us!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Hashbrown Soup is a delightful blend of creamy goodness and cheesy perfection. It’s incredibly easy to make, comforting on a chilly day, and is bound to become a family favorite. You’ll love how the flavors come together with minimal effort, and the convenience of using hash browns means less prep time and more time to savor each spoonful.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Stirring spoon
• Blender (optional, for a smoother texture)
• Serving bowls

Ingredients

• 1 (30 oz.) bag frozen shredded hash browns
• 1 (10 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated, plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Croutons, for garnish
• Crumbled bacon, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth and hash browns. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and onion powder.
3. Season generously with salt and pepper, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes.
4. Add the sour cream and cream cheese, stirring until completely incorporated. You can blend the soup for a smoother texture or leave it chunky.
5. Transfer the soup to serving bowls and top with oregano, croutons, and additional cheese. Crumbled bacon can be added for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the soup to ensure it blends smoothly.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer longer to reduce. For a thinner consistency, add a bit more chicken broth.

Additional Tips and Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken.
• Add a bit of spice with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This soup is rich in calcium and provides a comforting balance of carbohydrates and protein, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns? Yes, you can peel and shred fresh potatoes, but the convenience of frozen hash browns saves time.

Can I freeze the leftovers? This soup can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly once reheated due to the dairy content.

Conclusion

Warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting, this Cheesy Hashbrown Soup is just what you need to embrace the colder months. We invite you to give this recipe a try and share your delicious experiences with us. Whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a cozy gathering with friends, this soup is sure to impress!