Name: Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American / Cozy Comfort
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1 (30–32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (not thawed); ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp black pepper; Salt to taste; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter); 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; Extra cheese; Sliced green onions; Crumbled bacon

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If you’re craving something that wraps you up in warmth and comfort, this Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what your soul needs. Imagine silky creamy broth swirling with tender, shredded hash browns, a bounty of savory herbs, and melty cheddar cheese creating layers of flavor that feel like a cozy hug in every spoonful. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses frozen hash browns, so you get all the charm of a homemade soup with barely any prep stress. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy day, this recipe brings comfort and simplicity to your table in one delightful bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several containers arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each holding a different ingredient. At the top left, there is a small white bowl filled with white granulated sugar next to a white bowl with a creamy beige mixture. To the right, a glass jar contains crunchy, crushed red bits. Below these, a large white bowl is filled with white mini marshmallows. In front of this is a smaller glass container holding white cubes of butter. To the left, a transparent measuring cup contains white milk, and next to it, a white bowl is filled with shredded orange cheese. At the bottom right, a glass pitcher contains brown liquid. All containers have clear textures showing the ingredients inside, set on the smooth white marbled background. The arrangement is tidy and all items are clearly visible, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this delicious Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe just right starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building that perfect taste, texture, and warmth you want from a comforting soup.

2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies with a luscious base.
1 tbsp olive oil: Balances flavor and prevents butter from burning while sautéing.
1 medium onion, finely diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
2 celery stalks, finely diced: Offers a gentle crunch and fresh, aromatic undertones.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with warm, savory notes that awaken the palate.
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Creates a flavorful but gentle liquid base for the soup.
1 (30–32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (not thawed): The star ingredient that brings creamy potato texture without the fuss.
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter): Makes the soup irresistibly creamy and smooth.
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into a rich, cheesy blanket of flavor.
½ tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that lifts the entire dish.
½ tsp dried thyme: Delivers fragrant, earthy notes that round out the flavor.
½ tsp black pepper: Provides a gentle kick and balances the richness.
Salt to taste: Enhances all the other flavors harmoniously.
Optional garnish: extra cheese, sliced green onions, crumbled bacon: Personalize each bowl with your favorites for extra indulgence.

How to Make Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and celery, and let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. This gentle sauté softens the vegetables and unlocks their natural sweetness and aroma, creating a harmonious foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Garlic Goes In

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Garlic works its magic quickly and sets a savory background note that makes every bite more flavorful.

Step 3: Add Broth and Hash Browns

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the frozen shredded hash browns directly from the bag—no thawing needed. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt before stirring everything together. This step builds the heartiness and flavor complexity that defines the soup.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, cover it, and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help break down the potatoes into a creamy consistency. During this slow simmer, the soup thickens naturally as the potatoes soften and release their starch.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts fully and the soup becomes velvety smooth. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if desired—this final touch elevates the richness and flavor balance flawlessly.

How to Serve Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe

The image shows a small white bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes. On top, there is a layer of shredded yellow cheese, scattered evenly across the surface. Small green peas are sprinkled over the cheese, adding spots of bright color. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, and a spoon is visible near the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes turns a simple bowl into a showstopper. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar for cheesiness that oozes with each spoonful, or scatter sliced green onions to add a fresh, mild bite. Crumbled bacon is a game-changer that brings salty crunch and smoky goodness, giving the soup an irresistible finish.

Side Dishes

This luscious soup pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop. A simple garden salad brightens the meal with texture and freshness, while buttery garlic bread offers indulgence and makes the experience even more soulful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or a cozy night in, serve the soup in small bowls or even bread bowls for that extra layer of fun and heartiness. You can also layer grated cheese and crumbled bacon on top and broil for a couple of minutes, turning it into a bubbly, golden masterpiece that’ll wow anyone lucky enough to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors meld even more over time, making it just as delicious the next day. Give it a gentle stir before reheating to redistribute the creamy goodness.

Freezing

Due to the dairy content, freezing is not recommended as the texture can change and become grainy or separate when thawed. To enjoy this soup at its best, it’s better to make fresh batches or store leftovers refrigerated only.

Reheating

Warm your soup over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to keep the creamy texture perfect. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it back to that silky consistency you love.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! You can shred fresh potatoes yourself, but frozen hash browns save a lot of time and deliver great texture consistently. Just be sure to keep them frozen until you’re ready to add them for the best results.

Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon garnish, this Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe becomes completely vegetarian-friendly without losing any of its comforting flavor.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap butter for dairy-free margarine or oil, and use coconut cream or another creamy plant-based alternative instead of heavy cream. For the cheese, a dairy-free cheese substitute works perfectly to keep that cheesy flavor.

How can I make this soup thicker?

For a heartier texture, mash about 1 to 2 cups of the cooked potatoes in the pot after simmering, then stir well. This releases more starch and gives you a chowder-style richness that’s super satisfying.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes! Finely diced carrots or bell peppers sautéed with the onions add wonderful sweetness and crunch. You could also toss in corn or peas near the end of cooking for extra color and a fresh bite.

Final Thoughts

This Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels decadent but comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender potatoes that bring happiness with every spoonful. I encourage you to try it for your next cozy meal and watch how quickly it becomes your go-to comfort food. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!