If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting dishes, you’ll love this ultra-easy Potato Soup recipe. With minimal ingredients and just a few steps, you can enjoy a creamy, flavorful soup that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you use a crockpot or the stovetop, this recipe is designed for convenience without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag frozen diced hash browns
- 1 (32 oz) can chicken broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 package cream cheese
- 5 oz real bacon pieces
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Crockpot Method:
- Combine Ingredients: In your crockpot, add the frozen hash browns, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese. Stir until combined.
- Cook: Set the crockpot to high and cook for 3-4 hours. This will allow the ingredients to meld together and the cream cheese to melt smoothly.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the real bacon pieces and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
- Season: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Stovetop Method:
- Prepare Ingredients: If the hash browns are partially thawed, add them to a large pot along with the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese.
- Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer until the hash browns are fully cooked and the cream cheese is melted.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Stir in the bacon pieces and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Season: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish: Enhance the flavor and presentation of your potato soup with a sprinkle of chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of crispy bacon bits. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives also add a pop of color and freshness.
- Accompaniments: Serve the soup with crusty bread, rolls, or crackers for a satisfying meal. A simple side salad can also complement the soup well.
- Temperature: Enjoy the soup warm. If you’ve refrigerated or frozen it, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, leaving some room for expansion. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens too much after freezing, add a little chicken broth or milk to reach the desired consistency.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your potato soup remains delicious and convenient for future meals.
Variations:
- Loaded Potato Soup:
- Ingredients: Top your soup with additional toppings like shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded version reminiscent of a classic baked potato.
- Cheesy Potato Soup:
- Ingredients: Incorporate 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack cheese into the soup for a rich and creamy cheesy flavor.
- Spicy Potato Soup:
- Ingredients: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some chopped jalapeños to give your soup a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Potato Soup:
- Ingredients: Enhance the soup with additional vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or corn. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the soup.
- Creamy Potato Soup:
- Ingredients: For a creamier texture, replace the cream cheese with 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. You can also blend a portion of the soup to make it smoother.
- Herbed Potato Soup:
- Ingredients: Add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or dill to the soup for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh parsley or chives make excellent garnishes.
- Bacon and Cheddar Potato Soup:
- Ingredients: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. You can also use bacon grease for added flavor when cooking the soup base.
- Chicken Potato Soup:
- Ingredients: Add diced cooked chicken for extra protein and a heartier meal. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Vegan Potato Soup:
- Ingredients: Use vegetable broth, replace the cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut milk, and omit bacon. You can use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor.
- Southwestern Potato Soup:
- Ingredients: Stir in ingredients like black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a sprinkle of cumin and paprika for a Southwestern flair.
These variations allow you to customize your potato soup to fit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a versatile and satisfying dish.
FAQs:
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
- Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Peel and dice them, then cook them until tender before adding them to the soup. You may need to adjust the cooking time.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- Can I freeze the soup?
- Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
- How can I make this soup vegetarian?
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon pieces. You can add extra vegetables or use a vegetarian cheese substitute for a richer flavor.
- What can I use instead of cream cheese?
- You can substitute the cream cheese with heavy cream, half-and-half, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a creamy texture.
- Can I add more flavor to the soup?
- Yes, you can enhance the flavor by adding herbs and spices like garlic, thyme, rosemary, or paprika. You can also sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the soup for extra depth.
- What if I don’t have a crockpot?
- You can make this soup on the stovetop. Simply cook the ingredients in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, feel free to use any cheese you like. Cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses work well in this soup.
- How can I make this soup spicy?
- Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the soup to give it a spicy kick. Adjust to taste.
- Can I use a different type of broth?
- Yes, you can use vegetable broth, beef broth, or any other type of broth you prefer. Just be aware that it will alter the flavor of the soup slightly.
These FAQs should cover the most common questions about making and customizing this easy potato soup recipe!
This Potato Soup recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With its simple preparation and rich, comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you opt for the crockpot or stovetop method, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy a bowl of this creamy, cheesy goodness that’s as easy as it is delicious!