Why Make This Recipe
This easy potato soup recipe is perfect for anyone who loves simple and hearty meals. It uses everyday ingredients and comes together in a snap, making it a great weeknight option or a cozy weekend treat. Plus, cooking it in a crockpot means you can set it and forget it while you go about your day. Perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a warm meal with little effort!
How to Make Easy Potato Soup
Making easy potato soup is incredibly simple! With just a few steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that warms your heart.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups hash browns (frozen or fresh)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or bacon bits for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Start by adding the hash browns to your crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until well combined.
- Pour this mixture over the hash browns in the crockpot.
- Add the chicken broth to the crockpot, stirring gently to combine everything.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Half an hour before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese if you like a cheesy flavor.
- Once cooked, serve hot, garnished with green onions or bacon bits, if desired.
How to Serve Easy Potato Soup
Serve this potato soup warm in bowls. You can top it with additional shredded cheese, green onions, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture. Pair it with some crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Easy Potato Soup
If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to two months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Easy Potato Soup
- To make the soup thicker, blend a portion of it with an immersion blender or regular blender and then mix it back.
- Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder or thyme for added flavor.
- You can substitute vegetarian broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Variation
Feel free to add other vegetables, like corn or carrots, for more flavor and nutrition. You could also substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different taste.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns? Yes, you can peel and cube fresh potatoes. They will need longer to cook.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? As long as you use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, the soup can be made gluten-free.
- How can I make this soup vegan? Substitute cream cheese and chicken broth with plant-based alternatives, and use a vegan cream of soup.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack.
- Can I cook this soup on the stovetop instead? Yes, just combine all ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender.
- How do I make the soup spicier? Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Can I add meat to this soup? Yes, cooked chicken or ham can be added for extra protein.
- What can I do if the soup is too thick? Simply add more chicken broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Easy Potato Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Start by adding the hash browns to your crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and cream of chicken soup until well combined.
- Pour this mixture over the hash browns in the crockpot.
- Add the chicken broth to the crockpot, stirring gently to combine everything.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Half an hour before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
- Once cooked, serve hot, garnished with green onions or bacon bits, if desired.