If you’re in search of a simple yet delicious comfort meal, this 4 ingredient potato soup with frozen hash browns is here to save the day. Creamy, hearty, and ridiculously easy, this recipe delivers all the warm flavors you crave with minimal effort.
Why Use Frozen Hash Browns in 4 Ingredient Potato Soup?
Sometimes, chopping up potatoes can feel like a lot of work, especially on a busy day. This is where frozen hash browns come in handy. They not only save time but also make this 4 ingredient potato soup even creamier, as the small potato shreds cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors of the broth. As a result, with frozen hash browns, you’ll be enjoying a comforting bowl of soup in no time.
Using frozen hash browns can save time and effort in cooking, as described here. Additionally, it results in a creamy consistency that can be difficult to achieve with large potato chunks unless you blend them. Therefore, this method is both convenient and effective.
Ingredients for the Best 4 Ingredient Potato Soup with Frozen Hash Browns
You don’t need a lot to create a big pot of comforting goodness. Here are the four key ingredients you’ll need:
- Frozen Hash Browns – The star of this recipe, providing the base and all the starchy goodness you need for a creamy soup.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth – Forms the flavorful base for the soup. You can use vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Onion – Adds an aromatic, savory depth to the soup.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (or Cream of Mushroom for vegetarians) – This brings in a rich, velvety texture and adds creaminess without needing extra dairy.
These four ingredients work together to create a soup that is rich, satisfying, and so easy to prepare. Additionally, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions for 4 Ingredient Potato Soup with Frozen Hash Browns
1. Sauté the Onion
- In a large pot, add a couple of tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium heat. As soon as it melts, proceed to the next step.
- Add the diced onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent. This should take about 5-6 minutes. During this time, make sure to stir occasionally so that the onion does not burn.
2. Add Broth and Hash Browns
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once it starts to simmer, move on to the next step.
- Add the frozen hash browns directly into the pot. Stir them around so that they start absorbing the warm broth. Therefore, make sure they are evenly distributed.
- Let everything cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the hash browns are tender and breaking down nicely. Meanwhile, keep the heat at a steady medium level.
3. Mix in Cream of Chicken Soup
- Once the hash browns are tender, add the can of cream of chicken soup to the pot.
- Stir everything together until it’s well mixed, and let the soup continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes. As a result, the flavors will meld together beautifully. Make sure it’s heated through before proceeding.
4. Season and Serve
- Add salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning gradually to achieve the perfect flavor balance. Finally, serve your soup hot and garnish it with chives, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Potato Soup
- Add Extra Creaminess: You can stir in a little heavy cream or half-and-half before serving to make the soup even richer. Consequently, you will achieve a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Use a Slow Cooker: If you prefer, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the hash browns are tender. Therefore, this is a great option for busy days.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken-based ingredients to make this soup vegetarian-friendly. As a result, it becomes an easy and delicious vegetarian option.
Tasty Variations and Add-Ins
While the basic 4 ingredient potato soup with frozen hash browns is delicious on its own, there are many ways to jazz it up:
- Cheese: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese once the soup is done for an extra cheesy version. Additionally, cheese adds a nice salty balance.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles are a fantastic topping for potato soup, adding a smoky and crunchy element. Furthermore, bacon elevates the flavor profile of the dish.
- Garlic: Adding a couple of minced garlic cloves while sautéing the onion can add an extra layer of flavor. Therefore, garlic lovers should not miss out on this option.
- Green Chilies: For a spicy kick, add a can of diced green chilies to the soup for a little heat. As a result, the soup will have an exciting and bold flavor.
Add-In Ideas for Extra Texture and Flavor
- Corn: Adding frozen or canned corn to your potato soup can bring in an extra layer of sweetness and texture. Simply stir in a cup of corn when adding the hash browns.
- Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach or kale just before serving to add a dose of greens to your meal. This helps boost the nutrient content and adds some beautiful color to the soup. Consequently, it is both healthy and visually appealing.
- Roasted Garlic: Roasted garlic can take the soup’s flavor to the next level. Simply add the roasted garlic cloves when mixing in the cream of chicken soup.
- Ham or Sausage: For an even heartier soup, stir in diced cooked ham or sausage. This adds both protein and extra smoky, savory flavor. Additionally, it turns the soup into a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
This 4 ingredient potato soup with frozen hash browns is a satisfying comfort food. Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 750mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 4g |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Frozen Hash Browns Affect the Texture of the Soup?
Using frozen hash browns makes the soup incredibly creamy without having to blend the soup afterward. Since they are shredded, they break down easily during cooking, creating a luscious, smooth texture. Moreover, they are more convenient and allow you to skip several steps compared to using fresh potatoes.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.
Is This Soup Freezer-Friendly?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove.
Can I Add Fresh Vegetables?
Certainly! Adding vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers can make this soup more nutritious. Sauté them with the onion for a flavor boost, and you will end up with a heartier soup.
Can I Substitute Frozen Hash Browns for Fresh Potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute frozen hash browns for fresh potatoes. If you prefer to use fresh potatoes, simply peel and shred them before adding them to the soup. However, using frozen hash browns saves time and effort since they are already prepped.
Can You Cook Hash Browns from Frozen?
Absolutely! Frozen hash browns can be added directly to the soup without any need for thawing. They will cook perfectly in the broth, absorbing the flavors while becoming tender and creamy.
Does Sour Cream Thicken Potato Soup?
Yes, sour cream can help thicken potato soup while adding a nice tangy flavor. Stirring in a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking can provide extra creaminess and a rich texture. Therefore, sour cream is a great addition if you want a thicker, richer soup.
Can You Make Mashed Potatoes from Frozen Hash Browns?
Indeed, you can make mashed potatoes using frozen hash browns. Cook the hash browns thoroughly, then mash them with butter, cream, and seasoning. The resulting mashed potatoes will have a creamy consistency, similar to traditional mashed potatoes.
What to Serve with Potato Soup
Potato soup is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with something else can make for a more well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: The crispy texture of garlic bread is a great contrast to the creamy soup.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup. Additionally, it provides a refreshing crunch.
- Crackers or Rolls: Classic options like saltine crackers or dinner rolls make a great accompaniment to this hearty soup.
Creative Toppings for Potato Soup
Adding toppings to your 4 ingredient potato soup with frozen hash browns can add texture and additional flavors, making it even more enjoyable:
- Chives: Freshly chopped chives add a subtle oniony taste that pairs well with the creaminess of the soup.
- Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the hot soup, making it extra comforting.
- Sour Cream: Adding a spoonful of sour cream gives a nice tang that balances out the richness. Therefore, it adds both flavor and creaminess.
- Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, salty crunch to every bite. Consequently, it enhances the overall flavor.
- Croutons: For extra crunch, top the soup with homemade croutons seasoned with garlic and herbs.
Make it a Complete Meal
While the potato soup can stand alone as a meal, here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it to make it a feast:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Classic grilled cheese is a perfect match for this creamy soup. The crispy, buttery bread and gooey cheese make it a comforting pairing.
- Oven-Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots adds a healthy side that is easy to prepare while the soup simmers. Additionally, the roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Additional Soup Recipes to Try
If you loved this 4 ingredient potato soup with frozen hash browns, you might also enjoy other comforting and simple soup recipes from our collection:
Conclusion
This 4 Ingredient Potato Soup with frozen hash browns is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you just need a quick, no-fuss comfort meal. With minimal prep and ingredients that you probably already have, you can whip up a hearty, creamy soup that warms you from the inside out. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or add your favorite toppings and mix-ins, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Therefore, next time you need a bowl of comfort, grab those hash browns from the freezer and get cooking!
Additionally, this recipe is versatile and easy to adapt, allowing you to be creative with whatever you have on hand. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who also love easy, delicious meals. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
For more amazing recipes, visit Top Tier Recipes and explore a variety of quick and easy meal ideas designed to bring comfort to your kitchen.
