There’s something magical about the scent of potato soup simmering all day in a crock pot. This article will walk you through my favorite way to make a potato soup crock pot recipe hash browns with all the creamy, cozy flavor you could want. From the story behind the dish to its practical slow-cooker steps, we’ll cover everything, including whether you can use frozen hash browns, whether shredded works best, and what makes the soup even better in the crockpot than on the stove.
Let’s dig into the slow-cooked comfort potato soup crock pot recipe hash browns that’s both lazy and irresistible.
Table of Contents
Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe Hash Browns: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This potato soup crock pot recipe with hash browns is creamy, comforting, and made with simple pantry ingredients. A no-fuss slow cooker meal that’s perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
30 oz. frozen shredded hash browns
32 oz. chicken broth
10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
½ cup finely diced onion
4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
1 tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, cooked crumbled bacon, chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Load the Crock Pot : Add frozen hash browns, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, onion, salt, garlic powder, thyme, and pepper to a 6-quart crock pot.
2. Mix It Together : Stir gently to combine ingredients.
3. Top with Cream Cheese : Place cubed cream cheese on top of the mixture.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection : Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours.
5. Add the Cream Finish : Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream.
6. Mash for Creaminess : Use a potato masher to break down some of the hash browns for a creamier texture, if desired.
7. Serve and Top It Off : Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
If freezing, leave out the cream and add it after reheating.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Why This Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe Hash Browns Is a Weeknight Win
The lazy-day soup that became my go-to
Hi, I’m Cora. This potato soup crock pot recipe hash browns came from one of those “I-have-nothing-left” kitchen moments. It was cold, I was tired, and all I had was a bag of frozen shredded hash browns and a half-block of cream cheese. I remembered how long my grandma’s potato soup used to take, but I didn’t have that kind of energy.
So, I tossed everything into the slow cooker frozen hash browns, broth, some seasoning, and cream of chicken soup. The result? Creamy, comforting magic. I added a splash of cream at the end and gave it a quick mash. That was it. I knew right away this would be on repeat.
This is why I love sharing this potato soup crock pot recipe hash browns lovers will appreciate. It feels like a slow-cooked classic but takes zero peeling or dicing.
Try pairing this soup with something just as simple, like this shrimp scampi crock pot recipe, and you’ve got a full meal without turning on the stove.
Why frozen hash browns work so well
Shredded hash browns make this potato soup crock pot recipe silky without needing to blend. They soften as they cook, thickening the soup naturally. Just a few pantry staples and six hours later, dinner’s ready and it’s thick, savory, and practically effortless.
How to Make This Creamy Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe Hash Browns
Ingredients that make it rich and simple
This potato soup crock pot recipe hash browns is all about smart shortcuts. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your fridge or pantry:
- 30 oz. frozen shredded hash browns
- 32 oz. chicken broth
- 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream (added near the end)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, chopped green onions
These basics turn into a creamy, hearty soup with no peeling or chopping potatoes. The frozen hash browns do the heavy lifting and melt right into the broth.
For another slow-cooker classic with a quick prep, don’t miss this chicken and dumplings crock pot meal, another comfort favorite on busy weeknights.
Step-by-step: dump, set, forget
- Add frozen hash browns, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, and all seasonings to a 6-quart crock pot.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Place cream cheese cubes on top no need to stir them in yet.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
- Thirty minutes before serving, add in the heavy cream.
- Use a potato masher if you want a smoother texture.
- Serve hot with toppings and enjoy!
This potato soup crock pot recipe hash browns trick makes the soup incredibly creamy without extra thickeners or flour. It’s a comfort dish that practically cooks itself.
Tips and Variations to Make It Your Own
Make this potato soup crock pot recipe hash browns your way
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you like it thicker, cheesier, or even vegetarian, there’s a variation for you. Want it extra creamy? Swap half the chicken broth for whole milk or use all cream. Want it lighter? Use low-fat cream cheese and skip the heavy cream altogether.
For a smoky twist, add a few dashes of smoked paprika. If you’re a fan of spice, a little cayenne or chopped jalapeño goes a long way. You could even stir in cooked sausage or diced ham in the last hour for a heartier meal.
The texture is easy to adjust. Use a potato masher to break down the hash browns into a smoother consistency or leave them mostly whole for a more rustic feel. That’s the beauty of this simple crock pot meal it adapts to what you love.
Looking for more soups that lean on smart shortcuts? Try our easy slow cooker chili that uses canned beans and crushed tomatoes for a no-fuss dinner.
Storage and leftovers that taste even better
This potato soup crock pot recipe hash browns holds up beautifully for leftovers. Store any remaining soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, mix in a splash of milk or broth to loosen the texture as it thickens after chilling.
If you want to freeze it, skip the cream until after reheating. The dairy can sometimes separate after freezing, but adding it fresh brings the soup right back to life.
It’s a recipe that keeps on giving perfect for meal prepping or cozy next-day lunches.
Final thoughts on this Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe Hash Browns
This potato soup crock pot recipe hash browns is comfort food made easy. It’s the kind of meal that asks so little but gives so much warmth, flavor, and leftovers worth looking forward to. With just a few ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker, you can bring that cozy, creamy magic to your table any night of the week.
If this soup hits the spot, check out our full collection of easy crock pot recipes to keep the inspiration coming.
FAQs: Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe Hash Browns
Can you cook potato soup with shredded hash browns in a crock pot?
Yes! That’s the secret behind this entire recipe. Shredded hash browns break down slowly, giving the soup a naturally thick and creamy texture. No peeling or dicing needed. Just dump, cook, and enjoy.
Is it possible to put frozen hash browns in a crockpot?
Absolutely. This recipe was built around that idea. Using frozen hash browns makes prep fast and keeps the soup cooking evenly. There’s no need to thaw them before adding to the crock pot.
Can you use hash browns in potato soup?
Yes, and they work beautifully. Whether shredded or diced, hash browns are a great shortcut for any potato soup. They cook down into the broth, creating a velvety texture that’s hard to beat.
Is soup better in the crockpot or the stove?
It depends on your schedule. Stove-top soups cook faster, but the crock pot gives flavors more time to develop. For this dish, the crock pot wins low and slow cooking lets the hash browns melt into the broth perfectly.