This Crockpot Hashbrown Potato Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl. With a rich, creamy texture and the perfect balance of cheese, bacon, and tender potatoes, this soup is sure to become a household favorite. The best part? It requires minimal effort just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic! Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a starter, the warm, velvety goodness will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy this easy, satisfying meal with family and friends!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 30 oz. frozen diced or shredded hash browns
- 32 oz. chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 5 oz. bacon bits (or real bacon pieces)
- 1 block (8 oz.) cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Green onions, ham, or additional bacon for topping
- Optional: Milk to thin the soup if needed
Directions:
- Add the frozen hash browns to the Crock Pot.
- Stir in the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and half of the bacon bits.
- Cook on low for at least 7 hours, up to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- About an hour before serving, add the cream cheese to the slow cooker.
- Stir occasionally in the last hour to help incorporate the cream cheese.
- Once the cream cheese is fully mixed in, the soup is ready to serve.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, remaining bacon bits, and optional toppings.
- If necessary, thin the soup with a little milk to reach desired consistency.
- Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes Kcal: 312 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why This Soup is a Must-Try
There are plenty of potato soup recipes out there, but this one stands out because of its simplicity and rich, indulgent taste. Traditional potato soups often require peeling, chopping, and boiling fresh potatoes, which can take time and effort. This recipe eliminates that step by using frozen hashbrowns, cutting down on prep work without sacrificing flavor.
Another reason this soup is a winner? It’s a true dump-and-go meal. You simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. By the time you’re ready to eat, you’ll have a steaming pot of creamy potato soup waiting for you.
The Secret to a Rich and Creamy Texture
The key to getting that luxurious, velvety texture in this soup lies in the combination of ingredients. The cream of chicken soup adds thickness and depth, while the cream cheese gives it a silky consistency. Using shredded cheddar cheese at the end brings everything together, creating a creamy, cheesy base that makes each bite irresistible.
If you like your soup extra thick and hearty, you can let it cook a little longer, allowing the potatoes to break down further. On the other hand, if you prefer a thinner soup, adding a bit of milk or extra broth can easily adjust the consistency to your liking.
Flavor Enhancements and Variations
One of the best things about this Crockpot Hashbrown Potato Soup is how customizable it is. Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe based on your preferences:
- Add More Protein: While the bacon bits give the soup a delicious smoky flavor, you can also add ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked sausage for extra protein.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken.
- Extra Veggies: You can stir in corn, diced carrots, celery, or peas to add more color, texture, and nutrients.
- Garnishes Galore: The toppings take this soup to the next level! Consider adding green onions, extra crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, or even croutons for added crunch.
Why a Crockpot is the Best Choice for This Recipe
Using a slow cooker is the perfect method for making potato soup because it allows the flavors to fully develop while keeping the potatoes tender. Unlike stovetop cooking, where you have to constantly stir and monitor the pot, a Crockpot does all the work for you.
Here are some benefits of making this soup in a slow cooker:
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just dump in the ingredients and walk away!
- Even Cooking: The slow, steady heat ensures the flavors blend perfectly.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- No Babysitting Required: Unlike stovetop soups that may need frequent stirring, this one practically cooks itself.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty and creamy soup is satisfying on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with the perfect side dish. Here are some ideas:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich, cheesy soup.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that’s perfect for dunking!
- Biscuits or Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery bread complements the creaminess of the soup.
- Crackers or Cornbread: Adds a delightful crunch and texture contrast.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This Crockpot Hashbrown Potato Soup is perfect for meal prepping because it stores well in the fridge or freezer.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier!
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, but be aware that dairy-based soups may slightly change in texture after thawing. Stir well when reheating to bring back the creamy consistency.
- Reheating: Warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, just add a little broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s kid-friendly and family-approved. The creamy, cheesy texture makes it appealing to even picky eaters, and the smoky bacon adds a savory touch that everyone loves. Plus, since it’s so easy to prepare, it’s a go-to meal for busy parents who want to put a comforting, home-cooked dish on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
This soup is also perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or looking for an easy meal to serve at a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a warm, cozy, and ridiculously easy soup recipe, this Crockpot Hashbrown Potato Soup is the answer. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This recipe is a true time-saver, making it ideal for busy families, meal prep enthusiasts, and anyone who loves comfort food with minimal effort. Whether you enjoy it as a weeknight dinner, a winter treat, or a make-ahead meal, one thing is certain this soup will quickly become a staple in your home.