Ret Soup
Introduction
Hash Brown Potato Soup
A comforting and creamy soup made with hash browns, perfect for a cozy meal during chilly days. This rich and hearty dish is easy to prepare and packed with delicious flavors.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 500g frozen hash browns
– 1 medium onion, chopped (about 150g)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 10g)
– 1L chicken broth
– 250ml heavy cream
– 250ml whole milk
– 200g shredded cheddar cheese
– 100g cream cheese, softened
– 100g cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter (about 30g)
– 1 tsp salt (about 5g)
– 1/2 tsp black pepper (about 2.5g)
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (about 2.5g)
– 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (about 30g)
– 2 tbsp chopped chives for garnish (about 10g)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Directions
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the frozen hash browns and let them cook for about 10-15 minutes until tender.
3. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, whole milk, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are melted and well combined.
4. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the soup thickens.
6. Add the crumbled bacon and mix well. Remove from heat.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives and additional cheese if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the frozen hash browns and let them cook for about 10-15 minutes until tender.
Step 3: Incorporate Dairy and Cheese
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are melted and well combined.
Step 4: Season the Soup
Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Adjust the seasoning to taste as needed.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the soup thickens.
Step 6: Add Bacon
Add the crumbled bacon to the soup and mix well. Remove the pot from heat.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped chives and additional cheese if desired.
Notes
Freezing and Reheating
You can freeze any leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
Adjusting Creaminess
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or reduce the amount of heavy cream.
Vegetarian Option
To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can add more vegetables such as carrots or celery for added flavor.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as gouda or pepper jack, for a unique flavor twist.
Garnishing Ideas
Consider adding other garnishes such as croutons, avocado slices, or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor and texture.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
If you need to store it for a longer period, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, ensuring to leave some room for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hash Brown Potato Soup with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. It also pairs well with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal. For added texture and flavor, consider topping with croutons, additional crumbled bacon, or a dollop of sour cream.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately:
– Calories: 400
– Total Fat: 25g
– Saturated Fat: 15g
– Cholesterol: 90mg
– Sodium: 800mg
– Carbohydrates: 28g
– Dietary Fiber: 2g
– Sugars: 3g
– Protein: 12g
Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.
Ingredient Substitutions
– **Hash Browns**: Freshly grated potatoes can be used in place of frozen hash browns; just cook them until tender.
– **Chicken Broth**: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative.
– **Heavy Cream**: For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less creamy.
– **Whole Milk**: Almond milk or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
– **Cheddar Cheese**: Any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda, can be substituted.
– **Cream Cheese**: Cottage cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese can be used instead.
– **Bacon**: Turkey bacon or mushrooms can replace bacon for a healthier or vegetarian option.
– **Chives**: Green onions or parsley can be used for garnish if chives are unavailable.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing the onion and garlic in butter helps to release their flavors and aroma, forming a flavorful base for the soup.
Simmering
Simmering the hash browns in chicken broth allows them to soften and absorb the flavors from the broth, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
Melting Cheese
Lowering the heat and incorporating heavy cream, milk, and cheese ensures a creamy texture. Stirring continuously prevents scorching and helps in achieving a smooth consistency.
Thickening
Using a cornstarch slurry thickens the soup nicely, providing a hearty and rich mouthfeel without overwhelming the flavors.
Garnishing
Garnishing the finished soup with chives and additional cheese adds a pop of color and fresh flavor, enhancing the presentation and taste experience.
FAQ
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh hash browns, but the cooking time may vary. Make sure they are cooked until tender before adding other ingredients.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon. You can add some sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.
Can I prepare the soup in advance?
Yes, the soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup may be less rich and creamy.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative along with non-dairy milk. Ensure to use dairy-free cheese for the best results.
Conclusion
Hash Brown Potato Soup is a warm and comforting dish that is not only easy to make but also rich in flavor and texture. Perfect for chilly days, it combines creamy goodness with the savory taste of bacon and cheese, making it a family favorite. This delightful soup is a great way to enjoy the humble potato in a satisfying and hearty manner.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Enhance your soup by adding toppings like crispy fried onions, sour cream, and extra cheese to create a loaded baked potato experience.
Broccoli Cheddar Hash Brown Soup
Incorporate steamed broccoli into the soup for added nutrition and a pop of color, pairing perfectly with the cheesy base.
Chicken and Hash Brown Soup
Boost the protein by adding shredded rotisserie chicken, giving the soup an extra hearty dimension.
Spicy Hash Brown Soup
Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat, complementing the creaminess with a spicy twist.
Vegetarian Hash Brown Soup
Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon to create a delicious vegetarian version that still maintains depth of flavor.
Hash Brown Soup with Herbs
Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional aromatic flavors, elevating the overall taste profile of the soup.
