Oh, friends, let me tell you about the easiest, coziest thing EVER: crockpot loaded potato soup with frozen hashbrowns! Seriously, is there anything better than coming home to a warm, comforting bowl of potato soup, especially when it practically makes itself? I’m all about easy these days, and this recipe? This is my weeknight superstar. The secret? Frozen hashbrowns! Yep, no peeling or chopping required.
My grandma used to make the *best* potato soup, but it took all day. This version gives you that same creamy, dreamy flavor with, like, 10 minutes of prep. Trust me, after a long day, that’s a HUGE win. Plus, the whole family goes nuts for it. It’s pure comfort food, and I’m so excited to share my spin on it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup with Frozen Hashbrowns
Okay, listen up! Here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed with this soup:
- Easy cleanup – one pot, that’s it!
- Minimal prep – seriously, just dump and go!
- Frozen ingredients – hello, weeknight lifesaver!
- Family-friendly – even picky eaters love it.
- Totally customizable – make it your own!
Ingredients for Your Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup with Frozen Hashbrowns
Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need for this magical crockpot loaded potato soup with frozen hashbrowns. You’re gonna need 6 cups of chicken broth – I usually use low sodium. Then grab one 30-ounce bag of frozen hashbrowns. Trust me, the shredded ones work best! Don’t forget one 8-ounce block of cream cheese and one 10.75-ounce can of cream of chicken soup. And the secret ingredient? A 1-ounce package of ranch dip mix!
For toppings? Go wild! Shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits (because, bacon!), sour cream, and some chopped green onions are my go-tos. But hey, you do you!
How to Make Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup with Frozen Hashbrowns
Okay, here we go! Making this crockpot loaded potato soup with frozen hashbrowns is so easy, it’s almost embarrassing. First, just dump your chicken broth, frozen hashbrowns, cream cheese (the *whole* block!), cream of chicken soup, and that packet of ranch dip mix right into your crockpot. That’s it for prep!
Next, you’re gonna cook it on LOW for 6 hours. Trust me on the low setting – it makes all the difference. You want that cream cheese to melt all nice and slow. After 6 hours, give it a good stir! Now, sometimes the cream cheese leaves little chunks, so just mash ’em with a spoon until it’s all smooth and creamy.
Finally, serve it up hot! Load it up with your favorite toppings: cheddar cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, green onions… the works! Seriously, this soup is pure potato-y, cheesy, bacony heaven! Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup with Frozen Hashbrowns
Want to take your crockpot loaded potato soup with frozen hashbrowns to the *next* level? Here’s the inside scoop! First, cut that cream cheese into cubes before you toss it in. Trust me, it melts faster and more evenly that way. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the broth to get the consistency *you* like. Want it thicker? Use less broth! Thinner? Add a bit more. Just keep an eye on it and don’t overcook it, or the potatoes can get mushy. And one last thing: pre-shred that cheese! It melts so much better when it’s already shredded. You’re welcome!
Variations for Your Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup with Frozen Hashbrowns
Okay, so you’ve made the basic crockpot loaded potato soup with frozen hashbrowns, and you’re like, “Okay, what else can I do?” I got you! How about adding some cooked sausage or ham for extra protein? Or swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for a little kick!
Roasted garlic? Oh yeah! Different seasonings can totally change the vibe, too. Think onion powder, garlic powder, or even a little smoked paprika. And veggies? Corn or broccoli would be amazing in this. Seriously, go wild and make it YOURS!
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup with Frozen Hashbrowns
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing crockpot loaded potato soup with frozen hashbrowns… what do you serve with it? Trust me, you can’t go wrong with some crusty bread for dipping. A grilled cheese sandwich is *always* a good idea. Or, if you’re trying to be healthy (ish!), a simple side salad works great. And cornbread? Oh man, cornbread and potato soup are a match made in heaven!
Storing and Reheating Your Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup with Frozen Hashbrowns
So, you’ve got leftover crockpot loaded potato soup with frozen hashbrowns? Lucky you! Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days, easy. To reheat, just simmer it on the stovetop or nuke it in the microwave until it’s heated through. Boom! Lunch is served!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup with Frozen Hashbrowns
Got questions about this amazing crockpot loaded potato soup with frozen hashbrowns? I got you! First off, can you use fresh potatoes? Sure, but honestly, the frozen hashbrowns are the whole point of the easy peasy thing! If you *do* use fresh, you’ll need about 5 cups, peeled and cubed, and they might get a little mushier. Can you use a different type of soup? Cream of celery or mushroom *could* work, but it won’t have that classic flavor.
Can you cook it on high? I really don’t recommend it. Low and slow is the key! Can you freeze this soup? It’s not ideal, as the cream cheese can get a weird texture. And finally, what if your soup is too thick or thin? For thick, add broth. For thin, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot! Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information
Okay, friends, before you dive headfirst into this amazing crockpot loaded potato soup with frozen hashbrowns, a quick little disclaimer! The nutritional information below is just an estimate. It can totally vary depending on the exact brands you use, the toppings you choose (bacon bits, I’m looking at you!), and how big your servings are. So, please don’t treat this as gospel! It’s just a general idea to give you a little food for thought (pun intended!). Enjoy!
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