So You’re Craving Something Tasty But Too Lazy to Spend Forever in the Kitchen, Huh? Same.

Well my friend, if you find yourself parked on the couch in the middle of a Netflix binge, and your stomach is playing the dreaded rumble game, I have just the thing for you. Say hello to the ultimate comfort food: Cheesy Potato Soup with Hash Browns. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the things that make life great. Plus, it practically cooks itself in a slow cooker. What more can you ask for?

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of why this recipe rocks. First off, it’s super easy—like, dial-it-in-on-your-phone easy. It feels like cheating when you realize all you have to do is throw some ingredients into a pot, and BAM—soup magic happens. I mean, even I didn’t mess it up, and trust me, I once burned water.

And did I mention the flavors? This soup is the culinary equivalent of wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a rainy day. The combination of melted cheese, crispy bacon, and creamy potatoes will have you making chef’s kiss gestures that rival any foodie on Instagram. Plus, you can whip this up for just about anyone your heart desires or even just for yourself. Because self-love, right?

Ingredients You’ll Need

So, let’s gather our ingredients. You know the drill—shopping’s not as fun as eating, but we need to do it to make this cheesy heaven a reality. Here’s what you’re gonna need:

1 bag frozen hash browns (because peeling potatoes is for people with way too much time)
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (bacon makes everything better, let’s be real)
8 oz cream cheese, softened (the magic ingredient that adds creaminess)
4 cups chicken broth (you want it to be rich, like your ex’s excuses)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (can you ever have too much cheese?)
1 medium onion, chopped (don’t cry, it’s gonna be worth it)
Salt and pepper to taste (obviously)
Optional toppings: green onions, sour cream, or whatever else floats your boat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Time to get cooking. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be golden:

In a slow cooker, combine the frozen hash browns, crumbled bacon, cream cheese, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, and chopped onion. Just dump it all in like you own the place.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. And don’t be shy. Be the salt of the earth if you want.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the potatoes are tender and the soup is creamy. This is when you can catch up on that series you’ve been meaning to watch or pretend you’re adulting.
Stir well before serving and top with optional toppings if desired. Just do it. You know you want to.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s not pretend you won’t make mistakes. Here are some rookie errors to dodge:

Ignoring the hash browns: If you think fresh potatoes are better, good luck with that. Frozen hash browns make this soup a breeze, especially when you’re trying to save time.
Forgetting to cook the bacon: You don’t want to bite into raw bacon. Trust me, it’s not a good look.
Over-salting it: No one wants a soup that tastes like a salt lick. Start with a sprinkle and adjust as needed.
Not giving it enough time: If you try to rush it, you’ll end up with soup that is decidedly un-soupy—more like chunky potato sludge.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Now let’s talk about improvising like a true kitchen ninja. You can switch things up if you’re low on ingredients or feeling adventurous:

Bacon: If you’re one of those bacon-haters, try turkey bacon, or ditch it altogether. Just know that you might need a little extra seasoning to amp up the flavor.
Cream Cheese: Don’t have cream cheese? You can use sour cream or even heavy cream for that velvety texture. Just make sure it’s in the right proportions so you don’t invite chaos into your kitchen.
Chicken Broth: Veggie broth works just as well. Nobody wants to be left out of the hearty soup party.
Cheese: Go wild with the cheese. Pepper Jack if you want a kick, or why not throw in some mozzarella for a stretchy surprise?

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

So now you’re probably itching to dive in, but wait—let’s tackle some burning questions.

Can I make this soup if I don’t own a slow cooker?
Well, you can, but it’ll take some work. You can simmer it on the stove, but don’t forget to stir so nothing sticks.

What if I forget to chop the onion?
Guess what? It’ll still taste great, but your soup might lack that delightful onion-y punch. You might also find yourself doing some serious onion juggling.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Just sayin’, you deserve the real thing.

How do I store leftovers?
Assuming there are leftovers, toss them in an airtight container. They’ll be good in the fridge for about 4-5 days. Just reheat and enjoy the cheesy goodness.

Is it okay if I skip the toppings?
Yup, but it might feel like you’re having a party and not inviting anyone. Toppings bring that extra flair. Just sayin’.

Final Thoughts

You’ve made it this far, so kudos to you! Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! So grab that spoon, and dig in because your cheesy potato soup awaits. The world needs more cheesy goodness, and you’re the hero it deserves. Happy cooking, my friend!

Cheesy Potato Soup with Hash Browns

Author: admin
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 360 minutes
Total Time: 375 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s easy to make in a slow cooker, perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

1 bag frozen hash browns
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: green onions, sour cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a slow cooker, combine the frozen hash browns, crumbled bacon, cream cheese, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, and chopped onion.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the potatoes are tender and the soup is creamy.
Stir well before serving and top with optional toppings if desired.

Notes

For alternatives, you can use turkey bacon or leave it out. You can also substitute cream cheese with sour cream or heavy cream.

Cheesy Potato Soup With Hash Browns