Potato Soup with Hash Browns Recipe

Hash browns: Frozen shredded potatoes that add texture and heartiness to the soup.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor when sautéed.

Chicken broth: Provides a rich and flavorful base for the soup.

Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and a smooth texture to the soup.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup, giving it a rich, cheesy flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor.

When sautéing the onion, ensure it becomes fully translucent to develop a sweet, rich flavor base for the soup. For the hash browns, cook them until they achieve a slight browning to add a subtle, crispy texture. When adding the chicken broth, make sure it is brought to a full boil before reducing the heat to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stirring in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese gradually will help achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Seasoning with salt and pepper at the end allows you to adjust the flavor to your preference.

• hash browns - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower provides a similar texture and can be roasted or steamed to mimic the consistency of hash browns while being lower in carbs.

• onion - Substitute with leek: Leeks offer a milder flavor compared to onions and can add a subtle sweetness to the soup.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian option and still provides a rich, savory base for the soup.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk is a dairy-free alternative that adds creaminess and a slight hint of sweetness to the soup.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a good option for those avoiding dairy or looking for a vegan alternative.

• salt - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce that can add a salty and umami flavor to the soup.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and can blend more seamlessly into the soup without altering its appearance.

• Allow the potato soup to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the soup watery.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label each container with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you consume the soup within a safe timeframe.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer.
• When freezing, leave some space at the top of each container. Potato soup expands as it freezes, and this prevents the containers from cracking.
• To reheat refrigerated soup, pour it into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use a microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals and stirring in between.
• For frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat using the same methods as refrigerated soup.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
• Avoid refreezing previously frozen soup. This can affect the texture and flavor, making it less enjoyable.
• For added freshness, garnish reheated soup with freshly shredded cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of chopped onions before serving.

• For stovetop reheating, pour the potato soup into a saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream if the soup has thickened too much.
• In the microwave, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until the soup is heated through.
• For oven reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the potato soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the soup is hot and bubbly.
• If you have a slow cooker, pour the soup into the slow cooker and set it to low. Stir occasionally and heat for about 1-2 hours until the soup is thoroughly warmed.
• For a quick reheat, use a double boiler. Place the potato soup in the top part of the double boiler and simmer water in the bottom part. Stir frequently until the soup is heated through.

• Large pot: Use this to sauté the onions, cook the hash browns, and simmer the soup.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the onions, hash browns, and soup without scratching the pot.

• Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the onion finely and evenly.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the onion.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the chicken broth, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.

• Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup into bowls once it's ready.

• Grater: Useful if you need to shred the cheddar cheese yourself.

• Mixing bowl: Handy for holding the shredded cheddar cheese until it's time to add it to the soup.

Use pre-chopped onions: Save time by using pre-chopped onions from the store instead of chopping them yourself.

Opt for frozen hash browns: Frozen hash browns are already prepped and ready to go, cutting down on prep time.

Pre-shredded cheese: Use pre-shredded cheddar cheese to eliminate the need for grating.

Quick simmer: Use a lid to bring the soup to a boil faster and maintain a steady simmer.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.