Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and unbelievably delicious? Welcome to your complete guide to Hash Brown Potato Soup—a cozy classic loved across kitchens and search engines alike.
This guide walks you through everything from classic recipes to crockpot tips, ingredient insights, and easy family-friendly versions, all built to satisfy readers and rank high in Google.
Table of Contents
Overview of Hash Brown Potato Soup
What is Hash Brown Potato Soup?
Hash brown potato soup is a tasty and creamy soup that fills you up. It’s made with shredded or cubed hash brown potatoes, often frozen. This small swap saves time and delivers the same hearty texture.
Often referred to as:
- Hash Brown potato soup
- Hash brown soup
- Or even hash brown potato soup (a common misspelling)
It’s become a comfort food favorite thanks to its:
- Minimal prep time
- Easy pantry ingredients
- Rich, creamy texture
Benefits of Using Hash Browns in Soup
Why are hash browns the secret ingredient to better potato soup?
- Saves Time: No need to peel, chop, or boil raw potatoes
- Better Texture: Shredded or diced hash browns melt into the broth
- Always in the Freezer: Most families already have frozen hash browns.
Classic Recipe Hash Brown Potato Breakdown

Hash Brown Potato Soup Recipe (Step-by-Step)
This go-to recipe for hash brown soup is rich, and creamy, and comes together in one pot. Perfect for beginner cooks and busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag frozen hash browns (shredded or diced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 brick cream cheese (softened)
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Garlic powder, salt, pepper
Step-by-Step Process to Cook Hash Brown Potato Soup
- Combine broth, hash browns, and soup in a large pot.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese and milk until smooth.
- Add cheddar cheese and seasoning
- Simmer another 5 minutes, then serve
How to Make Potato Soup with Frozen Hash Browns (Creamy, Easy & So Good!)
If you’re using frozen hash browns, just toss them straight in. No thawing needed!
- They’ll cook faster than raw potatoes.
- Keep an eye on thickness—frozen potatoes absorb broth.
- Add extra liquid if needed to maintain a creamy texture
Recipe Using Shredded or Diced Hash Browns

Shredded hash browns = smoother, creamier texture
Diced hash browns = chunkier, heartier soup
✅ Use shredded for cozy, creamy vibes
✅ Use diced if you like spoonfuls of soft potato bites
Old-Fashioned & Creamy Hash Brown Soup
Love vintage-style comfort food? This one’s for you. Made with cream cheese, milk, and cheddar, it’s rich and satisfying.
Pro tip: Add crispy bacon or green onions on top!
Hash Brown Potato Soup Cooking Methods
Crock Pot Hash Brown Potato Soup
The set-it-and-forget-it method.
Easy Steps Anyone Can Follow
- Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- Stir in cheese and cream at the end.
Bonus Tip: Add 1 tsp onion powder or dry ranch seasoning for flavor
Instant Pot / Stovetop Version
If you’re short on time, these methods save dinner.
- Instant Pot: High pressure for 8 minutes
- Stovetop: Simmer for 25 minutes
Finish with cheese, stir, and serve hot.
Ingredients Deep Dive
Dairy & Creamy Versions
Want it richer? Add:
- Cream cheese
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Sour cream
Substitute for lactose-free or vegan options as needed.
Frozen vs Fresh Hash Browns
Frozen = Convenient, quick, consistent
Fresh = Customizable, takes more prep
Dehydrated = Good for long-term storage, camping
Adding Protein and Flavor
Try these crowd-pleasers:
- Diced ham or bacon bits
- Gravy mix or dry ranch packet
- Extra cheddar or Velveeta
Quick & Easy Variations
4-Ingredient or Quick Hash Brown Soups
Super short recipes going viral on TikTok and YouTube:
- Frozen hash browns
- Chicken broth
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream cheese
Boom. Done in under 20 minutes.
Family-Friendly & Beginner Recipes
Want something kid-friendly and easy? Try:
- Add shredded carrots
- Use mild cheese
- Serve with crackers or grilled cheese.
Popular Recipes & Sources
Viral or Famous Recipes Reviewed
Here’s what the internet loves:
- Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Potato Soup – creamy, indulgent
- AllRecipes Hash Brown Soup – simple & classic
- Pinterest/YouTube Variants – often add bacon or spice.
Can you make potato soup with shredded hash browns?

Yes, you can definitely make potato soup with shredded hash browns! In fact, shredded hash browns can be a fantastic addition to your soup as they dissolve quickly and create a creamy, smooth texture without the need for blending.
Quick Tip: For a creamy consistency, consider adding cream cheese or heavy cream to enhance the richness.
Bonus: Shredded hash browns work great in slow cooker or Instant Pot recipes for a time-saving meal. You can follow this easy hash brown potato soup recipe to get started!
Should I boil potatoes before making hash browns?
No, you don’t need to boil potatoes before making hash browns. Simply grate the raw potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture to ensure they crisp up nicely when fried.
Quick Tip: For extra crispy hash browns, don’t skip the squeezing step! This removes the starch and moisture, giving you that perfect golden crunch.
Bonus: Want a quick potato soup instead? Try this potato soup with hash browns for a speedy and creamy meal!
Can you use frozen hash browns in soup?
Absolutely! Frozen hash browns are perfect for making easy potato soup. Just add them straight from the freezer to the pot. They’ll cook quickly and add a rich, comforting texture to your soup.
How to make a hash brown?
Making hash browns is easy! Simply grate potatoes, squeeze out excess moisture, then pan-fry them with oil or butter until crispy and golden.
Why is it called hash brown?
The term “hash brown” comes from the French word “hacher,” meaning “to chop or dice.” The potatoes are chopped or grated, then browned in a pan, which is why they’re called “hash browns.”
Quick Tip: For a unique twist, try using shredded hash browns in a creamy potato soup for a comforting meal.
Is hash brown vegan?
Traditional hash browns are vegan since they’re typically made with just potatoes, oil, and seasoning. However, if made with butter or cheese, they’re not vegan.
Do hash browns have onions?
Hash browns can include onions, but traditional recipes don’t always call for them. It’s common to add diced onions for an extra flavor boost, but it’s entirely optional.
Quick Tip: Add diced onions to your hash browns for a savory kick, or skip them for a simpler flavor.
Bonus: If you love the onion flavor, try adding caramelized onion to your hash brown potato soup for a rich and flavorful twist!
Do hash browns have milk?
Traditional hash browns don’t contain milk. However, if you’re making a creamy hash brown potato soup, you may choose to add milk or cream to achieve a smoother, richer texture.
What are the ingredients of hash browns?
Hash browns typically include:
Potatoes (grated or shredded)
Oil or butter (for frying)
Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
Quick Tip: For added flavor, you can include onions, garlic, or paprika.
Bonus: Add hash browns to your potato soup for extra flavor and texture!
What is the difference between Rosti and hash browns?
Rosti is a Swiss dish made from grated potatoes that are pan-fried, often without any additional ingredients. Hash browns, on the other hand, are typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes onions or cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Hash Brown Potato Soup?
Whether you love it cheesy, chunky, or creamy, hash brown potato soup is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
This guide is your go-to resource—whether you’re cooking for the family, prepping freezer meals, or chasing that viral TikTok flavor.
Note by ThreeBoysTime: This recipe was shared by one of our close friends, a passionate chef with real hands-on experience working in restaurant kitchens. The content was written and edited by a member of the ThreeBoysTime team to bring it to you in the most delicious way possible.
So go ahead — try this creamy, comforting Hash Brown Potato Soup today!