Potato soup has always been one of my family’s favorite comfort foods, but it wasn’t until I started adding crispy hashbrowns that it truly became a masterpiece. I can still remember the first time I made this potato soup with hashbrowns for my grandparents. They were visiting for the holidays, and the chilly weather had us all craving something warm and hearty. As I stirred the fragrant broth and watched the potatoes soften, the aroma of the sizzling hashbrowns filled the kitchen. When I served up big bowls of the creamy potato soup, topped with the golden hashbrowns, my grandpa’s eyes lit up. “Now this is what I call a proper winter meal!” he exclaimed, digging in with gusto. From that day on, potato soup with hashbrowns has been a staple in our household, a dish that brings us all together and fills our bellies with comforting deliciousness.
Why This Potato Soup with Hashbrowns Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect potato soup with hashbrowns
The secret to this potato soup with hashbrowns recipe is in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy, velvety soup is the perfect canvas for the crispy, golden hashbrowns that crown each bowl. But it’s not just about the toppings – the soup itself is packed with hearty potatoes, savory aromatics, and a touch of creaminess that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe, as they have a starchier texture that helps thicken the soup.
– Onion: Diced onion adds depth of flavor and sweetness to the soup.
– Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the overall aroma and taste.
– Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth provides the base for the soup.
– Cream: A touch of heavy cream or half-and-half gives the potato soup a luxuriously creamy texture.
– Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and crisping up the hashbrowns.
– Salt and pepper: To season the soup and bring out all the flavors.
Step-by-Step potato soup with hashbrowns Instructions
Preparing Your potato soup with hashbrowns
This potato soup with hashbrowns recipe is easy to make and comes together in about an hour. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven, a skillet for the hashbrowns, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes, then set them aside.
2- In a large pot, sauté the diced onion in butter over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3- Pour in the broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Be careful, as the soup will be hot.
5- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6- In a separate skillet, melt some butter over medium-high heat and cook the shredded hashbrowns until crispy and golden brown. Serve the potato soup hot, topped with the crispy hashbrowns.
Pro Tips for Success
– For extra flavor, try roasting the potatoes before adding them to the soup.
– If the soup is too thick, thin it out with a bit more broth or cream.
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
– Make sure to crisp up the hashbrowns just before serving for maximum crunch.
Serving and Storing Your potato soup with hashbrowns
Perfect Pairings for potato soup with hashbrowns
This potato soup with hashbrowns makes a delightful main course, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Try serving it with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also a great option for a cozy dinner party or a casual family gathering.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover potato soup with hashbrowns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. The hashbrowns can be reheated in a skillet with a bit of butter or oil.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the soup in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup and top it with freshly crisped hashbrowns. This is a great option for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests with a homemade, restaurant-quality meal.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for potato soup with hashbrowns
Creative potato soup with hashbrowns Variations
While the classic potato soup with hashbrowns is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this comforting dish. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, or shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or even a mix of potatoes and cauliflower.
Making potato soup with hashbrowns Diet-Friendly
To make this potato soup with hashbrowns recipe more diet-friendly, you can use low-fat or non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free broth and skip the traditional hashbrowns, opting for a crispy topping made with shredded zucchini or shredded cauliflower instead. And for a vegan take on this dish, substitute the dairy products with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best, you can also use other varieties like red-skinned or fingerling potatoes. Just keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary slightly.
Q: How can I make the hashbrowns extra crispy?
A: To achieve the perfect crispy hashbrowns, it’s important to shred the potatoes just before cooking and to make sure they’re patted dry. Also, use a generous amount of butter or oil in the skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Q: Can I make this potato soup with hashbrowns in advance?
A: Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup and top it with freshly crisped hashbrowns.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This potato soup with hashbrowns recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, depending on the portion size. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish, so a bowl with a side salad or bread is typically enough for a full meal.
Q: What should I do if the soup is too thick?
A: If your potato soup with hashbrowns turns out too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more broth or milk. Start with 1/4 cup at a time and stir the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
Potato Soup with Crispy Hashbrowns
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in a bowl of this rich and creamy potato soup, topped with crispy homemade hashbrowns for an extra special touch. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
– 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups shredded hashbrowns
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in butter over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. – Add the diced potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
3. – Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some potato chunks.
4. – Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
5. – In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shredded hashbrowns and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy.
6. – Ladle the potato soup into bowls and top with the crispy hashbrowns.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can also add in sautéed bacon or sausage. Garnish with fresh chives or green onions.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Potato soup with hashbrowns is the ultimate comfort food, and this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. With its creamy, velvety texture and the crispy, golden hashbrowns on top, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it up on a chilly winter day or enjoying it as a cozy weeknight meal, this potato soup with hashbrowns is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds are about to be blown away!
