Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns – Easy & Creamy

This crockpot potato soup is the easiest, creamiest potato soup you will ever make. Instead of peeling and chopping potatoes, it uses a bag of frozen hash browns, so prep takes just 5 minutes. The slow cooker does the rest, then cream cheese, cheddar, butter and half and half turn it into a rich, cheesy, comforting soup. Top it with bacon and green onions for a loaded potato soup the whole family will love on cold nights.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low (3–4 hours on high) | Servings: 8

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Potato Soup

• No peeling or chopping. Frozen hash browns go straight into the crockpot.
• Dump-and-go dinner. Just stir, cover and let the slow cooker do the work.
• Extra creamy and cheesy. Cream cheese and cheddar make it rich and velvety.
• Budget-friendly comfort food. Simple pantry ingredients feed a crowd.

Ingredients for Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns

• 30 oz frozen diced hash browns (do not thaw)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions, plus more for topping
• 32 oz (4 cups) chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup half and half
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• Optional toppings: crispy bacon, extra cheddar, green onions

How to Make Crockpot Potato Soup

1. Add the base ingredients. Add the frozen hash browns, green onions, chicken broth and cream of chicken soup to a 6-quart crockpot.
2. Stir. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Slow cook. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add the creamy ingredients. Add the half and half, butter, shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese.
5. Stir until creamy. Stir well until the cheeses melt and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Finish cooking. Cover and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve. Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheddar, crispy bacon and chopped green onions. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Potato Soup

• Use diced (cubed) hash browns. Southern-style diced hash browns hold their shape better than shredded ones.
• Soften the cream cheese. Cut it into cubes and let it sit at room temperature so it melts smoothly with no lumps.
• Add dairy at the end. Adding the half and half and cheese after cooking keeps the soup from curdling.
• For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher before adding the cheese.
• Season to taste. Broth and cheese are salty, so taste before adding salt and pepper.

Easy Variations

• Loaded baked potato soup: Stir in crumbled bacon and serve with sour cream and chives.
• Add protein: Stir in diced ham, cooked sausage or shredded chicken.
• Different soup: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery instead of cream of chicken.
• Spicy version: Use pepper jack cheese and add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

What to Serve with Potato Soup

Serve this soup with warm crusty bread, buttery biscuits, a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple green salad.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or broth if it is too thick. Soups with cream cheese and half and half can turn grainy when frozen, so this one is best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to thaw the hash browns?

No. Add them to the crockpot straight from the freezer.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?

Yes. Use about 2 pounds of peeled, diced russet or Yukon Gold potatoes and cook until fork tender.

How do I make potato soup thicker?

Mash some of the potatoes, add a little more cream cheese, or let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.

Can I make it on the stove?

Yes. Simmer the hash browns, broth, onions and soup for about 20 to 25 minutes until tender, then stir in the dairy and cheese.

More Cozy Soups and Slow Cooker Recipes

• Potluck Bacon Ranch Potato Soup
• Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Soup
• Cheesy Sausage Potato Soup
• Crockpot Cabbage Soup
• Easy Crock Pot Bread