Hashbrown and Bacon Crockpot Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (about 30 oz) of shredded or cubed hashbrowns
- 1 block (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
- 4 cups of chicken stock
- 1 packet of onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- Pepper, to taste
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a slow cooker, combine the hashbrowns, softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and chicken stock.
- Add the onion soup mix, minced garlic, mustard powder, celery salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure even distribution of the seasonings.
- Cook the soup on high for 6 hours or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- While the soup is cooking, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, crumble the bacon and set it aside.
- Before serving, add a spoonful of bacon drippings to the soup for added flavor. Stir well.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve the delicious hashbrown and bacon crockpot potato soup hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Note: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other toppings like sour cream, additional cheese, or fresh herbs based on your preferences.
Here are some tips to make your Hashbrown and Bacon Crockpot Potato Soup even more delicious:
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time in the morning, you can prepare some of the ingredients the night before. Chop the onions, soften the cream cheese, and measure out the seasonings. This way, you can quickly assemble everything in the morning.
- Bacon Variety: Experiment with different types of bacon, such as maple-glazed or smoked bacon, to add unique flavors to your soup. You can also try turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, Colby, or Monterey Jack. A combination of cheeses can also add depth to the flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Add a handful of fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or thyme just before serving to bring a burst of freshness to the dish.
- Thickening Agent: If you prefer a thicker soup, consider mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and adding it to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking. This will help thicken the soup.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the level of spice to your liking. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Hot sauce is another option to kick up the spice.
- Customize with Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value of the soup by adding vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or corn. Just toss them in with the other ingredients at the beginning of the cooking process.
- Garnish Creatively: Besides green onions, consider garnishing with avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve with Bread: Accompany the soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or even homemade croutons. The bread can be used to soak up the delicious broth.
- Storage and Reheating: This soup reheats well, so consider making a larger batch for leftovers. Store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Remember, recipes are a great starting point, and personalizing them to suit your taste preferences is part of the fun of cooking
