Craving comfort food? Look no further than Paula Deen’s Crockpot Potato Soup! Creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, this easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings. Made with simple ingredients like hash brown potatoes, chicken broth, and cream cheese, it’s a hearty dish that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 1- 30 oz bag of frozen hash brown potatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1- 10.75 oz can of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled cooked bacon for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preparation:
- In the pot of your slow cooker, combine the frozen hash brown potatoes, chopped onion, chopped green and red bell peppers.
Add Broth and Soup:
- Pour in the chicken broth and mix in the condensed cream of chicken soup until well combined.
Season and Cook:
- Add the bay leaves and season the soup with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to become tender.
Add Cream Cheese:
- Thirty minutes before the cook time is complete, stir in the softened cream cheese until fully incorporated into the soup. Continue cooking for the remaining time.
Serve and Garnish:
- Once the soup is ready, discard the bay leaves and ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled cooked bacon for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
FAQs:
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
- Yes, you can substitute fresh potatoes for the frozen hash browns. Simply peel and dice the potatoes before adding them to the slow cooker.
What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
- If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup as a substitute.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
- Absolutely! You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon for a delicious vegetarian version of this soup.
How can I make this soup ahead of time?
- You can prepare the soup ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply add everything to the slow cooker and follow the instructions as directed.
Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
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