Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 rib celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour (or 2 Tbsp cornstarch, GF)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 lb (450 g) frozen hash browns (diced or shredded)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups milk
- 1/2 cup half-and-half (or 1 can evaporated milk)
- 1 cup (110 g) shredded sharp cheddar (optional)
- 1/4–1/2 cup sour cream, to finish
- bacon, cheddar, chives or green onions (for topping)
Equipment
- large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- whisk
- ladle
- Cutting board and knife
Method
- Sauté onion and celery in butter and oil for 5–6 minutes over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in flour and cook 1 minute to remove raw flavor. Gradually whisk in broth until smooth and lump-free.
- Add frozen hash browns, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–12 minutes until tender.
- Stir in milk and half-and-half. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes—do not boil.
- Off heat, fold in cheddar (if using) and sour cream. Adjust seasoning and garnish as desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 12gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 0.8mg
Notes
Crockpot: Combine aromatics, hash browns, broth, and seasonings; cook on Low 5–6 hrs or High 2½–3½ hrs. Stir in milk and cream cheese during the last 20–30 minutes, then finish with cheddar and sour cream.
Classic Style: Skip cheese and sour cream; finish with a knob of butter and fresh parsley.
Pairings: Serve alongside High-Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup or Chicken Potato Soup, or enjoy with Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Classic Style: Skip cheese and sour cream; finish with a knob of butter and fresh parsley.
Pairings: Serve alongside High-Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup or Chicken Potato Soup, or enjoy with Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip.
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