Pour chicken broth over frozen hash browns, accompanied by 3 ingredients, into slow cooker for a creamy meal that’s my default when I don't know what to make

This slow cooker 5-ingredient cheesy potato soup is my default when I don’t know what to make but still want something cozy and homemade. It starts with frozen hash browns and a carton of chicken broth poured right over the top, then just three more simple ingredients to turn it into a creamy, cheesy bowl of comfort. It feels like the kind of church-basement, Midwestern potluck soup many of us grew up with, but easier—no chopping, no fuss, and the slow cooker does all the work while you handle the rest of the day.

Serve this cheesy potato soup with a simple green salad or sliced fresh veggies to balance out the richness. Warm dinner rolls, biscuits, or buttered toast soldiers are perfect for dunking into the creamy broth. If your family likes toppings, set out bowls of extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, or a little sour cream so everyone can dress up their own bowl. A side of fruit—like apple slices or grapes—rounds out the meal nicely for kids and adults alike.

Servings: 6

1 (32-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes

Place the frozen shredded hash browns into the bottom of a slow cooker, spreading them out in an even layer. This is exactly like in the photo: frozen hash browns straight from the bag into the crock on your countertop.

Pour the chicken broth evenly over the frozen hash browns in the slow cooker, making sure most of the potatoes are moistened. This step is the base of the soup and what makes it such an easy, pour-and-go meal.

Spoon the condensed cream of chicken soup over the potatoes and broth, then gently stir to roughly combine. It doesn’t have to be perfectly mixed; it will melt and blend as it cooks.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are very tender and the mixture is hot and slightly thickened. Give it a stir once or twice if you’re home, but it’s not required.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the milk (or half-and-half). Mix well until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and smooth. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk or broth; if it’s too thin, leave the lid off for the last 15–20 minutes to let it thicken.

Taste and adjust seasoning if desired with a little salt and black pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve warm. If you like, top with extra cheese, crumbled bacon, or sliced green onions for a little color and texture.

For picky eaters, stick with mild cheddar and skip any toppings that look too ‘fancy’—just serve it plain with extra cheese on the side for sprinkling. If you need it a bit lighter, use reduced-sodium chicken broth, low-fat condensed soup, and 2% milk; the soup will still be creamy, just a little less rich. To add protein, stir in 1–2 cups of cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For extra veggies, mix in a cup of frozen corn or small broccoli florets about an hour before serving so they stay tender but not mushy. If you prefer a smoother texture, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to partially blend the soup right in the slow cooker. You can also swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery if that’s what you have on hand. For a little kick, use pepper jack cheese in place of some of the cheddar or add a pinch of smoked paprika. This recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to adjust the thickness with more milk or broth until it’s just how your family likes it.