Vegan Potato Soup with Hash Browns

Nothing says comfort like a creamy, hearty potato soup. But add crispy hash browns into the mix? You’ve got the ultimate cozy vegan meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day, craving a quick and nourishing dinner, or hosting a laid-back gathering, this vegan potato soup with hash browns is perfect for the job!

This recipe combines smooth, velvety potato soup with the crunch of crispy hash browns, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

The layers of flavor are easy to achieve with pantry staples, and the textures are downright irresistible.

With a few optional toppings, you can customize this dish to suit your cravings and elevate it to restaurant-level comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Crispy: The soup is velvety smooth while the crispy hash browns add a perfect texture contrast.
• Easy Ingredients: Simple pantry staples and fresh vegetables come together beautifully with minimal prep work.
• Budget-Friendly: Potatoes are inexpensive, nutritious, and filling, making this a perfect weeknight dinner option.
• Quick & Nourishing: Ready in under an hour, this recipe packs in comforting flavors while being 100% plant-based.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like vegan cheese, scallions, coconut bacon, or roasted veggies for a flavor boost.

Ingredients

For the Potato Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon gold or russet)
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., oat or almond milk)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for a golden hue)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)

For the Crispy Hash Browns:

• 2 cups shredded potatoes (fresh or thawed frozen hash browns)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions or chives
• Vegan sour cream
• Shredded vegan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Roasted garlic cloves
• Coconut bacon
• A drizzle of olive oil or vegan butter

Instructions

1. Make the Potato Soup:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil or vegan butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, releasing its aroma.
2. Cook Potatoes: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes, vegetable broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and turmeric powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Blend to Creamy Perfection: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender in batches, blending until perfectly smooth.
4. Add Final Touches: Stir in the plant-based milk and nutritional yeast (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with more milk or broth if the soup is too thick. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat.

2. Prepare the Hash Browns:

1. Season Potatoes: In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook Until Crispy: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spread the shredded potatoes in an even layer and press them down slightly with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden, crispy, and browned. Add more oil as needed to prevent sticking.
3. Keep Warm: If making a large batch, keep the hash browns warm in the oven at 200°F while you finish the soup.

3. Serve:

1. Assemble the Bowls: Ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls, ensuring it’s piping hot.
2. Top with Hash Browns: Add a generous scoop of crispy hash browns to each bowl. The crispy potatoes provide a delightful contrast to the velvety soup.
3. Customize Your Toppings: Garnish with chopped green onions, shredded vegan cheese, a dollop of vegan sour cream, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
4. Serve Warm: Enjoy immediately for the ultimate cozy experience.

Tips for Success

• Prevent Sticking: Use a well-oiled, high-quality non-stick skillet for the hash browns to ensure they crisp up without burning.
• Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking the potatoes for the soup, as this can lead to a gluey texture. They should be tender but not falling apart.
• Consistency Matters: If the soup is too thick, simply add more broth or plant milk to reach your desired texture. For a richer consistency, add an extra splash of plant-based cream.
• Flavor Boost: Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to the soup, while a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika enhances its depth.
• Batch Cooking: This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Variations

• Loaded Style: Top your soup with vegan bacon bits, chives, and shredded cheese for a fully loaded “baked potato” experience.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a fiery twist.
• Green Goodness: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added greens and nutrients.
• Herby Upgrade: Finish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, dill, or rosemary for a vibrant herbal note.
• Creamy & Decadent: Swirl in a tablespoon of coconut cream or vegan sour cream for added richness.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 3g

Final Thoughts

This vegan potato soup with crispy hash browns is the ultimate comfort food experience.

The creamy, silky soup paired with the crunchy, golden hash browns creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Make it your own with creative toppings, serve it with a side of crusty bread, or pair it with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

It’s budget-friendly, easy to whip up, and sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Give it a try and let the cozy vibes take over. Enjoy every spoonful of this nourishing, plant-based delight!