Creating a pot of Hash Brown Potato Soup is an enjoyable process. Follow these simple steps to achieve a dish that your family will surely love:

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, stirring frequently for about 3-5 minutes until softened.

2. Add Broth and Hash Browns: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot. Add the frozen hash browns and stir well to combine.

3. Season the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

4. Incorporate Cream: After simmering, stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to mix thoroughly with the soup. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

5. Add Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese while stirring until it fully melts into the soup, creating a creamy texture.

6. Final Adjustments: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, use a potato masher to break down the hash browns further.

7. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped chives or sliced green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.

This step-by-step guide ensures that you’ll create a delicious pot of Hash Brown Potato Soup with ease, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on your own.