~ quick cheesy southern hash brown potato soup ~

Ingredients For ~ quick cheesy southern hash brown potato soup ~

• 1 stick

  butter ( 1/2 cup )
• 1 c

  chopped red onion
• 1/2 c

  small chopped celery
• 1 Tbsp

  chunky garlic paste or minced garlic
• 1 - 32 oz

  pkg, southern hash browns, partially thawed - these are the cubes, not shredded - although you could probably use them as well.
• 2 1/2 - 3 c

  fresh shredded - sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 - 14.5 oz

  can, cream of chicken soup
• 3 c

  milk
• 1 c

  heavy cream
• 1/4 - 1/2 c

  sour cream
• 1 Tbsp

  parsley paste or fresh chopped
• 1 tsp

  each - kosher salt & garlic salt or to taste
• 1 tsp

  fresh cracked black pepper
• toppings

  real bacon bits, sour cream, cheese