1 package (30 ounces) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 cup half-and-half cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: crumbled cooked bacon and chopped green onions
Directions
In a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker, combine broth, potatoes, onion, garlic and pepper. Cook, covered, on low until vegetables are tender, 6-8 hours.
Mash potatoes to desired consistency. Whisk in cream cheese until melted. Stir in half-and-half. Cook, covered, until heated through, 5-10 minutes longer. Serve with cheese and, if desired, bacon and green onions.
