Making Hash Brown Potato Soup is a simple process. Just follow these steps to create this delightful dish:

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Hash Browns: Pour in the frozen hash browns and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
5. Pour in Broth: Add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. Blend: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup.
7. Stir in Cream: Add the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and dried thyme. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
8. Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Garnish: Serve hot, garnish with chopped chives or green onions for a fresh touch.

These clear and concise steps will help you effortlessly create this amazing soup in no time.