For the homemade condensed cream of chicken soup (if using–otherwise skip to next paragraph), melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk. Cook 1 minute. Stir in water and whisk to remove any lumps. Simmer until thick, then stir in milk and chicken bouillon paste plus the seasonings. Sauce should thicken barely at this point. Taste and adjust seasonings. Set aside.

Place hash browns, smoked sausage, onion and cheese together in a lightly greased crockpot. Pour over condensed soup and stir. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or until potatoes are soft and sausages are hot. Serve and enjoy!.

*Chicken bouillon paste is similar to bouillon cubes, but in a paste form. It’s found in jars right next to the boxes of chicken stock. If you do not have this ingredient, simply use either powdered or cubed bouillon (enough for 2 cups of liquid according to directions on the packaging) OR 1 cup of chicken stock rather than water and add an additional 1/2 teaspoon of poultry seasoning.