Main Soup:

• 1 28 oz package diced frozen hash brown potatoes (i.e. Ore-Ida)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 rib celery, thinly sliced
• 4 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock, plus more for thinning if needed
• 1/4 cup salted or unsalted butter, cubed or sliced
• 1 tsp garlic salt or plain salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dry Italian seasoning
• 1 lb fully cooked ham, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups half and half
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnishing

Suggested Toppings:

• Crumbled bacon
• Shredded cheese
• Green onion or parsley