While it is not as quick and easy, you can make this potato soup with fresh potatoes. One trick to cutting down on the prep time needed is to use Yukon Gold potatoes and skip peeling them. The skins are thin and light in color, so it isn't necessary to peel the Yukon Gold potatoes first. Quarter or dice 5 pounds of clean potatoes and add them when the instructions say to add the frozen hash browns. Simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender before moving to the next step in the instructions. Continue the instructions as directed.