The beauty of this Three Potato Soup lies in its simple elegance and bold flavor. By blending red, Yukon gold, and sweet potatoes in a creamy, cheddar-infused broth with a hint of Old Bay spice, this dish takes a classic comfort food to the next level. It’s creamy, cozy, and ready in just about 30 minutes.
Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a soul warming bowl of comfort, this soup can stand on its own or be served alongside crusty bread. Its colorful appearance, thanks to the vibrant potato medley, makes it just as beautiful as it is satisfying. Whether you’re vegetarian or want to add bacon or ham, this recipe is easy to adapt and sure to become a regular in your soup rotation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 tablespoons butter
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1 small white onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
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2 cups milk, warmed
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1/2 pound red potatoes, diced
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1/2 pound Yukon gold potatoes, diced
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1/2 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
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1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
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2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
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Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Optional toppings: thinly sliced green onions or chives, extra shredded cheese, sour cream
Directions:
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Heat butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.
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Slowly pour in the stock, stirring to combine. Add the warmed milk and diced potatoes. Stir everything together well.
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Bring the soup to a simmer (not a boil). Lower heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Stir in the shredded cheddar, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix until melted and well incorporated.
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Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve hot, topped with chives or green onions, extra cheese, or sour cream as desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Creamy Three Potato Soup: A Cozy Classic with a Flavorful Twist
Few things in the culinary world bring as much comfort as a warm bowl of soup, and among the many variations, Three Potato Soup stands out as both nourishing and rich in flavor. Inspired by the beloved classic potato soup but elevated with a trio of potatoes Yukon gold, red, and sweet potatoes this hearty dish blends creamy textures with sweet and savory notes in a way that’s comforting yet unique.
Crafted originally out of kitchen improvisation, this soup celebrates resourcefulness and flavor harmony. The blend of three distinctly different potatoes not only creates a colorful medley but also offers a diverse texture and flavor profile that single variety potato soups often lack. Whether you’re curling up with a bowl on a chilly evening or preparing it as a crowd-pleaser at a family gathering, this soup delivers wholesome warmth in every spoonful.
The Story Behind the Soup
Like many great recipes, this Three Potato Soup was born from necessity. The creator Ali from the blog Gimme Some Oven developed it while trying to use up leftover potatoes of different types. What might have seemed like a culinary mismatch quickly turned into a new classic, revealing just how versatile these humble root vegetables can be when thoughtfully combined.
This kind of improvisation is the heart of home cooking using what’s available, experimenting a little, and discovering unexpectedly delicious results. From that initial moment of invention, the soup has become a favorite not only for its flavor but also for its cozy, rustic appeal.
Why Three Potatoes?
Each of the three potatoes brings something special to the table literally.
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Yukon gold potatoes are known for their creamy texture and subtle buttery flavor. They melt smoothly into soups, helping to create a silky base without the need for heavy cream.
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Red potatoes have a waxier texture and hold their shape well during cooking. They provide a bit of structure, offering a delightful bite amidst the creamy broth.
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Sweet potatoes, with their natural sugars and vibrant orange hue, introduce a touch of sweetness that balances the savory notes of the broth and cheese. They also add a nutritional boost thanks to their beta-carotene content.
By combining these three, the soup achieves a remarkable balance creamy yet chunky, sweet yet savory, soft yet structured.
Flavor Profile and Texture
At its core, the Three Potato Soup is a study in contrasts that work in harmony. The broth is creamy and zesty, thanks to a touch of milk (or plant-based alternatives), sharp cheddar cheese, and the ever-reliable Old Bay seasoning, which infuses the soup with a subtle kick of spice and depth. Garlic and onion lay the aromatic foundation, enriching every bite.
The mixture of potatoes creates layers of texture some pieces melt into the broth, thickening it naturally, while others remain intact, offering bite-sized morsels of comfort. The addition of Greek yogurt or sour cream gives the soup a luscious tang and a smooth mouthfeel without overwhelming richness.
For those who love customization, the soup is a blank canvas. You can easily adjust the spice level, toss in your favorite herbs, or even swap in other cheeses like smoked gouda or gruyere for a bolder flavor.
Health Benefits
Despite its creamy texture and indulgent flavor, Three Potato Soup can be a surprisingly healthy option, especially when made at home. Here are a few key nutritional highlights:
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Balanced Carbohydrates: Thanks to the blend of potatoes, the soup offers both fast-acting and slow-digesting carbohydrates, making it satisfying and energy-sustaining.
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Nutrient Density: Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), while Yukon golds and red potatoes offer vitamin C, B6, and potassium.
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Lower in Fat: Unlike cream-based soups that rely heavily on butter or cream, this recipe uses milk and Greek yogurt or sour cream to achieve creaminess with fewer calories and more protein.
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Vegetarian-Friendly: The basic recipe is vegetarian, and with just a few simple swaps (like plant-based butter, milk, and cheese), it can be made vegan without sacrificing taste.
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Gluten-Free Option: By skipping the flour-based roux and blending some of the potatoes to thicken the soup, this recipe can also be adapted for a gluten-free diet.
Overall, it’s a nourishing dish that doesn’t feel like a compromise a rare win for anyone aiming to eat well without giving up comfort foods.
Versatility and Variations
The real beauty of this soup lies in its flexibility. It’s a great recipe for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests, and it adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs.
Here are a few popular variations:
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Add Protein: Stir in crispy bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal. Sausages whether pork, turkey, or plant-based also pair beautifully with the flavor base.
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Change the Cheese: Swap sharp cheddar for something smoky like gouda, melty like fontina, or nutty like gruyere to explore new flavor profiles.
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Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, oat milk, dairy-free cheese, and a dollop of coconut yogurt or cashew cream for a vegan version that’s still indulgent.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chili flakes to turn up the heat.
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Seasonal Add-ins: Stir in some corn kernels, spinach, or kale in the last few minutes of cooking to add color and a nutrient boost.
Serving Suggestions
Three Potato Soup is a star on its own, but it also plays well with others. Here are a few pairing ideas to complete the meal:
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Crusty Bread: A slice of sourdough or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
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Salads: Pair with a light arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
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Sandwiches: Serve alongside a grilled cheese or turkey melt for a cozy soup-and-sandwich combo.
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Toppings Bar: Let guests customize their bowls with chopped herbs, extra cheese, croutons, hot sauce, or crispy bacon bits.
This soup also keeps well, making it an excellent make-ahead dish. It’s even better the next day, after the flavors have had more time to meld.
Conclusion:
Three Potato Soup is a delicious testament to what happens when creativity meets comfort. It takes a familiar staple and adds unexpected depth, color, and complexity all while staying easy to make and endlessly adaptable.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this soup is forgiving, flavorful, and nearly foolproof. Its creamy texture and balanced flavors make it perfect for cold days, busy nights, or any time you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
So the next time you find a trio of potatoes in your pantry, you’ll know exactly what to make. Your tastebuds and anyone you share it with will thank you.