The simplicity of this 3-ingredient potato soup is where the magic lies. With just tender potatoes, savory broth, and gooey cheddar, you’ll get a comforting bowl of creamy goodness that tastes like it took hours to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, chilly weather, or any time you’re craving something warm and satisfying, this soup delivers comfort with every spoonful. Add your favorite toppings for extra flair, or keep it simple for a truly minimalist meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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6 cups diced potatoes (about 4 large russets)
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
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In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine diced potatoes and chicken broth.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
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Remove from heat. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash to your desired consistency.
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Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
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Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with optional toppings like green onions, sour cream, or bacon bits.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why This Soup Stands Out
There’s something timeless and universally comforting about a bowl of potato soup. It’s warm, creamy, filling, and carries the soul of homemade cooking. But not all versions of potato soup are created equal. Some are complex with many ingredients and steps, while others, like this 3-ingredient potato soup, thrive on simplicity.
What makes this recipe remarkable isn’t just its ease though that’s a major benefit but the fact that it delivers full-bodied, savory flavor with just three basic components. It’s perfect for beginner cooks, busy families, or anyone who appreciates minimalist meals that don’t sacrifice satisfaction.
The Power of Simplicity in Cooking
Minimalist recipes are gaining popularity for good reason. In an age of information overload and over-complication, recipes like this allow us to reconnect with the essence of cooking: nourishing ourselves and our loved ones with humble, honest food.
With just potatoes, broth, and cheddar cheese, this soup manages to strike a rich balance between creamy texture and savory taste. Each ingredient plays an essential role:
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Potatoes add body and starch, making the soup thick and naturally creamy.
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Broth infuses depth and flavor without requiring extra spices or seasoning.
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Cheddar cheese ties everything together, adding a velvety smoothness and tangy richness that elevates the soup to comfort food status.
The simplicity allows for flexibility, creativity, and customization which we’ll dive into next.
Customization and Variations
One of the joys of a simple base recipe like this is how easily it can be modified to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to keep it vegan, boost the protein content, or make it heartier, the possibilities are endless.
Add Protein
You can add protein-rich ingredients like cooked bacon, shredded chicken, diced ham, or even plant-based sausage for a more filling meal. Simply stir these in once the base soup is ready.
Make It Vegan
Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use a plant-based shredded cheese alternative. Add a splash of coconut milk or almond milk for additional creaminess without dairy.
Enhance the Flavor
While the base is flavorful on its own, you can personalize it with add-ins like:
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Sautéed onions and garlic
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A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
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Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives
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A swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang
Thicken or Thin to Preference
If you prefer a chunkier soup, mash just a portion of the potatoes or use a potato masher instead of a blender. For a thinner consistency, simply add more broth or a splash of milk or cream.
Serving Suggestions
Though the soup is satisfying on its own, pairing it with complementary sides or toppings can turn it into a restaurant-worthy meal.
Topping Ideas:
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Crumbled bacon
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Shredded cheese
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Chopped green onions
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Sour cream
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Croutons
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Roasted garlic
Side Pairings:
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Crusty sourdough or baguette slices
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Simple green salad with vinaigrette
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Grilled cheese sandwich
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Roasted vegetables
This soup also makes an excellent starter for a larger meal or can serve as the main course on its own.
Nutritional Insights
Despite its comforting nature, this potato soup can be quite balanced when consumed in moderation. Potatoes are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber (especially when the skin is left on). Broth particularly if homemade or low-sodium adds hydration and essential nutrients. Cheese contributes calcium and protein.
If you’re watching calories or fat intake, consider using reduced-fat cheddar cheese or cutting back slightly on the amount. The soup is hearty enough to feel indulgent, even with lighter modifications.
Ideal for Meal Prep and Storage
Another great feature of this recipe is how well it holds up for leftovers. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore the original consistency.
Meal prepping this soup in large batches makes weeknight dinners and lunches almost effortless.
Perfect for All Seasons
While traditionally associated with cold weather, this soup is so easy and satisfying it’s a year-round favorite. In winter, it warms you from the inside out. During transitional spring or autumn days, it provides a cozy reminder of home. And even in summer, it’s ideal for those days when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in a hot kitchen.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
Potatoes and cheese are almost universally loved by kids, making this soup a great choice for family meals. Its mild flavor and smooth texture appeal to picky eaters, and the simple ingredients mean you know exactly what’s going into every bite.
You can even turn this recipe into a fun family dinner project by setting up a topping bar kids can load up their bowls with bacon bits, cheese, or herbs, adding a creative and interactive element to mealtime.
Budget-Friendly Benefits
Feeding a family or managing your food budget can be challenging. This 3-ingredient potato soup is a low-cost, high-satisfaction option. Potatoes are inexpensive and have a long shelf life. Cheese and broth are pantry/refrigerator staples in most homes. For just a few dollars, you can feed several people a wholesome, hearty dish.
For households trying to cut back on takeout or pre-packaged meals, having recipes like this in your rotation can help stretch your grocery dollar while still eating well.
Conclusion:
In a world overflowing with complex recipes, the Creamy 3-Ingredient Potato Soup reminds us that sometimes, less truly is more. With just three simple ingredients, you get a nourishing, satisfying, and crave-worthy dish that checks all the boxes: ease, taste, affordability, and flexibility.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a meal for a loved one, or just treating yourself to something comforting, this soup is a go-to option that never disappoints. Customize it to your taste, top it with your favorites, and serve it up with love.