Cozy Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe: A Heartwarming Delight

Crafting a delightful creamy vegetable soup can turn an ordinary evening into a comforting culinary adventure.

Seasonal produce transforms this classic dish into something magical and nourishing.

Hearty vegetables blend seamlessly with rich, velvety textures that warm you from the inside out.

Each spoonful carries layers of subtle flavors and nutritious ingredients.

Simple techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Fresh herbs and a touch of creativity elevate this soup beyond basic expectations.

You’ll be amazed how quickly this meal comes together, promising both satisfaction and wellness in a single bowl.

What Goes In Creamy Vegetable Soup

• Carrots, Celery, Onion: Classic mirepoix mix that creates a flavor foundation for the soup.
• Potatoes: Hearty vegetable that adds substance and thickness to the soup.
• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that provides a fresh texture and flavor.
• Corn: Sweet vegetable that adds color and mild sweetness to the soup.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth base for the soup.
• Milk: Creates a creamy liquid base for the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and smoothness to the final soup texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the soup, delivering a sharp and tangy flavor profile.

• Chicken Stock: Serves as the primary liquid and adds depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the soup.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that enhance the overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds a subtle background flavor.

• Parsley, Thyme: Fresh herbs that add a bright and aromatic finishing touch.

How To Make Creamy Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Carrots
• Celery
• Onions

Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until wonderfully fragrant.

Step 2: Build The Soup Base

• Diced potatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Chicken stock

Crank up the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until potatoes become tender but not mushy.

Step 3: Add More Veggie Goodness

• Thawed broccoli
• Frozen corn

Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are warm and tender.

Step 4: Create A Luxurious Cream Base

In a separate saucepan, melt remaining butter. Whisk in flour and cook for one minute. Slowly pour milk, whisking continuously until smooth. Cook until mixture thickens and gently bubbles. Stir in heavy cream and remove from heat.

Step 5: Combine And Cheese It Up

Pour cream mixture into soup pot. Stir thoroughly. Lower heat and gradually add shredded Cheddar cheese, stirring until each handful melts completely.

Step 6: Final Flavor Check

Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve alongside toasted buttered bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips For A Great Creamy Vegetable Soup

• Prep Perfectly: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Stock Smart: Use homemade or high-quality chicken stock for deeper, richer flavor in the soup base.
• Veggie Variation: Swap chicken stock with vegetable stock to make the soup vegetarian-friendly and equally delicious.
• Roux Technique: Whisk flour and butter continuously to prevent burning and create a smooth, lump-free thickening base.

Creative Ways To Change Creamy Vegetable Soup

• Dairy-Free Vegetable Soup: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk. Swap Cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.
• Spicy Southwest Vegetable Soup: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and swap Italian seasoning for chili powder. Top with cilantro and a splash of lime juice for extra zest.
• Protein-Packed Vegetable Soup: Include diced chicken or cooked ground turkey during the sautéing stage. Add quinoa or white beans for additional protein and texture.
• Gluten-Free Vegetable Soup: Use cornstarch instead of flour for the roux. Ensure chicken stock is gluten-free and use gluten-free flour blend if needed for thickening.

What Goes Well With Creamy Vegetable Soup

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: The tangy, crisp sourdough perfectly complements the rich, creamy soup by cutting through its velvety texture and adding a delightful crunch.
• Recommend Chardonnay Pairing: A buttery, medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes echoes the soup's creamy base and balances the vegetable flavors beautifully.
• Match with Green Salad: Toss a light, crisp salad with a zesty vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the soup's hearty and creamy profile, creating a well-rounded meal.
• Serve with Herbed Goat Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled herbed goat cheese on top or alongside the soup to enhance its creamy texture and add a tangy, fresh dimension to each spoonful.

Storing Creamy Vegetable Soup Made Easy

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups, as cream may separate.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken stock to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

Creamy Vegetable Soup Questions Answered

• Is this soup nutritious?

Yes, it’s packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, broccoli, and corn, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The combination of vegetables and dairy makes it a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock and skip the Cheddar cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative to create a vegetarian version.

• What makes the soup creamy?

The soup gets its creamy texture from a classic roux made with butter and flour, then combined with milk and heavy cream. The gradual addition of Cheddar cheese also contributes to its rich, smooth consistency.

Why Creamy Vegetable Soup Is So Loved

• Tackle Complexity with Ease: This recipe breaks down into simple steps anyone can follow, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap ingredients like using vegetable stock for a vegetarian version or adding different cheeses to match your taste preferences.
• Pack Nutritional Punch: Loaded with colorful vegetables and protein-rich ingredients, this soup delivers a balanced meal in one delicious bowl.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Perfect for family gatherings, weekend meals, or when you want a hearty dish that satisfies everyone's hunger and craving for warmth.

Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30-37 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty vegetable soup with a silky smooth texture combines rich, comforting flavors that dance across your palate. Packed with seasonal vegetables and a luxurious cream base, this nourishing bowl promises warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful you savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1½ pounds baby gold or red potatoes (diced)
• 3 cups mirepoix (1 cup diced carrots, 1 cup diced celery, and 1 cup diced yellow onion)
• 2 cups frozen broccoli florets (thawed and finely chopped)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Liquids and Dairy:

• 3 cups chicken stock or broth (or vegetable broth)
• 3 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Additions:

• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon black pepper

Optional for Serving:

• Buttered bread
• Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Sauté mirepoix (carrots, celery, onion) for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and release their flavors. Quickly add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to enhance the fragrance.
2. Incorporate diced potatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the pot. Pour in chicken stock and elevate heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a robust boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until potatoes reach a crisp-tender consistency.
3. Introduce thawed broccoli and frozen corn to the simmering pot. Allow vegetables to cook for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they become tender and heated throughout.
4. Create a velvety roux in a separate saucepan by melting remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour for one minute to develop a smooth base. Gradually stream milk into the mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and reaches a gentle boil. Remove from heat and blend in heavy cream.
5. Merge the creamy milk mixture with the vegetable-filled soup pot, stirring thoroughly to integrate flavors. Reduce heat and gradually melt Cheddar cheese into the soup, incorporating one handful at a time until fully blended.
6. Perform a final taste test, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference for optimal seasoning.
7. Ladle the piping hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme and accompany with toasted, buttered bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting the amount of milk and cream for your preferred consistency.
• Swap chicken stock with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of this hearty soup.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach during the simmering process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-27 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg