There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy cheesy vegetable soup to wrap you in warmth and comfort, especially on a chilly day. This delightful soup is not only rich and satisfying, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy meal at home. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that warms the soul and brings a smile to your face. Trust me, when you take that first spoonful of this creamy cheesy vegetable soup, you’ll feel like you’re being hugged from the inside out! Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit all kinds of dietary needs—whether you want to keep it vegetarian or add in some of your favorite seasonal veggies, the possibilities are endless. So, let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delicious creamy cheesy vegetable soup! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (I love using carrots, peas, and corn, but feel free to mix it up with what you have on hand!)
- 1 cup diced potatoes (they add heartiness to the soup)
- 1 onion, chopped (for that lovely flavor base)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought works great)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that rich, creamy texture)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the star of our creamy soup)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy, just season to your preference!)
- Pepper to taste (a little bit of pepper adds a nice kick)
Feel free to substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a vegan option, or use low-sodium vegetable broth if you’re watching your salt intake. Adding a handful of spinach or kale can also boost the nutrients without sacrificing flavor. Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Creamy Cheesy Vegetable Soup
Preparing this creamy cheesy vegetable soup is as simple as it is satisfying! Let’s walk through the steps together so you can whip up this comforting bowl of goodness in no time. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This is where the magic begins! Once the oil is shimmering, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant—this helps build that delicious flavor base.
Next, toss in the diced potatoes and mixed vegetables, stirring everything together for a couple of minutes. You want to let those veggies soak up some of that lovely onion and garlic goodness. Then, pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a lively boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial—allowing the soup to simmer lets the flavors meld together beautifully, and it cooks the veggies to tender perfection.
After 20 minutes of simmering, it’s time to make it creamy! Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and luscious. Don’t forget to taste it! Season with salt and pepper to your liking. And voilà! Your creamy cheesy vegetable soup is ready to be served warm in bowls, inviting you to savor every hearty bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in 1 cup of diced potatoes and 2 cups of mixed vegetables. Sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- After the simmering time, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the soup warm in bowls and enjoy!
For perfect sautéing, keep the heat at medium and stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning. It adds such a lovely aroma and flavor to the soup! Remember, the key to a creamy texture is ensuring your cheese is added slowly and mixed well. You’re going to love this soup—trust me!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy cheesy vegetable soup isn’t just delicious; it’s truly a bowl of comfort for the soul! Here are some reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Comforting warmth: Perfect for chilly evenings, it wraps you in cozy goodness.
- Quick and easy: With simple steps, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time.
- Nutrient-packed: Loaded with vegetables, it’s a great way to sneak in those essential nutrients.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies or adjust for dietary needs.
- Family-friendly: It’s a dish that even the pickiest eaters will love!
Trust me, once you try this soup, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make your creamy cheesy vegetable soup even more delightful, here are some handy tips that I’ve gathered over the years! First, if you want to lighten things up a bit, you can easily swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. It’ll still be creamy but with fewer calories!
When it comes to veggies, don’t hesitate to use what you have on hand—zucchini, bell peppers, or even broccoli can work beautifully in this soup. Just remember to chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. For added flavor, consider tossing in some dried herbs like thyme or basil while it simmers.
As for storage, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, be sure to leave out the cheese until you reheat, as it can change texture. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, it’s nice to know what you’re enjoying! This creamy cheesy vegetable soup offers a satisfying balance of flavors and nutrition. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 4g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. Enjoy this hearty soup knowing it’s not just delicious but also nourishing!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen vegetables in this creamy cheesy vegetable soup?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a great time-saver and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just add them in the same way you would fresh ones, and they’ll cook beautifully.
What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?
No problem at all! You can substitute with any cheese you love. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a mix of cheeses can give your soup a delicious twist. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This creamy cheesy vegetable soup can be made a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it. It’s even more flavorful the next day!
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your vegetable broth to ensure it’s labeled as gluten-free, and you’re all set.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or even some diced jalapeños while sautéing the onions. It’ll give your creamy cheesy vegetable soup a nice kick!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy cheesy vegetable soup properly will help keep it delicious for days to come! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just be sure to leave out the cheese until you’re ready to reheat, as it can change texture when frozen.
When it’s time to enjoy your soup again, reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Print
Creamy Cheesy Vegetable Soup: 5 Comforting Ways to Enjoy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy cheesy vegetable soup that warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft.
- Add diced potatoes and mixed vegetables. Stir for a few minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm in bowls.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a vegan option.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth for a healthier choice.
- Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: creamy cheesy vegetable soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe
