This hearty and comforting soup is a delightful blend of tender vegetables and a rich, creamy base. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, it combines the goodness of broccoli, carrots, and russet potatoes with a velvety cheddar-infused broth. Whether you’re craving a nourishing meal or seeking a crowd-pleasing dish, this soup delivers both flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 yellow onion, diced
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10 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lb carrots, peeled and diced
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2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
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32 oz vegetable broth
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2 cups finely diced broccoli florets
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8 oz yellow sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
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2 cups milk
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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Salt, to taste
Directions
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
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Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 7–10 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
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Stir in the diced carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
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Add the diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the soup, stirring constantly.
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Add the finely diced broccoli florets to the soup and simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broccoli to become tender.
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Stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted and the soup achieves a creamy consistency.
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Season with salt to taste.
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Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this creamy vegetable soup.
Nutrients
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Calories: 300 kcal
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Protein: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 5g
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Sodium: 800mg
Variations and Customizations
One of the best aspects of creamy vegetable soup is its versatility. The base recipe can easily be adapted to fit different dietary preferences and flavor profiles. For instance, you can make it vegetarian-friendly by sticking with vegetable broth as listed, or transform it into a vegan version by replacing butter with olive oil, milk with almond or oat milk, and cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
If you want to pack in even more nutrients, consider adding spinach, kale, zucchini, or cauliflower. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, you could stir in chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes to add natural sweetness and extra antioxidants.
Texture is another element that can be customized. If you prefer a smoother soup, blend half or all of it using an immersion blender for a creamier consistency. For a chunkier variation, leave the vegetables diced and lightly mashed, giving a rustic and hearty texture.
Serving Suggestions
This soup shines as a stand-alone dish, but pairing it with complementary sides elevates the meal experience. A warm, crusty baguette or homemade garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. You can also serve it alongside a light garden salad with vinaigrette to add freshness and balance.
For heartier meals, pair the soup with a grain-based side such as quinoa, brown rice, or couscous. A grilled cheese sandwich can also be an excellent comfort food pairing, making the meal especially appealing for family dinners. If serving at a gathering, you might present it in bread bowls for a rustic and visually impressive touch.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Creamy vegetable soup stores beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Once cooled, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. When reheating, do so over medium heat on the stove to maintain its creamy consistency. Adding a splash of milk or broth while reheating can help restore its velvety texture.
If you’d like to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so before adding the cheese and milk, since dairy can sometimes separate when thawed. Prepare the soup up until the point of adding the dairy, let it cool, and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and stir in fresh milk and cheese.
Health-Conscious Modifications
For those with specific dietary needs, there are simple swaps that make the soup suitable without compromising flavor. To reduce calories, you can substitute full-fat cheese with a reduced-fat version or cut the amount in half. Swapping russet potatoes for cauliflower lowers the carbohydrate content, making the dish more keto- or low-carb friendly.
If you’re lactose-intolerant, lactose-free milk and cheese alternatives are widely available and work just as well in this recipe. For gluten-free diets, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener. These small changes allow everyone to enjoy the warmth and comfort of this soup regardless of restrictions.
Cultural and Comfort Food Connections
Soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, offering nourishment, warmth, and comfort. Creamy vegetable soup in particular has strong ties to Western cuisine, often appearing in home kitchens during colder months. Its creamy, cheesy base reflects comfort food traditions that emphasize rich textures and hearty flavors.
The soup’s adaptability also mirrors cultural traditions of using what’s available seasonally. Carrots, potatoes, and broccoli are vegetables that are widely accessible and affordable, making the dish practical as well as comforting. Over time, this soup has become a symbol of homemade care, often associated with family meals and gatherings.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Achieving the ideal creamy vegetable soup comes down to a few simple techniques. First, ensure that the onions and garlic are sautéed long enough to develop a mellow, aromatic base. Taking the time to let them soften creates depth of flavor. Second, cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This not only improves texture but also presentation.
When thickening the soup, whisk the flour and milk mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps. Adding it gradually while stirring ensures a smooth consistency. Finally, choose high-quality cheese and grate it fresh—this makes a significant difference in both texture and taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
Why This Soup is Perfect for All Occasions
Creamy vegetable soup is a dish that works beautifully across different occasions. For weeknight dinners, it provides a simple, nourishing option that doesn’t require complicated steps. During family gatherings, it serves as a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children. It’s also a great make-ahead dish for potlucks or office lunches, where it can be reheated easily without losing flavor.
Because it is both comforting and customizable, it bridges the gap between indulgence and nourishment. Whether you’re looking for a warm bowl after a long day, a dish to share with loved ones, or a versatile recipe for meal planning, this soup fits seamlessly into any context.
Conclusion
Creamy vegetable soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a comforting experience that combines taste, nutrition, and adaptability. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein, it nourishes the body while providing the warmth and satisfaction of a classic comfort dish. Its flexibility allows for endless variations, making it suitable for various dietary preferences and occasions.
From its nutrient-packed ingredients to its versatility in preparation and serving, this soup proves to be a timeless addition to any kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal, a make-ahead prep dish, or a centerpiece for family gatherings, creamy vegetable soup delivers both health and happiness in every bowl.
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