Introduction

This creamy vegetable soup is a comforting, hearty dish packed with tender potatoes, broccoli, and sharp Cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and satisfying without too much fuss. Serve it with buttered bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups mirepoix (or 1 cup diced carrots, 1 cup diced celery, and 1 cup diced yellow onion)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1½ pounds baby potatoes (gold or red, diced, about 4 cups)
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon pepper
3 cups chicken stock or broth
2 cups frozen broccoli florets (thawed and finely chopped)
1 cup frozen corn
6 tablespoons flour
3 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Hearty buttered bread (optional, for serving)
Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or thyme, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion (mirepoix). Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Step 2: Stir in the diced potatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium. Cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 3: Add the thawed, chopped broccoli and frozen corn to the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes more until all the vegetables are tender and heated through.
Step 4: While the soup cooks, make the cream sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
Step 5: Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and gently reaches a boil. Stir in the heavy cream, then remove from heat.
Step 6: Pour the cream sauce into the soup pot and stir well to combine. Lower the heat to low and gradually add the shredded Cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired, alongside buttered bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and skip the cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
Use different vegetables like cauliflower or peas if you prefer.
If you want a smoother texture, blend part of the soup before adding the cheese.
Leftover soup can be thick; add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it up.

Storage

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a little milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A creamy thick soup filled with visible small pieces of vegetables and meat, including green broccoli, red bell peppers, yellow corn, and chunks of light-colored meat, all suspended in a pale orange-yellow creamy broth with specks of black pepper scattered throughout. The soup is in a deep white bowl, with a silver spoon scooping up a portion showing a good mix of the chunky ingredients and creamy base, resting on a white marbled surface with some green leaves partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup actually tastes great the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it fully, cool completely, then refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I freeze the creamy vegetable soup?

Because of the dairy and potatoes, freezing can affect the texture, causing it to separate or become grainy. If you freeze it, stir well when thawed and reheat slowly. For best results, freeze before adding the cream sauce and cheese, then add those fresh when reheating.