Name: Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 yellow onion, diced; 10 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb carrots, peeled and diced; 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 2 cups finely diced broccoli florets; 32 oz vegetable broth; 2 cups milk; 2 tablespoons all purpose flour; 8 oz yellow sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated; Salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 31 reviews

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant veggies like carrots, potatoes, and broccoli, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy broth, this soup is a perfect balance of creamy richness and fresh vegetable goodness. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or serving it as a hearty lunch, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a truly satisfying experience that’s easy to make and loved by everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board on a white marbled surface holds four sections of vegetables: bright orange chopped carrots spread across the bottom left, vibrant green broccoli florets gathered on the top right, a small white bowl filled with small white chopped onions placed in the upper left, and another small white bowl with finely chopped garlic near the bottom right, slightly on top of the carrots. In the top right corner, there is a white bowl filled with light beige cubed potatoes, visible on the white marbled surface. A green cloth is partially visible on the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible creamy consistency. These simple, wholesome staples come together to create the perfect base and boost the soup’s wholesome goodness.

2 tablespoons butter: Adds a rich, silky base for sautéing and depth to the soup’s flavor.
1 yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory aroma that forms the heart of the soup.
10 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a fragrant warmth and a touch of spice.
1 lb carrots, peeled and diced: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced: Bring creaminess and body when cooked down.
32 oz vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all vegetables together.
2 cups finely diced broccoli florets: Gives a fresh green hue and a lovely textural contrast.
8 oz yellow sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated: Melts beautifully for that signature creamy, tangy flavor.
2 cups milk: Lightens the broth while maintaining richness and creaminess.
2 tablespoons all purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup to the perfect velvety consistency.
Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.

How to Make Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté Aromatics

Begin by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven to create a luscious base. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking over medium-low heat until the onions soften and turn translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes. This slow sauté brings out the natural sweetness and develops the flavor foundation your soup needs.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Carrots

Once your aromatics are tender and fragrant, toss in the diced carrots. Cook them over medium heat for about 5 minutes to lightly soften and release their sweet, earthy flavors into the mix. This adds both vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Now it’s time to add the potatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil, then let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Potatoes are the secret weapon for making this soup wonderfully creamy and filling without any cream.

Step 4: Mix Milk and Flour, Then Add Broccoli

To achieve that silky smooth texture, whisk together the milk and flour in a separate bowl until fully combined. Stir this mixture slowly into the simmering soup. Next, add the finely diced broccoli florets, letting the soup simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures the broccoli cooks just right — tender but still vibrant.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Finish Cooking

Stir in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. It will melt into the soup, thickening it further and infusing it with a rich, tangy flavor that makes this Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe so irresistible. Allow the soup to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness. Taste and season with salt as needed just before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe

A close-up view of a creamy soup in a white pot filling the frame, with a wooden spoon lifting a portion of the soup in the center. The soup has three main visible layers: a thick, yellowish creamy base that covers the whole pot; small bright orange carrot pieces scattered throughout; and small green broccoli florets distributed evenly. The wooden spoon shows a textured smooth surface holding a mix of the creamy base and vegetable pieces, with the soup slightly dripping from the spoon. The pot rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate this soup to restaurant-quality in an instant. Try sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or a little extra shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of cream can also add a lovely finishing touch and extra creaminess.

Side Dishes

Serve this hearty soup alongside crusty bread or warm garlic rolls for a complete meal. A simple crisp green salad with vinaigrette can provide a fresh, bright contrast that complements the soup’s creaminess beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out sourdough loaves, turning lunch into an interactive, cozy experience. You can also top it with crunchy roasted chickpeas or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for an exciting texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor. Make sure to let the soup cool before refrigerating to preserve its creamy consistency.

Freezing

Because this soup relies on dairy and potatoes, freezing can sometimes change the texture slightly. However, it still freezes well if stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When thawed, expect a slight separation that can easily be fixed by reheating gently and stirring well.

Reheating

Reheat the soup slowly over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring often to avoid scorching and to reincorporate any separation. Add a splash of milk if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can break down dairy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives this soup its classic tangy richness, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for different nuances of flavor and creaminess.

Is this soup suitable for vegans or dairy-free diets?

This recipe as written contains dairy from butter, milk, and cheese. To make it vegan, replace butter with olive oil or vegan margarine, use plant-based milk, and either omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative. The soup will still be deliciously creamy!

How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?

For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce or add more cheese. You can also add an extra tablespoon of flour mixed in milk. To thin it out, simply stir in more vegetable broth or milk to reach your preferred consistency.

What’s the best way to dice vegetables for this recipe?

Uniform, small dice is key, so everything cooks evenly and quickly. Aim for about ½-inch pieces — not too large or the carrots and potatoes will take longer to soften and the texture won’t be as smooth.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes! Feel free to customize your Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe with peas, spinach, corn, or zucchini. Add firmer vegetables earlier in cooking and delicate greens toward the end to keep delicious textures and flavors balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe is pure comfort food at its finest—a wonderful way to enjoy a rainbow of veggies in a bowl that’s velvety, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s approachable, flexible, and perfect for sharing with those you love. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and fall in love with it just as much as I have!