If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting soup that’s packed with veggies and oozing with cheesy goodness, you’re going to flip for my Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe. This homemade soup strikes that perfect balance of creamy, flavorful, and nourishing — it’s a bowl I love to come back to, especially when the weather turns chilly. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through each step so you nail it every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Veggie-Packed Nutrition: You get five different vegetables in every spoonful, making it hearty and wholesome.
- Rich, Creamy Texture: The combination of cream and sharp cheddar creates a silky soup that feels indulgent but isn’t too heavy.
- Simple, Everyday Ingredients: No need to hunt for fancy produce — it’s all stuff you can find at any grocery store.
- Kid-Approved Flavor: My family goes crazy for this soup, and I bet yours will too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the veggies come together perfectly to create a soup that’s both creamy and earthy. Choosing fresh, firm vegetables really makes a difference here, so I always shop for the best quality I can find.
- Olive oil: I like using extra virgin for a gentle fruity note.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables perfectly.
- Yellow onion: This gives a subtle sweetness when cooked gently.
- Cauliflower: Its mild flavor blends smoothly and adds body to the soup.
- Broccoli stalks: Don’t throw these away — they add great flavor and texture once chopped well.
- Russet potato: This is your thickener, giving the soup that velvety consistency.
- Baby carrots: Naturally sweet and tender, no peeling needed.
- Garlic cloves: Just enough to add a fragrant punch without overpowering.
- Vegetable stock: A good quality stock adds depth and is key for flavor.
- Cream (or half and half): I use half and half to keep it lighter but still silky.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheese works, shredded fresh for best melting.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this soup depending on what’s in season or what I’m craving. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or tweak the creaminess to suit your taste.
- Swap the cheese: Trying smoked gouda or gruyere instead of cheddar added a delicious smoky twist that my friends adored.
- Make it vegan: Replace butter with olive oil, use coconut cream, and your favorite vegan cheese for a dairy-free version that’s just as comforting.
- More spice: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for some warmth — I do this when I want a little kick.
- Seasonal veggies: Spinach or kale stirred in at the end freshens things up in spring or fall.
How to Make Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Start by chopping the onion finely — this will soften quickly and build your base flavor nicely. Cut the cauliflower into 6-8 pieces after removing leaves and base, and trim broccoli florets from their tough stems. Peel and cube the potato, and give the baby carrots a rough chop (no peeling needed if you’re using baby carrots like I do — it saves time!). Mince your garlic cloves last so the flavor stays fresh.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. When the butter is nearly melted, toss in the onion and cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and smells sweet and fragrant. Then add the cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots, cooking another 2 minutes — you’ll notice the broccoli brighten to a gorgeous green. Toss in the potato and garlic last before building the broth.
Step 3: Simmer and Cook Soft
Pour in your vegetable stock, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cover the pot. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let it cook, covered, for 15 minutes. Then uncover and keep cooking for another 18–20 minutes until the potatoes are super tender — you’ll know it’s perfect when you can easily mash one against the side of the pot with your spoon.
Step 4: Blend and Add Cream & Cheese
Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer in batches to a regular blender — just be cautious of the hot liquid! Return the soup to low heat, then stir in the cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. That melty cheese sweetness combined with the veggies is what makes this soup truly irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Go Easy on the Salt at First: The vegetable stock and cheddar pack salt, so add seasoning gradually and taste before adding more.
- Use an Immersion Blender: It saves you from dangerous hot transfers and helps you to blend right in the pot — I can’t live without mine!
- Fresh Cheese is Key: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents, so shred your own if you can.
- Watch the Heat When Adding Cheese: Keep the pot on low heat to prevent the cheese from seizing or getting grainy.
How to Serve Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my bowl with a little fresh cracked black pepper, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, and sometimes chopped fresh chives or green onions if I have them on hand — they add a bright contrast to the rich soup. A small dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt works wonders, too.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or warm, buttery dinner rolls. I often serve it alongside a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or large bread bowls — it’s a fun way to elevate the presentation and impress your guests without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days, which makes it perfect for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
I usually freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers. Just note that the texture may change slightly because of the cream and potatoes, so give it a good stir after thawing. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If it’s too thick, add a splash of stock or milk to loosen it up — I learned this trick the hard way when my reheated soup turned too dense!
FAQs
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Can I make this Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe without cream?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter version, you can replace the cream with milk or even a plant-based milk. The soup will be slightly less rich but still creamy and delicious.
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What’s the best way to blend the soup smoothly?
Using an immersion blender right in the pot is the easiest and safest method. If you don’t have one, blend in batches in a regular blender, but be very careful because the soup is hot. Allow steam to escape to avoid splatters.
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Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Sure! Feel free to add chopped spinach, kale, zucchini, or even peas. Just adjust cooking times so all veggies finish tender.
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How long does this soup keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for about 4 days. Always give it a good sniff before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe holds a special place on my weeknight dinner rotation because it feels both nourishing and indulgent — a hug in a bowl, really. Once you try it, I’m confident you’ll find it a go-to comfort food that’s easy to make and loved by everyone around your table. Give it a shot, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes one of your favorite homemade soups!
PrintFive Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup is a comforting and flavorful blend of cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes, carrots, and yellow onions, simmered in vegetable stock and finished with rich cream and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup offers a hearty texture with vibrant vegetable flavors and a cheesy twist.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons yellow onion, chopped
- ½ head cauliflower (about 10 oz.), cut into 6-8 pieces
- 2 broccoli stalks (stems removed, about 10 oz.)
- 1 russet potato (about 10 oz.), peeled and cubed
- 10 baby carrots (about 2 oz.), roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup cream (half and half used)
Cheese & Seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the yellow onion finely. Remove the base and any leaves from the cauliflower and cut it into 6-8 pieces. Remove the stems from the broccoli florets, peel and cube the russet potato, and roughly chop the baby carrots. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Sauté Onion and Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is nearly melted. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and beginning to soften. Add the cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes, allowing the broccoli to brighten in color. Then add the cubed potato and minced garlic.
- Add Stock and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable stock and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Continue Cooking Uncovered: Remove the lid and cook uncovered for an additional 18-20 minutes until the potatoes are very soft and easily mashed with a spoon.
- Puree the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer to a blender to puree the soup until smooth. Be cautious handling hot liquids to avoid spills or burns.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Return the pureed soup to low heat. Stir in the cream and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use baby carrots to avoid peeling; if using full-sized carrots, peel them first.
- An immersion blender is ideal for pureeing directly in the pot, but a standard blender works if used carefully.
- For a richer soup, substitute heavy cream for half and half.
- Adjust salt and pepper toward the end after adding cheese, since cheese adds saltiness.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers and reheat gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 458
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1208 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 103 mg