If you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup that’s loaded with wholesome veggies and ooey-gooey cheddar, you’re going to absolutely adore this Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something cozy but still fresh and flavorful. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Veggie-packed goodness: With five different vegetables, it’s a great way to sneak in nutrients without skimping on flavor.
- Creamy, cheesy comfort: The sharp cheddar melts into the soup, giving it that irresistible rich and creamy texture.
- Easy weeknight meal: From chopping to bowl, it comes together quickly, perfect for busy evenings.
- Family-approved: My whole family goes crazy for this soup, and I bet yours will too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings a unique texture and flavor that all mingle perfectly when simmered. When shopping, look for fresh, firm veggies and a good-quality sharp cheddar — it makes a noticeable difference.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
- Butter: Gives the soup a silky richness that olive oil alone can’t provide.
- Yellow onion: For a sweet and savory base flavor.
- Cauliflower: Adds a mild nuttiness and nice body to the soup.
- Broccoli stalks: Often overlooked, these add earthiness — just remove the tough stems.
- Russet potato: The secret thickener that makes the soup velvety without any flour.
- Baby carrots: Bringing in a touch of natural sweetness and color.
- Garlic: For that aromatic depth that wakes up every bite.
- Vegetable stock: The flavorful liquid that ties all the veggies together.
- Cream (or half and half): To make it dreamy and luscious, without overwhelming heaviness.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, giving the soup its signature cheesy punch.
- Salt and pepper: Must-haves to balance and elevate all the flavors.
Variations
I love making this Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe my own depending on the season or what’s in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to experiment — you might discover your new favorite combo!
- Swap the cheddar: I sometimes use sharp white cheddar or a blend for a slightly different flavor profile that still melts beautifully.
- Add spice: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne can take this soup from cozy to kickin’ without overpowering the veggies.
- Use different veggies: I’ve swapped in zucchini or sweet corn when those are fresh and in season — just adjust cooking times as needed.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the cream with coconut milk and use vegan cheese for a tasty plant-based version.
How to Make Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies Like a Pro
Start by chopping the onion finely — this releases their sweetness quickly while cooking. Then, remove the base and leaves of the cauliflower and cut it into 6-8 pieces. Don’t throw away the broccoli stalks either; just peel the tough outer layer and chop the stems for cooking. Peel and dice your russet potato into cubes; this is what will give your soup that lovely creamy texture. Finally, roughly chop the baby carrots — they’re already tender so no need to peel them. Mincing your garlic cloves last helps keep their punch noticeable but not overwhelming.
Step 2: Sauté and Build Flavor
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter together over medium heat. When the butter just starts to melt, toss in your chopped onions and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally — you want them soft and fragrant, not brown. Next, add in the cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots. Cook another 2 minutes until the broccoli turns a vibrant green, signaling those veggies are waking up to the heat. Add the potato cubes and minced garlic, giving everything a good stir to combine flavors.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in your vegetable stock, then season lightly with salt and pepper — you can always add more later. Cover your pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let everything simmer gently for 15 minutes. After that, remove the lid and cook uncovered for another 18-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are so soft you can easily mash one against the side of your spoon — that creaminess is key.
Step 4: Blend and Finish
Using an immersion blender (or carefully working in batches with a regular blender), puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Be careful — hot liquids have a tendency to splash! Return the blended soup to low heat, then stir in your cream and shredded cheddar cheese slowly, letting it melt into that luscious base. Give the soup a taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Pro Tips for Making Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Don’t rush the simmer: Low and slow cooking allows the vegetables to soften perfectly and flavors to meld beautifully.
- Use sharp cheddar: I learned the hard way that mild cheese just doesn’t bring the depth this soup needs.
- Blending safety: If using a blender, allow the soup to cool slightly and blend in small batches to avoid spills and burns.
- Season gradually: You can always add more salt and pepper at the end, but it’s harder to fix if you overdo it early on.
How to Serve Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar for that melty cheese on top moment. A few fresh chives or chopped parsley add a pop of color and freshness that brightens each spoonful. If you’re feeling indulgent, a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits takes it next level.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread or warm garlic rolls are my go-to partners with this soup — they’re perfect for dipping and soaking up every cheesy drop. I’ve also served it alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced weeknight dinner that feels fancy but takes almost no effort.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, I’ve ladled the soup into mini bread bowls — such a showstopper! Another fun idea is serving it in small cups or shot glasses as an appetizer at parties, garnished with microgreens or tiny croutons for a bite-sized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I store leftovers, I let the soup cool completely before refrigerating to keep it fresh and safe — plus, it re-heats really well.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup successfully several times. Just be sure to freeze it without the cream and cheese first; then add those when reheating for best texture. Label your container and it’ll keep well for about 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add your cream and cheese last so the soup stays silky and the cheddar melts perfectly. If the soup is too thick after reheating, just splash in a bit of vegetable stock or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen vegetables for this soup?
Absolutely! Frozen cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots work just fine and save prep time. Just adjust the initial sautéing time slightly since frozen veggies will release more moisture.
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What’s the best way to shred cheddar cheese for this recipe?
I recommend shredding it fresh from a block rather than buying pre-shredded for the best melt and flavor. Using a box grater or a food processor makes quick work.
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Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based cream substitute like coconut or cashew cream and swap the cheddar for vegan cheese. Just keep in mind the flavor and creaminess may vary slightly.
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Is it necessary to peel the potato?
Peeling the russet potato gives a smoother texture and creamier soup, but if you prefer a bit of rustic texture, you can leave the skins on as long as you wash them well.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup Recipe hits all the right notes — creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome veggies that somehow feel like a hug in a bowl. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could come together for such a rich, satisfying meal. If you want an easy, nourishing soup that your friends and family will rave about, I can’t recommend this enough. Give it a try tonight — I promise, it’s going to become one of your favorites too!
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 Five Vegetable Cheddar Soup is a rich and creamy blend of cauliflower, broccoli, potato, carrots, and onion, simmered in vegetable stock and enriched with cheddar cheese and cream. Perfect for a comforting and nourishing meal, this soup is smooth, cheesy, and packed with wholesome vegetables.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 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
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup cream (half and half recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the onion finely. Trim the base and leaves of the cauliflower and cut into 6-8 pieces. Remove the stems from the broccoli florets. Peel and cube the potato. Roughly chop the baby carrots. Mince the garlic cloves carefully.
- Sauté Onion and Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and beginning to soften. Add the cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots, and cook for another 2 minutes. The broccoli should deepen into a vibrant green.
- Add Potato, Garlic, and Stock: Stir in the cubed potato and minced garlic. Pour in the vegetable stock, season with salt and pepper, and cover the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer covered for 15 minutes.
- Simmer Further: Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 18-20 minutes until the potatoes are very soft and easily mashed when pressed with a spoon.
- Puree the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Puree until the soup is smooth and creamy. Return the soup to low heat.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the cream and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished as preferred or enjoyed plain for a creamy vegetable delight.
Notes
- Baby carrots are preferred to avoid peeling; if using regular carrots, peel first.
- Use half and half or cream to balance richness and texture.
- An immersion blender is easiest, but a traditional blender works if done carefully to avoid hot spills.
- Adjust seasoning gradually to ensure a balanced flavor.
- For a thinner soup, add additional vegetable stock or water when pureeing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 458 kcal
- 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