There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, cheesy comfort on a chilly day, and this Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe is the ultimate hug in a bowl. Brimming with a rainbow of veggies, a lusciously creamy broth, and two kinds of melty cheese, it’s the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy make-ahead lunch, this soup is pure satisfaction—filling, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or toppings.

Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this soup is in its simplicity—each ingredient has a purpose, bringing depth, color, and hearty texture to every spoonful. Gather these essentials, and you’ll be on your way to a crowd-pleasing Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe that never fails to impress.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables for the best flavor base.
Onion: A classic aromatic that adds subtle sweetness as it softens in the pot.
Garlic: Gives the soup an irresistible savory depth—don’t skimp on it!
Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory cheese and adds lovely color.
Celery: Brings a fresh, earthy crunch to the mix and brightens the overall flavor.
Broccoli florets: The star veggie—packed with nutrients, color, and texture.
Potato: Adds heartiness and helps thicken the soup for a creamy, satisfying consistency.
Vegetable broth: The liquid gold that ties all the flavors together. Choose low-sodium for more control over seasoning.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the best in all the ingredients.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and rounds out the flavors.
Dried thyme: Offers a subtle herby note that complements the vegetables beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup for that perfect creamy texture.
Milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness—whole milk or even half-and-half for extra richness.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The main cheesy player—be sure to use sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that takes the soup over the top.

How to Make Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the aroma fills your kitchen. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the entire Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe, so take your time and let the veggies sweat.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Simmer

Toss in the chopped broccoli florets and diced potato, then pour in the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Give everything a good stir, turn up the heat, and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup

While the veggies are simmering, whisk the all-purpose flour into the milk until you have a smooth mixture with no lumps. Slowly pour this milk mixture into the soup, stirring constantly. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly and takes on that luxurious, creamy texture you want in a Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low so the soup doesn’t bubble too vigorously. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, adding them gradually and stirring until they’re completely melted and the soup is velvety smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper is just what it needs.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pair with crusty bread or crackers for dipping, and prepare for compliments! This Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe is all about comfort, so don’t be shy with the garnishes or sides.

How to Serve Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top is always a good idea, but you can get creative here! Try a handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives for color and freshness, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. For a fun crunch, add homemade croutons or toasted pumpkin seeds right before serving.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it shines brightest when served with a side of warm, crusty bread, classic buttery crackers, or a toasty grilled cheese. If you’re making it for dinner, pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for an extra dose of color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party twist, ladle the Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe into small bread bowls or serve in colorful mugs for an easy, grab-and-go lunch. Swirl in a little pesto or a drizzle of olive oil for a gourmet finish, or top with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. This soup is also fantastic served as mini shooters at a gathering—just pour into small cups and garnish with a tiny cheese crisp!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making those next-day bowls even more delicious. Just make sure the soup is completely cooled before transferring to the fridge to keep it fresh and safe.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then ladle into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. While the dairy may cause a touch of separation when thawed, a quick whisk will bring everything back together. For best results, enjoy within two months.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from sticking or breaking. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute or so until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorites—cauliflower, bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach work beautifully. The Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe is very flexible, so use what’s in season or what you have on hand.

What’s the best way to make the soup even creamier?

For extra creaminess, use half-and-half or even a splash of heavy cream instead of milk. You can also blend a portion of the soup (with an immersion blender or regular blender) before adding the cheese for an ultra-smooth texture—just be careful not to over-blend if you want some veggie chunks left.

Does this Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe work as a meal prep option?

It sure does! Make a big batch and portion it into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and is just as comforting the next day.

Can I make this soup gluten free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch (mixed with a little cold milk) as a thickener. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, making this Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe easy to adapt.

What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar offers the boldest flavor, but you can experiment with different cheeses for variety—try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheese for a unique twist. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts smoothly for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a homemade Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe—it’s cozy, nourishing, and always brings people together around the table. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own with your favorite veggies and toppings. Let it be your new go-to for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a little comfort in a bowl!

Cheesy Vegetable Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Vegetable Soup is a comforting and hearty blend of fresh vegetables simmered to perfection and enriched with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a creamy, flavorful vegetarian soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cups chopped broccoli florets
1 medium potato, peeled and diced

Broth & Seasonings

4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Dairy & Thickening

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add Broccoli, Potato, and Broth: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets, peeled and diced potato, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender.
Prepare the Milk and Flour Mixture: While the soup simmers, whisk together the all-purpose flour and milk in a separate bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
Thicken the Soup: Slowly pour the milk and flour mixture into the simmering soup while stirring continuously. Continue to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup thickens slightly.
Add the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheeses are completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve: Serve the cheesy vegetable soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying comfort meal.

Notes

For extra richness and creaminess, substitute half-and-half for the milk.
For a smoother texture, consider blending part of the soup before adding the cheese.
This soup can be customized by adding other seasonal vegetables you like.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American