I absolutely love making this One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe on chilly evenings when I want something comforting but not too fussy. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl — rich, velvety, and packed with wholesome veggies that are cooked right in one pot, saving you a ton of cleanup. Whether you’re new to soup-making or a seasoned pro, this recipe really hits that sweet spot between easy and impressive.
When I first tried this soup, I was blown away at how creamy and flavorful it turned out without needing any heavy cream substitutes or roux tricks. You’ll find that the balance of herbs, cheddar cheese, and just a splash of balsamic vinegar brings out the natural vegetable sweetness beautifully. Plus, it’s flexible enough to toss in whatever you have on hand, which is such a win for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pot Ease: Everything cooks in one pot, meaning less mess and more time to relax or prep other dishes.
- Rich and Creamy without Fuss: The creamy texture comes from simple ingredients like cheese and cream, so no complicated sauces needed.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can swap vegetables depending on what’s fresh or what you have in your fridge.
- Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this soup and it tends to make great leftovers, making weeknight dinners easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that come together wonderfully. When shopping, aim for firm potatoes and crisp fresh veggies, as they’ll hold up nicely during cooking.
- Butter: Adds creaminess and richness while sautéing the veggies—try using unsalted butter so you can control the salt in the soup.
- White Onion: Gives a sweet base flavor once sautéed until translucent.
- Carrots: They add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery: Provides a subtle earthy flavor that balances the soup.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth—mince fresh for best results.
- Dried Oregano, Thyme, and Sage: These herbs brighten and lift the soup, creating a comforting, herbaceous warmth.
- Flour: Used to thicken the soup as it cooks without needing separate roux preparation.
- Vegetable Broth: The heart of the soup base—choose low sodium if you want more control over saltiness.
- Broccoli: Chop into bite-sized pieces for perfect tender crunch.
- Corn: Canned corn is fine if fresh isn’t available; it adds a sweet pop of flavor.
- Potatoes: Diced medium-sized potatoes give body and a lovely creamy texture when cooked down.
- Heavy Cream: It makes the soup luxuriously creamy, but you can use a lighter cream if preferred.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds depth, tang, and melty goodness.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Just a splash brightens and balances the rich flavors.
- Kosher Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper: Essential seasonings you’ll adjust to taste.
Variations
I love mixing things up depending on the season or what my kitchen has on hand. This One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe is wonderful as-is, but feel free to tweak it and make it your own!
- Vegan Version: I once swapped out butter for olive oil and subbed the cream and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast—it was surprisingly creamy and satisfying.
- Seasonal Veggies: Roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes add a warm sweetness if you want an autumn twist.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic gives it a nice gentle heat that my family loved.
- Herb Swaps: Fresh herbs like parsley and chives on top brighten it even more if you have them fresh in your garden or fridge.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by melting butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Then add diced onion, carrots, celery, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Turn the heat up to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the onions are translucent and the vegetables begin to soften. This step is crucial because it starts creating the flavor depth that makes this soup so comforting.
Step 2: Layer in Aromatics and Thickener
Reduce the heat back to medium and stir in the minced garlic along with dried oregano, thyme, and sage. Cook for about one minute until fragrant — you’ll notice your kitchen smell like autumn in no time. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cooking the flour for another minute helps develop that lovely creamy texture without lumps.
Step 3: Add Broth and Veggies
Pour in a hearty splash of vegetable broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom — that’s where some of the best flavors hide! Add the diced potatoes, drained corn, chopped broccoli, and the rest of the broth. Sprinkle a couple more pinches of salt and pepper to season. Cover the pot, crank the heat to medium-high, and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Once it begins to simmer, reduce heat to low, cover again, and let the soup gently bubble away for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially toward the end. This slow simmer lets the potatoes cook through and softens the broccoli just perfectly.
Step 5: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Vinegar
Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Keep stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the soup, creating that signature creamy texture. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, extra shredded cheddar, and a handful of oyster crackers for a bit of crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy that cozy creamy goodness!
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Don’t Skip Deglazing: Scraping those browned bits adds rich flavor, making the soup taste way deeper and more homemade.
- Mind the Simmer: Keep the heat low after boiling to avoid tough veggies or breaking down the potatoes into a mush.
- Cheese Quality Matters: Using a sharp cheddar really makes a difference in flavor intensity—grate it fresh for best melting.
- Season Gradually: I learned to add salt little by little and taste often so the soup never gets overly salty or bland.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I always grab fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, plus an extra sprinkling of sharp cheddar cheese because, why not? Oyster crackers or crusty bread are my go-to forks-and-butter sidekick for some satisfying crunch and soak-up.
Side Dishes
For family dinners, I love serving this with a simple mixed green salad or warm artisan bread for dipping. Roasted garlic bread or a crisp kale salad pairs beautifully too, adding texture contrast and a boost of greens to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or when guests come over, try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls—it’s fun, rustic, and makes the meal feel extra cozy. I’ve also drizzled a little chili oil or pesto on top for a colorful, flavorful pop that always impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps wonderfully for about 3-4 days. Just remember the soup thickens a bit as it chills, so don’t be alarmed if it seems thicker when you reheat.
Freezing
This One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe freezes surprisingly well! I let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-friendly containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When thawed, it tastes just as good as fresh, although sometimes I add a splash of broth or cream to rescue that creamy texture after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to help return the creamy texture. If the soup has thickened too much, I add a little vegetable broth or water until it reaches my preferred consistency. Microwave reheating works too, but I recommend stirring halfway through.
FAQs
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Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap butter for olive or coconut oil and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream. Instead of cheddar cheese, use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor or omit it entirely. You may want to adjust seasoning to balance the flavors.
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Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen or canned?
This recipe primarily uses fresh vegetables, which I prefer for their texture and flavor. However, if you have frozen broccoli or corn, you can add them towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain vegetable texture.
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How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick when reheating?
Soups with cream and potatoes can thicken when chilled or frozen. To fix this, add a bit of vegetable broth or water while reheating and stir well to loosen the texture to your preference.
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Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! This One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe is quite forgiving. Feel free to add chopped zucchini, spinach, or even kale towards the end of cooking. Just adjust the amounts and cook times as needed to keep a good texture.
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What type of potatoes work best?
I recommend using Yukon Gold or red potatoes because they hold their shape well and give a nice creamy consistency. Russets work too but can break down more and thicken the soup more if overcooked.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe has become my go-to for a cozy, nourishing meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. I love how it’s comforting yet light, with just the right kick of herbs and cheese. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and eating it as much as my family and I do — so grab your favorite pot, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort tonight!
PrintOne Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is a hearty and comforting dish packed with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a smooth, cheesy finish. Perfect for chilly days, this easy-to-make soup combines carrots, celery, broccoli, potatoes, and corn in a creamy broth enriched with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of balsamic vinegar for depth. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that delivers both nutrition and flavor in a single pot.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1.5 cups chopped carrots
- 1.5 cups chopped celery
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped in bite-sized pieces
- 1 (15 oz.) can corn, drained
- 3 cups (3/4″ thick) diced potatoes
Dairy
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Pantry & Spices
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/3 cup flour
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Oyster crackers
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Vegetables: Heat butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, chopped carrots, celery, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes, until onions become translucent and vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Reduce heat back to medium. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, and sage. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to release the fragrant aromas.
- Add Flour and Coat Veggies: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for one minute while stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour a hearty ladle of vegetable broth into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom; those add wonderful flavor to your soup.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in diced potatoes, drained corn, chopped broccoli, and the remaining vegetable broth. Season with a couple of pinches of salt and cracked pepper to your taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover again, and let the soup simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Vinegar: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and balsamic vinegar until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and oyster crackers for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less vegetable broth according to preference.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding cream and cheese.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.