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
Units
Scale
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.