Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe That’s Cozy, Comforting, and Easy
The very first time I made a pot of creamy vegetable soup, I remember how the scent of garlic, onions, and simmering broth filled the whole kitchen. The windows fogged as the carrots softened and the potatoes turned velvety. That first spoonful was pure comfort: rich, silky, and packed with fresh vegetables. If you’ve ever craved a bowl of soup that feels like a hug, this creamy vegetable soup is exactly that. Whether you call it a vegetable chowder soup, a veggie chowder soup, or simply the best vegetable soup with cream, it’s a dish you’ll keep coming back to.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Creamy Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add diced potatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Whisk milk with flour until smooth, then slowly pour into the soup while whisking. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Stir in cream and frozen vegetables. Simmer for 3–5 more minutes until heated through.
- Optional: Stir in shredded cheese for extra richness.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why you’ll love this creamy vegetable soup
- A cozy classic that doubles as one of the best soup no meat recipes.
- Creamy without being heavy you can make it with milk, cream, or coconut milk.
- Loaded with everyday vegetables simmered in vegetable broth, making it hearty and nourishing.
- Crowd-pleasing for family dinners, from kids to adults.
- Quick enough for weeknights but special enough for weekends.
- Easily adapted into a vegetable soup with cheese for extra richness.
Ingredients you’ll need
Here’s a clear look at the pantry staples and simple swaps for this vegetable soup recipe with cream:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Substitution Tips |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Butter for richer flavor |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium, chopped | Shallots for milder flavor |
| Carrots | 2 medium, chopped | Parsnips for variety |
| Celery | 2 stalks, chopped | Leeks for subtle taste |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Garlic powder (½ tsp) |
| Potatoes | 2 medium, diced | Yukon Gold for creamy texture |
| Vegetable broth | 6 cups | Chicken broth if not vegetarian |
| Milk | 1 cup | Almond, soy, or oat for dairy-free |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | Full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup | Cornstarch slurry for gluten-free |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 1 cup | Fresh peas, corn, beans |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | White pepper for softer flavor |
| Fresh parsley or chives | For garnish | Adds brightness |
| Cheese (optional) | ½ cup shredded cheddar or parmesan | Turns it into a vegetable soup with cheese |
How to make creamy vegetable soup step by step
- Sauté the aromatics — Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the base — Stir in potatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer 10–15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Thicken the soup — In a small bowl, whisk milk with flour until smooth. Slowly pour into the soup while whisking to prevent lumps. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cream and veggies — Stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and frozen mixed vegetables. Simmer another 3–5 minutes.
- Optional cheesy twist — Stir in shredded cheddar or parmesan to make a luscious vegetable soup with cheese.
- Season & serve — Finish with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Serve hot with bread or salad.
How to serve your creamy vegetable soup
- Classic bowl: Ladle into big bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Cheesy comfort: Top with shredded cheddar for a rich vegetable soup recipe with cream and cheese flavor.
- Bread bowls: Serve like a vegetable chowder soup inside a crusty bread bowl.
- Seasonal version: In summer, swap in zucchini and corn. In winter, try broccoli and cauliflower.
- Pairings: A crisp green salad, grilled cheese sandwich, or roasted chicken on the side.
How to perfect your creamy vegetable soup
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for natural creaminess.
- Don’t skip sautéing the aromatics — it builds depth of flavor.
- Always add the flour or cornstarch slurry gradually to prevent lumps.
- For a veggie chowder soup vibe, add corn, beans, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Want more protein? Toss in shredded chicken, beans, or quinoa.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overboiling: Too much heat can curdle the cream. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Adding frozen veggies too early: They’ll turn mushy if cooked too long. Add at the end.
- Forgetting seasoning: Potatoes especially soak up flavor — salt and pepper are essential.
- Skipping the creamy base: Without milk or cream, you miss the cozy chowder-style texture.
Storage & reheating instructions
| Storage Method | How to Store | Shelf Life | Reheating Tips |
| Refrigerator | Airtight container | 3–4 days | Warm gently on stovetop, stir in splash of milk if too thick |
| Freezer | Cool fully, store in freezer-safe container | 2 months | Thaw overnight, reheat slowly on stove |
Tip: If using heavy cream, add it fresh after reheating for the best texture. Coconut milk is freezer-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this into a vegetable soup with cheese?
Yes! Add shredded cheddar, parmesan, or even cream cheese at the end for a cheesy twist.
What makes this a chowder-style soup?
The creamy base with potatoes and corn gives it the feel of a vegetable chowder soup or veggie chowder soup.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, use coconut milk and cornstarch instead of cream and flour.
Can I prepare this with fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely — just add them earlier so they cook through.
What if I want it lighter?
Use only milk (no cream) for a thinner but still cozy soups with vegetable broth recipe.
Conclusion
This creamy vegetable soup is everything you want in comfort food: simple, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you make it as a classic vegetable soup with cream, a hearty veggie chowder soup, or a cheesy variation, it’s guaranteed to warm your table and your heart. Save this recipe on Pinterest today — your future self will thank you on the next chilly night when all you want is a big bowl of creamy goodness.
