Cheesy Vegetable Chowder
This Cheesy Vegetable Chowder is a comforting blend of tender vegetables and creamy, cheesy goodness. Packed with flavor from onions, garlic, and spices, it's perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings. Serve it as a hearty meal that satisfies both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine onion, garlic, celery, carrots, potatoes, and chicken broth in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in corn; remove from heat.
- Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add flour, stirring until smooth.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in remaining ingredients; cook until cheese melts, stirring constantly.
- Gradually stir cheese mixture into vegetable mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thoroughly heated.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing your vegetables in the butter before adding the broth. If you want to make a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use plant-based butter. You can also add other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety. If you prefer a thicker chowder, increase the flour slightly or reduce the amount of milk.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy vegetable chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled sandwiches or American recipes like Barbecued Chicken Wings for a hearty gathering. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra touch of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the chowder thickens too much during storage, add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Vegetable Chowder contains roughly 1402 calories, with 39g protein, 240g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (79% of the Daily Value), protein (78% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 843mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen vegetables in this chowder. Just be sure to add them to the pot a bit earlier in the cooking process to account for their longer cooking time. This can also save time in meal prep while still providing delicious flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this chowder ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the chowder a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Just remember to add the cheese just before serving to maintain its creamy texture. Reheat gently before enjoying for the best flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this chowder by substituting the milk with a non-dairy alternative, such as almond or oat milk, and using dairy-free cheese. Additionally, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative to keep it completely dairy-free while still enjoying a creamy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).