Garden Cheddar Soup
A hearty and flavorful vegetable soup enriched with cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting family meal. The combination of tender vegetables, aromatic basil, and a splash of red wine creates a rich, satisfying taste that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 2 small zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 celery stalk, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 onion, halved and sliced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 4.5 cups beef broth ⓘ
- 1.5 cups V-8 juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced basil ⓘ
- 0.5 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 0.5 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a stockpot, combine carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, celery, mushrooms, onion, garlic, beef broth, and V-8 juice.
- Heat to boiling, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until vegetables are just tender.
- Stir in basil, red wine, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Add cheese just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade beef broth instead of store-bought. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and skip the red wine or use a splash of balsamic vinegar. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor; try adding thyme or oregano along with the basil. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Garden Cheddar Soup with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Beef Stew With Limas for a hearty dinner or can be enjoyed alongside a light sandwich. For a garnish, sprinkle extra minced parsley or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving to enhance its presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Cheddar Soup contains roughly 379 calories, with 17g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (224% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1275mg per serving (55% 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 other vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or spinach. Just ensure that the cooking times remain similar so all vegetables are tender when done.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes, to make this soup dairy-free, simply omit the cheese added just before serving. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy, or blend a few soup portions to create a creamy texture.
How can I adjust the seasoning to taste?
Taste the soup during cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add more pepper or even a dash of hot sauce. You can also enhance the flavor with additional herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
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).