Quick Garden Cheese Soup
A hearty, cheesy vegetable soup with tender broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and hash browns, perfect for a quick, comforting meal for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large kettle or Dutch oven, cook celery and onion in butter until tender.
- Stir in flour until smooth.
- Gradually add water, then add bouillon cubes, pepper, vegetables, and hash browns. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and cover; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add milk and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Cook and stir until cheese melts and the soup is hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half in place of milk. You can also substitute fresh vegetables for frozen ones if preferred, but you may need to adjust cooking times. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the cheese flavor. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can make prep faster. This soup is also versatile; try adding cooked chicken for a protein boost, similar to our American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty cheese soup with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with our Quick Broccoli And Rice Casserole for a filling dinner. Consider topping each bowl with croutons or a sprinkle of extra cheese for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much after cooling, you can add a splash of water or milk to reach your desired consistency before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Garden Cheese Soup contains roughly 1415 calories, with 17g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 107g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 652mg per serving (28% 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 a different type of cheese?
Yes, while Cheddar is recommended for its meltability and flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will impart their unique flavors to the soup.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
While the soup can be frozen, the texture may change when reheated due to the cheese and milk. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the cheese and adding it fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon and use vegetable broth instead of water. This will keep the soup flavorful while making it suitable for vegetarians.
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).