Cheesy Vegetable Chowder: A Comforting, Creamy Delight

February 1, 2025

40 minutes

super easy

Cheesy Vegetable Chowder: Creamy and Comforting Soup

Looking for a cozy and creamy soup? Try this homemade Cheesy Vegetable Chowder!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of cheesy vegetable chowder. It’s rich, creamy, packed with fresh vegetables, and full of comforting flavors. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal for a chilly evening or a quick family-friendly dish, this soup has got you covered.

The best part? It’s simple to make with basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, you can tweak it to fit your preferences—whether you want it extra cheesy, packed with protein, or loaded with your favorite veggies.

So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the best Cheesy Vegetable Chowder at home.

What is Cheesy Vegetable Chowder?

This soup is a thick, creamy, and cheesy vegetable-packed dish that stands somewhere between a chowder and a classic vegetable soup. Unlike a basic broth-based vegetable soup, cheesy chowder has a rich, velvety texture thanks to a creamy base made from cheese, milk, and broth.

What Makes This Chowder Special?

Thick and creamy – The perfect balance of milk, cheese, and broth creates a luscious texture.
Loaded with veggies – Carrots, potatoes, celery, and more for a wholesome meal.
Customizable – You can add meat, make it spicy, or swap cheeses for new flavors.

This soup is ideal for anyone who loves comfort food but still wants a good dose of veggies in every bite.

Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Vegetable Chowder

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, broccoli (or your favorite mix).
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth as the base.
Milk & Cream: For that thick and creamy consistency.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best, but gouda or Monterey Jack are great options.
Butter & Flour: Helps thicken the soup into a chowder-like texture.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic, and a pinch of paprika for extra warmth.

Optional Add-ins

Protein: Add cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or ham for extra heartiness.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne gives it a slight kick.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Swap dairy for plant-based milk and cheese substitutes.

How to Make Cheesy Vegetable Chowder (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Ingredients

Chop all your vegetables into small, even-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Grate the cheese for easy melting.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the onions, celery, and carrots until they become tender. This enhances the flavor of the soup.

3. Add Broth & Simmer

Pour in the broth and add potatoes. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

4. Make the Creamy Base

In a separate pan, make a quick roux by melting butter, whisking in flour, then slowly adding milk. Cook until thickened.

5. Combine & Add Cheese

Slowly stir the creamy mixture into the pot with vegetables. Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

6. Simmer & Serve

Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve hot with fresh bread or crackers.

Pro Tip: To prevent the cheese from clumping, remove the pot from heat before stirring it in.

Tips & Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some ways to customize your chowder:

How to Make It Thicker or Thinner

For a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes before adding the cheese.
For a thinner soup, add more broth or milk.

Best Cheese Options

Sharp Cheddar: The most classic and flavorful choice.
Gouda or Smoked Cheese: Adds a rich, smoky taste.
Parmesan: Gives it a tangy, salty kick.

Protein Add-ins

Chicken: Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein boost.
Bacon: Crispy bacon bits give an extra layer of flavor.
Tofu or Lentils: Great vegetarian-friendly protein sources.

Make It Dairy-Free

Swap regular milk for almond, cashew, or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Nutritional Information

Wondering about the calories in this Cheesy Vegetable Chowder? Here’s a rough estimate per serving (1 cup):

Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 6g

Healthier Tip: Use low-fat cheese and milk or add extra vegetables for more fiber.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Vegetable Chowder

This soup is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make it even better.

Best Bread Pairings

Crusty sourdough bread – Perfect for dipping.
Garlic bread – Adds a delicious, savory kick.

Other Great Side Dishes

Green Salad: A light, fresh balance to the creamy soup.
Grilled Chicken: Adds more protein for a full meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I freeze Cheesy Vegetable Chowder?

Yes, but since it contains dairy, the texture might change slightly. Freeze in an airtight container and reheat slowly on the stove.

2. What’s the best cheese for this soup?

Sharp cheddar works best, but gouda, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend can be used too.

3. How do I fix a grainy texture?

Grainy soup happens when the cheese gets too hot. Remove the soup from heat before stirring in the cheese to prevent curdling.

4. Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes.

Slow Cooker: Cook vegetables and broth on low for 6 hours, then stir in cheese at the end.
Instant Pot: Use the “Soup” setting, then stir in the cheese after pressure is released.

5. How do I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Coconut cream works great for extra richness.