This Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup offers a wonderful blend of roasted vegetables, smooth and velvety cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food. The caramelized edges of the vegetables bring a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the rich, creamy texture of the soup.
It’s not just delicious, it’s versatile! You can adjust the recipe to suit your dietary preferences. Want to make it vegan? Just swap the cheddar cheese for your favorite dairy-free alternative. This is an easy, quick soup to whip up, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or a chilly weekend lunch. And, with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley on top, it’s just as beautiful as it is tasty.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 large onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
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2 medium zucchinis, chopped
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1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
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1 large potato, peeled and chopped
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4 cups vegetable stock
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1 cup whole milk
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1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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On a baking sheet, toss the onion, garlic, carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and potato with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
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In a large pot, bring the vegetable stock to a boil. Add the roasted vegetables and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to purée the soup until smooth.
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Stir in the whole milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook on low heat until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup: The Perfect Comfort Food
This Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup is the ultimate blend of hearty, wholesome ingredients combined with a rich, creamy texture. It’s an easy-to-make soup that not only warms you up but also provides a great balance of flavors from the roasted vegetables and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for any season but particularly comforting during the cooler months, this dish offers a satisfying experience with every spoonful. In this article, we’ll dive into the background, nutritional benefits, why this soup is perfect for any meal, and why you should make it a staple in your recipe collection.
The Story Behind the Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup
This Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup is the result of a growing trend in the food industry to combine healthful ingredients with comfort food. Roasting vegetables intensifies their natural flavors, caramelizing them and making them even more delicious. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese transforms the soup into a creamy, velvety texture that is both filling and flavorful. It’s no surprise that this recipe has become a favorite for many food enthusiasts. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and the flavors can be adjusted to suit personal preferences.
Cheese and vegetables have long been popular food pairings, as they complement each other both in taste and texture. Whether you’re serving this soup for a cozy dinner, a family meal, or even as a starter at a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why This Soup Is a Must-Try: Key Benefits
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Packed with Nutrients
Roasted vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Carrots, zucchini, and potatoes, in particular, provide a high dose of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium. These nutrients help support a healthy immune system, improve digestion, and promote good skin health. The use of fresh, whole vegetables in this soup ensures you are getting the maximum nutritional benefits from each ingredient.
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A Creamy, Indulgent Experience
The cheddar cheese in this soup adds a layer of richness and indulgence. While cheese can sometimes get a bad rap for being too high in calories, it also offers a wealth of nutrients like calcium, protein, and healthy fats. When paired with the roasted vegetables, the cheese balances the flavors while providing you with a comforting, creamy texture that will keep you coming back for more.
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Versatility and Customization
One of the biggest reasons why this Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup is so beloved is its versatility. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can swap out the cheddar for a plant-based cheese alternative. Similarly, you can vary the types of vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal favorites. From adding in butternut squash to experimenting with spices, this soup invites creativity, allowing you to personalize it according to your preferences.
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A Quick and Easy Meal
For busy individuals or families, this recipe is a lifesaver. In just under an hour, you can have a hearty, flavorful soup ready to serve. The roasting process requires minimal effort, and the blend of vegetables and cheese creates a delicious meal with little prep time. This makes it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you’re craving something healthy but don’t have a lot of time to cook.
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Comforting and Satisfying
There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that just feels like a hug in a bowl. The combination of the roasted vegetables, creamy cheese, and rich broth makes this dish an ideal comfort food. Whether you’re feeling a bit under the weather or simply want a satisfying meal after a long day, this Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup will deliver the cozy, fulfilling experience you need.
How to Make Your Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup Even Better
While this recipe is already packed with flavor and nutrients, there are a few ways to elevate it even more. Consider topping your soup with a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness and color. You could also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice to balance the richness of the cheese.
If you’re looking to add more protein to your meal, consider stirring in cooked chicken, turkey, or even white beans for extra substance. For a heartier version, you could serve this soup with a side of crusty bread, which complements the soup perfectly and adds a satisfying crunch.
The Benefits of Roasting Vegetables
Roasting vegetables is an excellent way to enhance their flavor and texture. The dry heat from the oven caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, giving them a deep, roasted flavor that pairs wonderfully with cheese. When vegetables are roasted, they retain most of their nutritional value, making them a great choice for maintaining a healthy diet. Plus, roasting requires little oil, so you can enjoy a flavorful meal without excess calories.
Another benefit of roasting is that it requires minimal attention. Simply toss the vegetables with olive oil and seasonings, place them on a baking sheet, and let the oven do the work. Roasting is a hands-off method that frees up your time to focus on other parts of the meal.
The Nutritional Profile of Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup
This soup strikes a perfect balance between flavor and nutrition. Here’s a quick breakdown of its key nutritional benefits:
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Carbohydrates: The vegetables provide a healthy amount of carbohydrates, which serve as the body’s main source of energy. Carbs from whole vegetables like carrots and potatoes are an excellent option for maintaining steady energy levels throughout the day.
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Protein: The cheddar cheese and any optional additions, like beans or meat, provide a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and immune function.
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Fats: While this soup contains fat from cheese and olive oil, the fats are heart-healthy and essential for brain health.
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Fiber: Vegetables are naturally high in fiber, which helps with digestion and provides a feeling of fullness, preventing overeating.
Why You Should Make This Soup a Regular in Your Meal Rotation
When it comes to family meals or personal dinners, it’s easy to get stuck in a recipe rut. That’s where this Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup comes in. It offers the perfect balance of flavors, nutrition, and comfort. Plus, it’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and can be adjusted based on your preferences or dietary needs. It’s also a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet, particularly for those who may not be fans of eating them on their own.
As a complete meal, it’s packed with everything you need to stay satisfied and nourished. From its warm, cheesy goodness to the wholesome roasted vegetables, this soup will soon become your go-to dish for any occasion.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Roasted Vegetable Soup is a standout recipe that offers both comfort and nourishment in one bowl. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and offers many ways to customize it to your liking. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, this soup is sure to be a hit. Packed with roasted vegetables, creamy cheese, and a delightful blend of seasonings, it’s the perfect comfort food to keep you coming back for more. Don’t hesitate to try it out and make it your new favorite go-to soup recipe!