Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a soul-warming, simple, and downright delicious way to enjoy your veggies, this Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe is exactly what you need on your culinary radar. It’s cozy, creamy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in a pot. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your recipe arsenal for those days when comfort food calls your name.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Veggie Blend: Combining fresh and frozen vegetables gives the soup both vibrant texture and convenience.
  • Creamy but Light: Using whole milk with a touch of flour creates a rich consistency without heaviness from cream.
  • Savory Herb Notes: Thyme and oregano blend beautifully, enhancing the natural flavors without overpowering.
  • Simple Prep, Big Flavor: Minimal steps and easy-to-find ingredients make this soup approachable for any home cook.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this creamy vegetable soup recipe plays its part to build layers of flavor and texture. I always shop for fresh produce for the base veggies and rely on frozen veggies to save time while still ensuring great taste and nutrition.

Creamy Vegetable Soup, healthy vegetable soup, easy vegetable soup, homemade vegetable soup, comforting veggie soup - Flat lay of diced white onion, sliced celery ribs, whole bright orange carrots, minced garlic cloves, fresh green beans, sliced brown mushrooms, vibrant green broccoli florets, and golden yellow corn kernels, all beautifully arranged with sprigs of dried thyme and oregano scattered artfully, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • Salted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies to build flavor; salted works best to season gradually.
  • Olive oil: Balances butter and raises the smoke point so nothing burns during sauteing.
  • White onion: The classic base flavor; softens gently to bring sweetness and depth.
  • Celery ribs: Adds freshness and subtle saltiness, great for aromatic complexity.
  • Carrots: Their natural sweetness counters savory elements beautifully.
  • Minced garlic: Just the right punch to brighten the whole soup.
  • Frozen cut green beans: Convenient, nutritious, and bring bite and color to the soup.
  • Sliced mushrooms: Earthy flavor and meaty texture add heartiness without heaviness.
  • Frozen broccoli florets: Packed with vitamins and give a pleasant tender crunch.
  • Frozen or canned corn kernels: Sweet bursts that contrast the herbs and veggies.
  • Dried thyme and oregano: Timeless herbs that lift the soup with fragrant notes.
  • All-purpose flour: Works as a thickening agent for that perfect creamy texture.
  • Whole milk: The key to creaminess without needing cream — rich and smooth.
  • Vegetable broth: Infuses savory moisture and rounds out the soup’s flavor profile.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to taste; I always recommend adjusting to your liking.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This creamy vegetable soup recipe is like a warm canvas—you can easily make it your own based on what vegetables you prefer or what you have in the fridge. I always encourage you to experiment with swapping veggies or adding your favorite spices to keep things fun.

  • Variation: I once tried adding a handful of baby spinach near the end for an extra pop of green and it worked like a charm.
  • Dairy-Free: Swap whole milk for coconut milk or almond milk, and use a plant-based butter to keep it creamy and vegan-friendly.
  • Seasonal Switch: In spring, fresh peas and asparagus make a great addition, changing up the flavor profile delightfully.
  • Spice Kick: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne can give this soup a subtle kick if that’s how you roll.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Base Veggies

Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. When melted and shimmering, add diced onion, sliced celery, and chopped carrots. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is soft and translucent — this step builds a great flavor foundation, so don’t rush it! Watching for the onions to soften rather than brown keeps soup tasting fresh and light.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Garlic

Next, stir in your minced garlic, frozen green beans, sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, and corn kernels. Keep things moving in the pot for 2 to 3 minutes so the garlic softens and the frozen vegetables warm through without losing their crispness. This quick sautée helps the soup avoid any raw or dull flavors.

Step 3: Sprinkle in Herbs and Flour

Sprinkle the dried thyme and oregano over the veggies, then add the all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This step is a little trick that makes all the difference — it ensures your soup will have a silky body without any floury aftertaste, so don’t skip the stirring here!

Step 4: Slowly Add Milk & Broth, Then Simmer

Pour in the whole milk and vegetable broth gradually, stirring continuously to keep the texture smooth. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste—start small, as it’s easier to add than remove. Let the soup simmer for about 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to just the right creamy consistency.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe

  • Low and Slow Sauté: Taking your time with the onion and carrots really builds depth, so don’t crank the heat.
  • Flour Cookout: Always cook the flour a bit before adding liquids—it prevents any grainy or paste-like texture.
  • Consistent Stirring: Stirring while adding milk and broth keeps the soup smooth and clump-free.
  • Taste as You Go: I like to season gradually—it’s the best way to avoid an over-salted soup and ensures balanced flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe

Creamy Vegetable Soup, healthy vegetable soup, easy vegetable soup, homemade vegetable soup, comforting veggie soup - A white bowl filled with creamy thick soup showing chunks of bright green broccoli, orange carrots, and small pieces of chicken mixed in the white creamy broth. A silver spoon scoops some of the soup, highlighting the texture with visible pepper specks on top, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a bright, fresh touch. Sometimes, a little grated Parmesan or a swirl of sour cream adds a lovely tang and extra creaminess that makes it feel just a bit more special. Crusty bread crumbs toasted with garlic also make for a fun crunchy garnish I’ve enjoyed on chilly days.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a warm, crusty baguette or buttery garlic bread. For a heartier meal, I love to serve it alongside a simple green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich—pure comfort food magic! It’s perfect for those easy, throw-it-together lunch or dinner moments.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion or casual dinner party, I sometimes serve this creamy vegetable soup in mini bread bowls—super fun and tasty! You can also drizzle a little chili oil or herb-infused olive oil on top, or even add a dollop of pesto for a vibrant, unexpected flavor pop that always sparks conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamy vegetable soup in an airtight container in the fridge—it usually keeps beautifully for about 3 to 4 days. Before reheating, I find giving it a quick stir helps recombine any separated creaminess that may have settled. It’s perfect to have ready for a quick lunch or dinner during a busy week.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works well, but I recommend freezing it before adding any fresh garnishes. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room at the top since liquids expand when frozen. When thawed, the texture remains creamy with minimal separation—just stir gently after reheating to bring it back to life.

Reheating

I reheat this soup gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring often to avoid scorching and to keep the texture smooth. Microwave is fine too, but I prefer stovetop for the best flavor and consistency. If it thickens too much, a splash of milk or broth can help loosen it back up.

FAQs

  1. Can I use different vegetables in this creamy vegetable soup recipe?

    Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. You can swap in your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand. Just aim for a mix of textures and flavors that complement each other like sweet carrots, crunchy celery, and earthy mushrooms.

  2. How can I make the soup vegan or dairy-free?

    Simply replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or oil and use non-dairy milk like almond, cashew or coconut milk. Make sure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly too. This keeps the soup creamy without dairy ingredients.

  3. Why do I add flour to the soup?

    The flour acts as a thickener to give the soup its creamy, smooth texture without needing heavy cream. Cooking the flour with the veggies first helps avoid lumps and any floury taste.

  4. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

    Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors mingle. Just store it refrigerated in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

I honestly love this Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe for how comforting and nourishing it is, plus how flexible it fits into my busy kitchen routine. It’s one of those recipes I come back to again and again, especially when I want something cozy but packed with goodness. I hope you’ll find it as delightful and easy to make as I have—it’s truly one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

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Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 15 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy vegetable soup is a comforting and hearty dish packed with a variety of fresh and frozen vegetables simmered in a rich, velvety milk-based broth. Perfect for a warm lunch or light dinner, it combines the flavors of thyme, oregano, and garlic for a flavorful and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium white onion, diced
  • 3 medium celery ribs, sliced
  • 4 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 6 ounces frozen cut green beans
  • 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
  • 6 ounces frozen broccoli florets
  • 6 ounces frozen corn kernels or canned

Liquids and Broth

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups vegetable broth

Fats and Flour

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Heat 2 tablespoons salted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium white onion, 3 sliced celery ribs, and 4 diced medium carrots. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens.
  2. Add vegetables and garlic: Stir in 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 6 ounces frozen cut green beans, 4 ounces sliced mushrooms, 6 ounces frozen broccoli florets, and 6 ounces frozen or canned corn kernels. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the vegetables.
  3. Incorporate herbs and flour: Mix in 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook the flour and blend the herbs.
  4. Add liquids: Slowly pour in 4 cups whole milk and 2 cups vegetable broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Simmer and season: Reduce heat to a simmer, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and adjust to taste. Let the soup simmer for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to a creamy consistency.

Notes

  • Use whole milk for the creamiest texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of flour or simmer longer.
  • Fresh vegetables can be used instead of frozen; adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and whole milk with unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste preferences.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 cup)
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

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