Description
This Creamy Vegetable Soup with Cheddar and Balsamic Vinegar is a comforting and flavorful dish that blends tender sautéed vegetables with sharp cheddar cheese and a subtle tang from balsamic vinegar. Ideal for cozy lunches or light dinners, this soup offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and fresh vegetable goodness, finished with a garnish of fresh chives.
Ingredients
Sautéed Vegetables
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
Soup Base
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dairy & Flavorings
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Garnish
- Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until it is fully liquefied and begins to shimmer.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, celery, potato, and zucchini to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened and aromatic.
- Add Broth and Thyme: Pour in the vegetable broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Partially Blend: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup to your desired consistency, leaving some vegetables partially intact for added texture.
- Add Dairy: Stir in the half-and-half and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
- Finish with Balsamic: Add the tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and stir well to incorporate its tangy flavor into the soup.
- Season & Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped chives, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a completely smooth texture, blend the soup fully before adding the cheddar cheese.
- Using white cheddar cheese can add an extra sharp flavor to the soup.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or your favorite crackers for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
