If you’ve ever wished for a bowl of pure comfort with a nutritious twist, you’re about to fall for this Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe. This is the kind of dish that turns even the grayest evening into a cozy, kitchen-hugged moment. Brimming with vibrant veggies, creamy textures, and that irresistible cheddar goodness, it’s both hearty and light—perfect for family dinners, chilly weather gatherings, or anytime you crave a soul-warming soup. The Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe is surprisingly quick to make, easy to personalize, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to deliver so much flavor and color in this chowder. Each component brings something special—think sweetness, crunch, creaminess, and just the right amount of tang. Here’s what you’ll need to make every spoonful memorable:

Butter: Adds richness and gives the sautéed veggies a lovely, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Onion: A small onion brings a subtle sweetness and base flavor that ties everything together.
Garlic: Minced garlic lifts the aroma and adds a gentle, savory bite—don’t skip it!
Carrots: Peeled and diced carrots offer pops of color and natural sweetness—these are key for both taste and looks.
Celery: Diced celery gives each bite a bit of crunch and that classic chowder depth.
Potato: A peeled, diced potato thickens the soup naturally and soaks up all the cheesy flavor.
Broccoli: Chopped into florets, broccoli adds texture and a nutritious, earthy note—feel free to sub cauliflower or corn!
All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening; it creates the creamy chowder base without any fuss.
Vegetable broth: Delivers a savory backbone without overpowering the bright veggie flavors.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk adds creaminess and makes every spoonful silky-rich.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded and stirred in at the end, this is where the magic happens—choose a good, bold cheddar.
Salt: Rounds out all the flavors—be sure to taste and adjust as needed.
Black pepper: Just a touch brings gentle warmth without heat.
Dried thyme: This little herb brings an aromatic, woodsy note that lingers nicely.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch wakes up the flavors with a tiny kick—use as much or as little as you like!

How to Make Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Base Vegetables

Start by melting your butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, toss in the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and their aroma fills your kitchen. This first step unlocks the base flavors and is the foundation of the Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe, so let those veggies get tender but don’t let them brown.

Step 2: Add Hearty Veggies and Flour

Stir in the diced potato and chopped broccoli to the pot, coating them in the buttery veggie goodness. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, then gently stir for 1 to 2 minutes. This ensures the flour loses its raw taste and is fully combined, setting you up for that perfectly thick chowder texture.

Step 3: Whisk in Liquid Ingredients

Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Once smooth, add in the milk and give everything a good stir. This liquid combo brings creaminess without being overly heavy. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer, making sure to scrape up any bits on the bottom—they have plenty of flavor to offer!

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat to low, cover your pot, and let the chowder cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the broth is starting to thicken up dreamily. This leisurely simmer is when the Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe truly comes together, melding all those flavors into one creamy, comfort-packed pot.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Seasonings

Once your veggies have softened, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese by the handful, stirring until every bit has melted into a smooth, golden base. Now’s the time to season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little zip. Taste, adjust, and get ready for some serious soup satisfaction.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the steaming chowder into bowls and serve hot, preferably with crusty bread or crackers for dipping. You’re about to discover why this Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe earns endless requests for seconds!

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe

Garnishes

Your chowder is already gorgeous and tasty, but a few thoughtful flourishes can make every bowl feel extra inviting. Sprinkle a bit more sharp cheddar or a handful of fresh-chopped parsley right before serving. For a fun crunch, try scattering a few crispy fried onions or garlic croutons on top. Enjoy seeing those colors and textures pop!

Side Dishes

A warm, crusty baguette or a batch of flaky buttery biscuits is all you really need on the side for dunking and scooping. If you want to round out the meal, serve with a light green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil—its tang balances out the richness of the chowder perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic touch, ladle your Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe into hollowed-out bread bowls; it’s always a crowd-pleaser! Hosting friends? Serve the chowder in small mugs or ramekins for an appetizer spread. And if you’re feeding little ones, let them sprinkle on their own cheese or favorite toppings for a hands-on, fun mealtime experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover chowder cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for lunches or easy dinners. The flavors actually deepen over time, so don’t be surprised if you love it even more the next day!

Freezing

The Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe can be frozen, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly (milk and cheese both freeze a little differently). For best results, cool the chowder completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the chowder gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to keep it silky smooth. If it seems a little thick, add an extra splash of milk or broth. Avoid high heat, which can cause the cheese to separate. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave using short bursts and frequent stirring.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in the Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe?

Absolutely! This chowder is all about flexibility. Feel free to swap the broccoli for cauliflower, corn, zucchini, or even add some spinach at the end. Use whatever veggies you have hanging out in the fridge—this recipe loves a good remix.

What type Soup

Sharp cheddar is classic for its flavor and meltability, but you can experiment with gouda, Monterey jack, or even a touch of blue cheese for boldness. Grating your own cheese rather than buying pre-shredded helps it melt into the soup more smoothly.

Can I make the chowder gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend, or use cornstarch mixed with a little cold milk or broth. The result will be just as creamy and comforting without any gluten.

How can I make the chowder thicker?

If you love a super-thick chowder, simply mash a few of the potatoes right in the pot before you add the cheese. You can also allow the chowder to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken up.

Can I double the Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use your largest soup pot or Dutch oven. This recipe scales really well and is always a hit at potlucks, parties, or cozy family nights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that perfect bowl of cozy, cheesy, veggie-studded goodness, this Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe is about to become your new go-to. With its simple prep, nourishing ingredients, and leftovers that taste even better, it’s a total weeknight winner. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat all season long!

Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder is a comforting and creamy soup loaded with a variety of vegetables and gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetable Chowder:

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
1 small head broccoli, chopped into small florets
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the diced potato and broccoli, then sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, then add the milk. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the vegetables are soft, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

You can substitute cauliflower or corn for the broccoli, or use a mix of whatever vegetables you have on hand.
For a thicker chowder, mash a few potatoes with a spoon before adding the cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American