Experience the comfort and delight of a home-made soup filled with fresh vegetables and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The Slow Cooker Vegetable Cheese Soup is a heavenly concoction that will warm you up on cold days, serve as a perfect starter for dinner parties or simply be a delicious, hearty meal that's easy to prepare.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe, like carrots, onions, and potatoes, are commonly found in any home kitchen. However, the cheese sauce and creamed corn might require a trip to the grocery. Be sure to pick up a good quality cheese sauce, as it will greatly enhance the flavor of the soup.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Vegetable Cheese Soup
Creamed corn: This is a type of creamed food made by pulping corn kernels and collecting the resulting starchy liquid. It adds a sweet, creamy texture to the soup.
Potatoes: They add substance to the soup, providing a soft bite and hearty texture.
Carrots: They give the soup a natural sweetness and are a great source of vitamins.
Onion: An essential flavor base for any soup, onions give a depth of flavor.
Celery seed: These seeds add a slight spicy, savory flavor to the soup.
Ground black pepper: It adds a bit of heat to balance the sweetness of the corn and carrots.
Vegetable broth: This is the liquid base of the soup, it adds a full-bodied flavor to the soup.
Cheese sauce: This gives the soup a rich, creamy, and cheesy flavor.
One reader, El Bassett says:
This slow cooker vegetable cheese soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the veggies are perfectly tender. It's so easy to make, and the cheese adds a delicious creaminess. It's become a family favorite in our house! Highly recommend giving it a try.
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Vegetable Cheese Soup
How to prepare the slow cooker: Place the slow cooker on a flat, stable surface and ensure it is clean and dry before use.
How to chop potatoes and carrots: Wash the potatoes and carrots thoroughly, then peel them if desired. Cut them into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking in the soup.
How to dice onions: Peel the onion, then cut it in half from root to tip. Lay each half flat and make horizontal and vertical cuts to dice the onion finely.
How to stir in the cheese: Gently fold the cheese sauce into the cooked vegetables until it is fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture in the soup.
Bring out your trusty slow cooker and whip out this easy but absolutely tasty soup! Every serving of this warm vegetable cheese soup is loaded with tender potatoes, carrots, creamed corn, and onions made even more flavorful with celery seeds.
These celery seeds are a key ingredient in giving your soup an earthy aroma and flavor that is best enjoyed while still hot. They will effortlessly elevate the flavor of your soup all the while providing you with some of the best health benefits.
How To Make Slow Cooker Vegetable Cheese Soup
This warm vegetable cheese soup is packed with tender potatoes and creamed corn, wit bites of celery seed, for a rich and creamy dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 15ozcreamed corn,(1 can)
- 1cuppotatoes,peeled, cubed
- 1cupcarrots,chopped
- ½onion,chopped
- 1tspcelery seed
- ½tspground black pepper
- 14.5ozvegetable broth,(2 cans)
- 16ozcheese sauce,(1 jar), processed
Instructions
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In a slow cooker, combine the corn, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery seeds and pepper.
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Add the broth, cover, and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
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Stir in the cheese, then cook for 30 to 60 minutes or until the cheese is melted and blended with the vegetables.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 402.08kcal
- Fat: 26.72g
- Saturated Fat: 14.90g
- Trans Fat: 0.90g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.75g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.48g
- Carbohydrates: 21.91g
- Fiber: 2.83g
- Sugar: 6.29g
- Protein: 21.40g
- Cholesterol: 77.11mg
- Sodium: 524.85mg
- Calcium: 533.22mg
- Potassium: 444.92mg
- Iron: 0.95mg
- Vitamin A: 377.43µg
- Vitamin C: 11.96mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting This Soup Recipe
When preparing your potatoes and carrots for this soup, consider cutting them into small, uniform pieces. This will not only ensure that they cook evenly in the slow cooker, but also make the soup easier to eat. Additionally, when adding the cheese sauce, make sure to stir it in thoroughly to ensure it melts evenly and incorporates well with the other ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy texture throughout the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the vegetables the night before and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Consider using pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store to save time on chopping and preparation.
Slow cooker liners: Consider using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup and to save time on washing the slow cooker.
Multi-task: While the soup is cooking, use the time to prepare other dishes or complete other tasks to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, organize all the ingredients and utensils needed to streamline the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Vegetable Cheese Soup Recipe
creamed corn - Substitute with butternut squash puree: Butternut squash puree has a similar creamy texture and sweetness that can replace the creamed corn in the recipe.
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes will add a slightly sweeter flavor and a creamier texture to the soup.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor, which can be a great substitute for carrots in the soup.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate touch to the soup.
celery seed - Substitute with dried celery flakes: Dried celery flakes can provide a similar flavor and aroma as celery seeds in the soup.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor profile.
vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth can add a rich and savory flavor to the soup, similar to vegetable broth.
cheese sauce - Substitute with cashew cheese sauce: Cashew cheese sauce can provide a creamy and rich texture, adding a nutty flavor to the soup.
Best Way to Present Slow Cooker Vegetable Cheese Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the soup, ensure that the bowl is clean and free of any drips or spills. The soup should be carefully ladled into the bowl, with attention to creating a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped chives or parsley on top of the soup to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element such as homemade croutons or toasted pumpkin seeds to provide a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
Use high-quality serving ware: Opt for elegant, high-quality bowls or soup tureens to showcase the soup in a sophisticated manner.
Artful drizzling: Before serving, drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil on top of the soup in a decorative pattern to enhance the visual appeal and add a touch of richness.
Accompany with artisan bread: Serve the soup with a side of freshly baked artisan bread, such as a crusty baguette or a flavorful sourdough, to elevate the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Vegetable Cheese Soup in a Slow Cooker
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering food at a lower temperature over a longer period of time.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board on which food is cut or prepared.
- Measuring cup: A tool used to measure liquid or dry ingredients.
- Stirring spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Ladle: A large, long-handled spoon with a deep bowl for serving soup or stew.
- Cheese grater: A kitchen tool used to grate cheese into fine pieces.
- Vegetable peeler: A tool used to peel the skin from vegetables.
- Slow cooker liner: Optional, but can make cleanup easier.
Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Vegetable Cheese Soup
Allow the vegetable cheese soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to a watery texture when reheated.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as the soup sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification later.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer to maximize storage space and ensure even freezing.
- Frozen vegetable cheese soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw the soup in the microwave using the defrost setting.
Reheat the thawed soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. You may need to add a little extra broth or water to adjust the consistency, as the soup may thicken slightly during storage.
If you find that the cheese has separated or the soup has a grainy texture after reheating, try blending it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until smooth. This will help restore the creamy consistency of the soup.
How To Reheat Leftover Vegetable Cheese Soup
Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is heated evenly without burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
If you're short on time, you can reheat the soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the cheese to separate or become grainy.
For a quick and easy method, use a slow cooker to reheat the soup. Transfer the leftover soup to the slow cooker, cover it, and heat on low for 1-2 hours or until it's heated through. This method is particularly useful if you have a large quantity of soup to reheat and want to keep it warm for an extended period.
If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover soup, consider blending it to create a smooth and creamy texture. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth. This method can help incorporate any separated cheese and give the soup a new consistency.
When reheating the soup, you may find that it has thickened after being refrigerated. If this is the case, gradually stir in some vegetable broth or water to thin it out until you reach your desired consistency. This will help maintain the original flavor and texture of the soup.
Interesting Fact About Slow Cooker Vegetable Cheese Soup
Creamed corn is a versatile ingredient that adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup, enhancing its overall flavor and consistency.
Is Making Vegetable Cheese Soup in a Slow Cooker Cost-Effective?
This slow cooker vegetable cheese soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable and readily available ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, and onions makes it a budget-friendly option. The addition of vegetable broth and cheese sauce may slightly increase the cost, but the overall expense is reasonable. The versatility of this recipe allows for variations based on ingredient availability, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness. On a scale of 1-10, this recipe earns a solid 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20.
Is This Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker vegetable cheese soup recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutritious ingredients like:
- Potatoes and carrots, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Onions, known for their antioxidant properties and ability to boost immunity
- Vegetable broth, a low-calorie base that provides additional nutrients
However, there are some concerns regarding the healthiness of this recipe:
- Creamed corn is typically high in sodium and added sugars
- Cheese sauce is often high in saturated fat and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease when consumed in excess
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the creamed corn with fresh or frozen corn kernels to reduce sodium and added sugars
- Use a reduced-fat cheese sauce or create a homemade version using low-fat milk, cornstarch, and reduced-fat shredded cheese
- Add more vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, to increase the nutrient density of the soup
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt intake
- Incorporate herbs and spices like garlic, thyme, or smoked paprika for added flavor without increasing calorie content
By making these adjustments, you can transform this slow cooker vegetable cheese soup into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your comfort food cravings.
Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Soup Recipe
This slow cooker vegetable cheese soup recipe is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of creamed corn, potatoes, carrots, and cheese creates a rich and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal. It's a great option for busy days when you want a homemade meal without a lot of effort. Enjoy this soup with some crusty bread for a complete and fulfilling dining experience.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Vegetable Cheese Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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