Ladling vegetable chowder with broccoli and carrots from a pot.

Creamy Veggie Chowder

Sometimes, all you need on a chilly day is a bowl of warm comfort. This creamy vegetable chowder has a way of making you feel right at home, like a comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with a cozy scent as it simmers, giving you that perfect sense of comfort without any hassle. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight, yet so satisfying that it could easily become a weekend favorite.

Ladling vegetable chowder with broccoli and carrots from a pot.
Vegetable Chowder. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

I’ve been making this for years now, there’s just something about the creamy texture and the mix of fresh veggies that always puts me in a good mood. If you’re winding down after a long day or need a quick, nourishing meal, this chowder is the perfect dish to brighten things up.

The Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl

On those busy days when you want something warm and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this creamy vegetable chowder is exactly what you need. It’s simple, comforting, and full of those cozy, homestyle flavors that make everything feel a little bit better. Perfect for those evenings when all you need is a warm bowl of soup and a cozy blanket.

Ingredients

  • potatoes
  • broccoli florets
  • onion
  • carrots
  • celery ribs
  • vegetable broth
  • water
  • butter
  • all-purpose flour
  • whole milk
  • salt
  • pepper
  • cheddar cheese
A collection of vegetables and ingredients for vegetable chowder on a table.
Vegetable Chowder. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

How to Make Creamy Vegetable Chowder

Start by getting a Dutch oven ready. Add the potatoes, broccoli, onion, carrots, celery, vegetable broth, and water. Simmer everything over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until all the veggies are tender. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook, they should be just soft enough to soak up the broth’s flavor.

Vegetables including potatoes, broccoli, and carrots cooking in a large pot.
Add the potatoes, broccoli, onion, carrots, celery, vegetable broth, and water.

While the veggies are cooking, grab a large saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a smooth paste. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to keep it from browning. This is the base of your chowder’s creamy texture, so don’t rush it!

Now it’s time to whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture come to a gentle boil and keep stirring. In about 2 minutes, you’ll notice the sauce thickening up nicely. Once that happens, it’s time to combine it with the tender veggies.

Whisked roux in a saucepan, used for thickening the vegetable chowder.
Melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.

Pour the thickened milk mixture into the veggie mixture, stirring everything together. Let the chowder simmer for about 10 minutes, ensuring it’s heated all the way through. Just before serving, sprinkle in that shredded cheddar and let it melt into the soup. Give it one final stir and you’re all set.

Creamy vegetable chowder in a pot with broccoli, carrots, and potatoes.
Pour the thickened milk into the veggies and stir well.

Serving Suggestions

This chowder is fantastic on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, a quick dinner for the family, or even a lunch you can take to work the next day. Top it with a bit more cheddar or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that extra touch.

Close-up of creamy vegetable chowder with broccoli and carrots in a bowl.
Vegetable Chowder. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Store the chowder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months, and when you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stove until it’s hot and creamy.

Vegetable chowder with broccoli, carrots, and celery in a bowl, served with a spoon.
Vegetable Chowder. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you want to keep that cozy feel going after this chowder, there are a few other soups on the site that hit the same homey notes. The creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup pairs rich cheese with tender broccoli in a way that feels indulgent but still simple. For another comforting classic, the smooth Butternut Squash Soup brings sweet squash and warm spices together in a bowl you’ll want again and again. And for a twist on hearty flavors, Lasagna Soup gives you all the familiar tastes of lasagna mixed into a satisfying soup you can make on busy nights. These recipes fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and make dinner feel easy and special.

Ladling vegetable chowder with broccoli and carrots from a pot.

Creamy Veggie Chowder

Jennifer Allen
This creamy veggie chowder is packed with tender veggies, creamy texture, and just the right amount of cheddar. It’s a perfect meal for busy days or when you need something warming and satisfying.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 284 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups diced peeled potatoes
  • 1 1/4 cups broccoli florets
  • ½ cup grated onion
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 2 celery ribs diced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 6 tablespoons butter cubed
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Simmer potatoes, broccoli, onion, carrots, celery, broth, and water in a Dutch oven for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan, stir in flour to create a smooth paste, and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Whisk in milk, salt, and pepper, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for 2 minutes until thickened.
  • Add the thickened milk mixture to the veggies, stir, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Top with shredded cheddar cheese and serve warm.

Notes

  • Feel free to swap out the cheddar for a different cheese like gouda or mozzarella for a twist.
  • You can add more veggies like peas or corn to make it heartier.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupsCalories: 284kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 560mgPotassium: 505mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 4349IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 203mgIron: 1mg
Keyword creamy soup, easy soup recipe, vegetable chowder
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