Cheesy Vegetable Bowl Recipe

Looking for a comforting and wholesome meal that’s quick to whip up on busy weeknights? Look no further than the Cozy Veggie Cheese Bowl! This hearty dish combines tender broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots with a velvety cheddar cheese sauce that will warm you from the inside out. In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious homemade meal that the whole family will love.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a cold spell when I was trying to sneak more veggies into our dinners, and it quickly became a favorite. The magic happens when the rich, gooey cheddar cheese melds with the soft-cooked vegetables, creating a soup that’s not only filling but also irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a starter, this Cozy Veggie Cheese Bowl is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.

So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, nutritious, and versatile meal option, give this Cozy Veggie Cheese Bowl a try. With its blend of healthy veggies and comforting cheese, it’s a dish that you’ll keep coming back to time and time again.

Quick Benefits

• Nutrient-packed: Provides a full day’s worth of vitamin C, cancer-fighting compounds, antioxidants, and calcium from veggies, cheese, and half-and-half.
• Versatile and adaptable: Easily customizable with toppings like extra cheese, bacon bits, croutons, or spices, and can be adjusted seasonally with different ingredients like herbs, squash, or asparagus.
• Budget-friendly and time-saving: Helps save money by using budget-friendly ingredients, and can be made in batches for easy meal prep, with leftovers being versatile for multiple meals.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Vegetable Bowl Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this soup, as the veggies are disguised in a gooey, cheesy sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with toppings like extra cheese, bacon bits, croutons, or hot sauce, making it fun for the whole family to create their own bowls.
• Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with veggies rich in vitamins and antioxidants, along with calcium from cheese and half-and-half, making it a wholesome yet indulgent option.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizes affordable ingredients like broccoli and cauliflower, and leftovers can be repurposed for other meals, stretching your budget further.
• Seasonal Adaptability: Can be modified with seasonal ingredients like herbs in summer, butternut squash in fall, warming spices in winter, and fresh peas in spring, keeping it exciting year-round.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for making ahead, and the flavors actually improve over time, providing delicious homemade lunches throughout the week.
• Comforting and Satisfying: A cozy, hearty soup that’s perfect for cold days, providing warmth and comfort with every spoonful.

Ingredients for Cheesy Vegetable Bowl Recipe

Key Components

• 3 Tablespoon regular flour
• Black pepper, freshly ground, as needed
• 2 cups room temp half-and-half
• ⅛ tsp white pepper
• 2½ cups veggie broth (2 cups for Instant Pot)
• 2 cups chopped cauliflower bits
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 3 Tablespoon plain butter, unsalted
• Salt, as needed
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces shredded cheddar (makes about 2 cups)
• 2 cups chopped broccoli bits
• 1½ cups chopped yellow onion (one small)

Pro Tips for Cheesy Vegetable Bowl Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To achieve that perfectly smooth finish in your soup, grate a block of cheddar cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. This extra step will prevent a gritty texture and ensure a velvety cheese sauce.

Pro Tip 2: Create a “topping station” to accommodate different tastes in your family. Offer toppings like extra cheese, bacon bits, croutons, or toasted pumpkin seeds. Letting kids customize their bowls can make dinner more exciting and get them more engaged in enjoying their veggies.

Pro Tip 3: For a budget-friendly meal, watch for sales on broccoli and cauliflower, and consider buying extra to blanch and freeze for future batches. Leftover soup can also be repurposed as a sauce for baked potatoes or pasta, extending the meal and reducing food waste.

How to Make Cheesy Vegetable Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Stovetop – Cook flavor base

In a Dutch oven or large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 1 minute. Add garlic and a pinch of salt, continue cooking for 2 minutes.

Step 2: Stovetop – Create soup mixture

Add flour while whisking, stir for 1-2 minutes to toast. Pour in vegetable broth while whisking. Stir in half-and-half, salt, both peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender.

Step 3: Stovetop – Add the cheese

Remove the pot from the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Step 4: Instant Pot – Mix starter ingredients

1. Heat butter in a pot using the saute function, add diced onion and cook for a minute. Stir in garlic, a pinch of salt, and flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Add both peppers and a pinch of salt. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of vegetable broth until smooth, then add vegetables.

Step 5: Instant Pot – Cook under pressure

Seal the Instant Pot lid tightly, set it to high pressure for zero minutes, and perform a quick release once pressure is reached.

Step 6: Instant Pot – Heat dairy portion

While the Instant Pot is cooking, warm the half-and-half in a saucepan on low heat.

Step 7: Instant Pot – Mix in final ingredients

Once the steam has been released, pour in the warm half-and-half. Gradually add small handfuls of cheese, stirring until melted before adding more. Taste and adjust salt as necessary.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup, store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the soup promptly, and it will typically stay fresh for 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions of the soup in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Make sure to leave some room for expansion. Frozen Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup can last for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of additional broth or half-and-half if needed to adjust the consistency. By properly storing the soup, you can enjoy this hearty and comforting dish at a moment’s notice without compromising on taste or quality.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lactose-free or vegan option, you can substitute the half-and-half with a plant-based creamer like coconut or almond creamer. To maintain the creamy texture, you could also use cashew cream or oat milk. Similarly, you can swap the shredded cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative like vegan cheddar shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

If you prefer a gluten-free version of the soup, replace the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickening agent. Cornstarch can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for flour. Additionally, for a low-carb option, consider using almond flour or coconut flour as a thickener. These substitutions will help you enjoy a delicious, gluten-free Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Soup without compromising on taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the Cozy Veggie Cheese Bowl experience, consider serving it in a bread bowl. Simply hollow out a round loaf of bread, like a sourdough boule, and ladle the hot soup into it. The combination of the creamy cheese soup and the bread bowl adds a comforting and rustic touch to the meal.

For a fun twist, try turning the Cozy Veggie Cheese Bowl into a DIY “Mac and Cheese Bar.” Cook some pasta separately and offer a variety of toppings such as crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and extra shredded cheddar cheese. Let everyone customize their bowl of soup by mixing in their favorite mac and cheese toppings. It’s a great way to make the meal interactive and cater to different tastes at the table.

FAQs for Cheesy Vegetable Bowl Recipe

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of grating it myself?

It’s recommended to grate a block of cheddar yourself for a perfectly smooth finish in the soup. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes result in a gritty texture due to added anti-caking agents.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?

Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. In fact, the flavors tend to develop and improve after sitting for a day or two in the fridge. Simply store it in airtight containers and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

How can I make this soup spicier?

If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a few drops of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the soup. This will enhance the flavor without significantly altering the base taste of the soup.

Can I freeze this soup for later use?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for later consumption. Make sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Conclusion

As you cozy up with a steaming bowl of this hearty and nutritious Cozy Veggie Cheese Bowl, remember that good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. This recipe is a testament to the fact that sometimes the most satisfying dishes come from the simplest ingredient combos. With just a few kitchen basics and minimal effort, you can create a meal that warms you from the inside out and puts a smile on everyone’s face at the dinner table.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution, a budget-friendly meal that stretches far, or a make-ahead lunch option that beats takeout any day, this Cozy Veggie Cheese Bowl has got you covered. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its taste but also in its versatility – feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or seasonal additions to keep things exciting all year round. So, grab a spoon, savor each comforting bite, and enjoy the heartwarming goodness of this beloved Cozy Veggie Cheese Bowl.