This Creamy Zucchini Soup is my go-to recipe when I’m craving a comforting and flavorful soup that’s also healthy and easy to make. It’s packed with fresh zucchini, potatoes, and a touch of spice, all blended into a creamy and dreamy texture. I love how the subtle sweetness of the zucchini pairs with the richness of the cream and cheese, creating a truly satisfying soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Zucchini Soup
- Creamy and Flavorful: This soup has a wonderfully creamy texture and a delicious flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, with just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Healthy and Delicious: This soup is packed with nutritious vegetables and protein, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this soup with different vegetables, herbs, or spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Ingredients for Creamy Zucchini Soup
Here’s what I use to make this delicious soup:
- Unsalted Butter: I use unsalted butter to sauté the vegetables and add richness to the soup.
- Yellow Onion: A diced onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.
- Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle earthy flavor to the soup.
- Celery Salt: Adds a savory depth and a hint of celery flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the soup to taste.
- White Pepper: Optional, but I like to add a pinch for a bit of extra spice.
- Zucchini: I use fresh zucchini for this recipe, but you can also use frozen zucchini if you prefer.
- Vegetable Broth: I use vegetable broth as the base of the soup, but you can also use chicken broth if you prefer.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
- Russet Potatoes: These potatoes add creaminess and thickness to the soup.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a sharp, cheesy flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Variations
Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Herby Twist: Add some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, chives, or basil.
- Veggie Variety: Toss in some other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or corn.
- Creamy Swirl: Add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche to each bowl before serving.
How to Make Creamy Zucchini Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
I start by melting the butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Then, I add the diced onion and cook until softened. I add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, I add the thyme, celery salt, salt, pepper, white pepper (if using), and zucchini and cook for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
I add the vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, and potatoes to the pot. I bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
I use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s completely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender. Just be careful when blending hot liquids.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
I return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. I cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
Step 5: Serve
I serve the soup hot, with some extra shredded cheddar cheese on top, if desired.
Tips and Tricks
- Zucchini Choice: I like to use fresh zucchini for this recipe, but you can also use frozen zucchini if you prefer.
- Potato Power: Russet potatoes are my favorite for this soup because they add creaminess and thickness.
- Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of garlic powder.
How to Serve
This Creamy Zucchini Soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Grilled Cheese: A classic pairing that’s always a winner.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this hearty soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, you can use any type of potato you like, but Russet potatoes are best for creating a creamy texture.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try using Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just combine all of the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
There you have it! A creamy, cheesy, and delicious recipe for Creamy Zucchini Soup. I hope you enjoy it!
PrintCreamy Zucchini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Zucchini Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. It’s made with fresh zucchini, potatoes, and a touch of cream and cheese for a rich and creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of white pepper (optional)
- 5–6 zucchini, cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add thyme, celery salt, salt, pepper, white pepper (if using), and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Simmer: Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and potatoes to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Blend: Use a metal stick blender to puree soup until totally smooth. Or use a glass blender to puree. Return to stockpot.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Mix in cream and cheese. Stir until uniform in color.
- Serve: Serve piping hot with some extra cheddar cheese on top.
Notes
- Zucchini: You can use any type of zucchini for this recipe, such as green or yellow zucchini.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, but you can use other types of potatoes if you like.
- Broth: You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you prefer.
- Cheese: You can use your favorite type of cheese for this recipe.
- Garnish: Garnish with croutons, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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