White Bean Cheddar Vegetable Soup
White beans give this cheddar soup a creamy base while keeping carrots and celery in every bowl. Mashing some of the beans thickens the broth with ingredients already in the pot. It is a useful pantry dinner for cooler evenings.
Serves: 4 | Estimated total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated cheddar (6 ounces)
- Salt to taste
How to make it
- Heat oil in a large pot. Cook onion, carrots and celery over medium heat 7–8 minutes, stirring, until beginning to soften. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add beans, broth, thyme and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook 12–15 minutes until carrots are tender.
- Mash about a cup of beans against the side of the pot, leaving the rest whole. Stir in milk and heat gently without boiling.
- Turn off heat and stir in cheese a handful at a time until melted. Taste and add salt only if needed. Add a little water or broth if thicker than you prefer.
Helpful tips
Low-sodium broth helps you control seasoning because cheese and canned beans already contribute salt. Great northern beans are an easy swap for cannellini.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in shallow covered containers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if the room is above 90°F. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below and use leftovers within 3–4 days. Reheat to 165°F throughout. These storage guidelines follow USDA guidance.
Common question
Can I blend the entire soup? Yes, but you will lose the chunky texture. Blend carefully before adding milk and cheese.
More recipes to try
Keeping everyday seasonings within reach makes prep easier. If your spice jars need a home, see the Spiceo four-piece wall-mounted rack set, supplied with mounting hardware. Jars and spices are not included.
Recipe image is AI-generated for illustration. Results will vary with ingredients and equipment; this recipe has not been kitchen-tested.