Description
Million Dollar Soup is a decadent, creamy vegetable-based soup that combines classic ingredients like onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes with rich cheeses such as cheddar and Parmesan. The soup’s velvety texture and indulgent flavors make it feel like a luxurious dish, worthy of its name. This soup isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the experience of enjoying something special with every spoonful. Whether served as a comforting dinner or an elegant appetizer, Million Dollar Soup is the perfect way to elevate your mealtime.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients (For an Extra “Million Dollar” Experience):
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits or crumbled sausage
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra depth)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté the onion and garlic for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant. Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, and sauté everything together for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Seasoning
Now it’s time to add the diced potato into the pot. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed among the vegetables.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot and stir everything together. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Blend (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother texture, now is the time to use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. Blend until you reach the desired consistency. For a chunkier soup, you can skip this step and leave the soup as it is.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Once the soup has reached your desired texture, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to combine with the other ingredients. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese into the soup, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the soup.
Step 6: Stir in Sour Cream
To make the soup even creamier and add a touch of tang, stir in the sour cream. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the sour cream is fully incorporated.
Step 7: Final Touches
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or any extra spices such as smoked paprika for additional flavor. If you’re using bacon or sausage, stir it in at this point for added richness and flavor.
Step 8: Serve
Once your soup is perfectly seasoned, ladle it into bowls. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, paired with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Notes
Hope you loved this rich and comforting bowl of goodness! Don’t forget to share it with your loved ones—because something this delicious is worth a million smiles
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy Million Dollar Soup