Quick Veggie-Cheese Chowder
A delightful blend of vibrant vegetables and creamy cheese, this Quick Veggie-Cheese Chowder is a breeze to whip up and perfect for those cozy winter nights. Adapted from a classic Better Homes & Gardens recipe, this chowder features a choice between broccoli or cauliflower, though I’ve found broccoli adds a delightful crunch. With a preparation time of just 5 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a fast yet satisfying meal. Paired with crusty bread, it makes for a hearty, comforting dish that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. 🥦🧀🍲
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup carrot, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen broccoli (or use fresh broccoli, chopped finely)
- 1 cup cauliflower (optional, if not using broccoli)
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 1/2 teaspoons white pepper
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup American cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
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Boil Water and Prepare Vegetables: In a large saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the diced carrot, broccoli (or cauliflower if preferred), and chopped onion. Simmer, covered, for about 4 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Do not drain.
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Prepare Flour Mixture: While the vegetables are cooking, in a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with white pepper and a dash of red pepper. Stir in about 1 cup of the milk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
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Thicken the Chowder: Stir the flour mixture into the vegetables in the saucepan. Add an additional 2 cups of milk and the chicken bouillon cube. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly, and the bouillon cube has completely dissolved. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar, American, and Monterey Jack cheeses to the thickened vegetable mixture, stirring continuously until all the cheese has melted and the chowder is smooth.
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Adjust Consistency: If the chowder is too thick for your liking, gradually stir in up to 1 additional cup of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
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Final Touches: Allow the chowder to cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
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Serve: The chowder is best served immediately while it’s hot and creamy. However, it reheats fairly well, so you can enjoy it later if you have leftovers.
Tips
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use fresh vegetables if you prefer, just be sure to chop them finely for the best texture. Both broccoli and cauliflower work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Cheese Choices: You can experiment with different types of cheese or use a pre-shredded cheese blend for convenience.
- Thickening: If the chowder thickens too much upon standing, simply stir in a little extra milk to loosen it up.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy chowder with a side of crusty bread for a perfect winter meal that’s both quick and comforting. 🍞💛
