Cheese soup with zucchini

Cheese soup with zucchini

15
6
30min
2714g
Nutrition per 100g
2
117
2
5
59
Cheesy zucchini soup is a light, comforting bowl that is perfect for a cozy family lunch. Tender zucchini, sweet carrot, onion, and sliced sausage come together with melted cream cheese for a rich, silky broth. It is quick to prepare, requires no complicated techniques, and delivers plenty of flavor. Best of all, each serving contains only about 55 calories.
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SIMPLE PROCESS

Step by step recipe

The key to a great cheesy zucchini soup is cooking the vegetables until tender without letting them fall apart, then melting the cheese completely into the broth. Cut the zucchini into evenly sized cubes so everything cooks at the same rate. For deeper flavor, lightly sauté the onion and carrot before adding them to the pot. Add the cream cheese near the end and stir gently over low heat until completely smooth and incorporated.

Prepare the zucchini
Step 1

Prepare the zucchini

Peel the zucchini if the skin is tough, then cut it into small, evenly sized cubes. Place the zucchini in a pot with 2 liters of water and bring to a boil.

Cook the zucchini
Step 2

Cook the zucchini

Once boiling, cook the zucchini for about 15 minutes over moderate heat. It should be tender while still holding its shape. Avoid a vigorous boil so the zucchini does not become mushy.

Sauté the onion and carrot
Step 3

Sauté the onion and carrot

While the zucchini cooks, finely chop the onion and prepare the carrot. Lightly sauté them until tender and just beginning to turn golden, bringing out their natural sweetness and aroma.

Brown the sausage
Step 4

Brown the sausage

Cut the cooked sausage into small pieces and lightly sauté until just browned. Avoid overcooking it; a little browning is enough to add extra flavor.

Combine the ingredients
Step 5

Combine the ingredients

Once the zucchini is tender, add the sautéed onion, carrot, and sausage to the pot. Stir and simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can come together.

Melt in the cheese
Step 6

Melt in the cheese

Grate or finely chop the cream cheese and add it to the hot soup. Lower the heat and stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the broth is smooth. Season with salt and spices to taste.

CHEF'S TIP

Don't overcook the zucchini

Cut the zucchini into small, even cubes and cook just until tender. Overcooking can make the vegetables fall apart and give the soup an overly soft texture.

Sauté for more flavor

Lightly sauté the onion and carrot before adding them to the soup. Even a short sauté helps develop a sweeter, more aromatic vegetable flavor.

Add the cheese at the end

Add the cream cheese once the vegetables are cooked. Cut or grate it into small pieces and stir over low heat until completely melted and smooth.

Go easy on the salt

Both the sausage and cream cheese can already be salty. Add a small amount at first, then adjust the seasoning after the cheese has fully melted.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Add your taste

  • Make it lighter Use a lower-fat sausage or reduce the amount. The soup will still have plenty of flavor from the vegetables and melted cream cheese.
  • Skip the sausage The sausage can be omitted completely for a lighter vegetable-based cheese soup. Add a little extra zucchini if you want more substance.
  • Make it creamier Blend part of the finished soup with an immersion blender and return it to the pot. Leave some zucchini and sausage pieces whole for contrasting texture.
  • Choose another cream cheese Any good-quality plain cream cheese will work. A mildly seasoned or herb-flavored variety can add extra character to the soup.

HOW TO STORE

How to Store Cheesy Zucchini Soup

Let the soup cool before transferring it to a clean airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator at up to 4°C for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently over low or medium heat, stirring occasionally so the cheesy base warms evenly. Freezing is not recommended because the cream cheese may separate or develop a grainy texture after thawing.

GOOD TO KNOW

Frequently asked questions