Creamy Roasted Vegetable Soup From Leftovers

roasted vegetable soup.

What do you do with leftover roasted root vegetables? Make a thick, lush, creamy vegetable soup. It’s quick and easy, and this warm, cozy, roasted vegetable soup is so sublimely simple, you can hardly call it a recipe.

sautéing onions gathering leftovers for the creamy soup.

My husband loves oven roasted root vegetables as a fall side dish, but reheat them as leftovers the next day and he’s decidedly un-interested. It’s the texture. He hates “mushy” vegetables and makes a face if they make a second appearance as a side dish.

That said, I hate to waste food.

Therefore, I look for simple ways to use up the leftover roasted root vegetables that he’ll actually enjoy. This simple recipe is so good, I usually make a double batch of roasted veggies, just so I’ve got enough leftover to make this creamy soup.

Ingredients for creamy roasted vegetable soup

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adding stock to the roasted vegetables and onions.

This veggie soup is so simple, you don’t even need to warm up the vegetables before assembling it. You can use your leftover roasted vegetables, straight from the refrigerator. Seriously. And if your root vegetable blend already includes onions, you can skip the extra step of sautéing more onions and go straight to the blender.

How to make creamy vegetable soup

  1. Sauté onions in olive oil until softened and translucent.
  2. Combine the onions and leftover roasted root vegetables in a blender.
  3. Add the broth and blend until creamy and smooth.
  4. Transfer the roasted vegetable puree to a saucepan over medium high heat.
  5. Stir in the cream and heat over medium high heat until warm.
  6. Taste for seasonings and adjust with salt and pepper as desired.
pureeing the roasted root veggies with broth.

You can use almost any combination of roasted vegetables for this creamy soup. Good options would be any types of potato or sweet potato, squash or pumpkin, parsnips, rutabaga or even golden beets for an earthier flavor. Fennel has a slight anise flavor that adds an interesting dimension.

Variations

  • Add some dried spices instead of fresh herbs when sautéing the onions, (like turmeric, curry powder or a hint of cinnamon and crushed red pepper flakes). Don’t add the dried spice directly to the soup, instead bloom the spices with the oil and onions allows the essential oils to open up the flavors, so they can more easily fuse with the in the spices to blend
  • Add a head of roasted garlic to the vegetable soup before pureeing.
  • Stir in a splash of white wine, vermouth or sherry when heating the soup.
  • Just before serving add diced chicken, ham or turkey to the creamy roasted veggie soup.

Pro-Tips:

  • Try to stay within the same basic color scheme of veggies, so the soup doesn’t end up looking dull and gray when it’s pureed.
  • Avoid cabbage-y smelling vegetables like brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli. Their flavors and aromas can compete with and overpower the other roasted root vegetables.
adding cream to the creamy vegetable puree.

FAQ’s

Do I have to use leftover roasted vegetables?

No. You can make a full sheet pan of freshly roasted vegetables and puree them with more broth and cream to make a big pot of creamy soup.

How long will the vegetable soup last in the refrigerator?

It will keep for up to 5 days in a sealed container.

Can I freeze roasted vegetable soup?

Yes. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost before reheating.

making toasted croutons to garnish the root vegetable soup.

We love this luxuriously creamy soup on its own, but for a little texture and flair, garnish with one or more of these tasty toppings.

Optional garnishes for creamy roasted vegetable soup

  • Crunchy buttered breadcrumbs (recipe given)
  • Crispy fried oyster crackers
  • Swirl of cream
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds
  • Sprinkle of fresh herbs or parsley
  • Hot sauce
  • Drizzle of maple syrup
roasted vegetable soup with croutons and cream.

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A bowl of roasted vegetable soup with croutons & cream.
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4.10 from 10 votes

Creamy Roasted Vegetable Soup

Want a luxuriously creamy vegetable soup recipe? Use leftover roasted root vegetables, squash and other odds and ends to make this quick and easy roasted veggie soup in your blender. It’s simple, healthy and takes just a few minutes.
Author: Lisa Lotts
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword creamy soup
Dietary Restrictions Egg Free
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:

  • blender (preferably a canister blender, but can use a stick blender)

INGREDIENTS:

FOR TOASTED CROUTONS:

  • 2 slices stale bread (preferably a bakery sourdough or Italian loaf) crusts removed
  • 1 tablespoon butter

OPTIONAL GARNISHES: choose 2-3

  • toasted croutons
  • swirl of cream
  • fresh herbs rosemary, thyme, chives or parsley
  • pat of butter
  • dollop of sour cream
  • toasted pecans or walnuts
  • fried oyster crackers

DIRECTIONS:

FOR CRUNCHY CROUTONS:

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  • Tear the bread into large chunks and transfer to a mini food processor. Add the butter and pulse several times, to break down the bread pieces into smaller shreds, but not fine crumbs.
  • Transfer the buttered bread to a sheet pan, spread into an even layer and bake for 8-10 minutes. Flip or stir the breadcrumbs and spread them into an even layer and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes or until the crumbs are toasted and crunchy.

FOR THE ROASTED VEGETABLE SOUP:

  • In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are softened and translucent.
  • Transfer the onions and leftover roasted vegetables to the blender. Add the broth and fix the lid on the the blender. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds to a minute until the vegetables are completely pureed and the soup is very smooth.
  • Taste the blended vegetables for seasoning and adjust as necessary with salt & pepper. Transfer the soup to a large saucepan and stir in the cream or half and half. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the soup is hot.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crunchy croutons or your favorite toppings.

NUTRITION:

Calories: 302kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 696mg | Potassium: 553mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 553IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 2mg

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3 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I used a bunch of leftover root vegetables and through in some coconut milk at the end! Delicious!

  2. 5 stars
    I frequently roast root vegetables and will do bigger batches now to make this soup!! It is soup season in Colorado, finally!

  3. 5 stars
    Thanks for the perfect Fall/Winter soup!! Sumptuous!