Do you have a big party tray of veggies left sometimes that you can never eat along with the other leftovers? We usually take another kick at the cat and have a leftover dinner the next night after a party. Sometimes though there are still lots left. So, as I stood and stared at all these perfectly cleaned and prepped veggies I got a great idea for a Leftover Party Tray Vegetable Soup. My family thought it was genius and absolutely loved it.
I kept the soup light but still delicious. It is perfect for any time of the year, whenever you have leftovers. It is ideal for a summer soup or right through fall to spring!!
Want more light wonderful soups to try? Then this Broccoli Soup Recipe has to be on your list.
The veggies are cleaned and ready to go so nothing can be easier than this to get a fresh soup on the table. I kept this recipe vegetarian also using a delightful blend of spices instead of vegetable bullion that Life Currents has on her site. It is called Instant Vegetarian Broth Mix and I made up extra to store in the pantry to use for other recipes too. The vegetables are simmered until tender in the broth mix and water, giving them lots of flavors. There is nothing like a hearty Vegetable Soup recipe to make you feel 100%!
Creamy and delicious plus so easy to make. This recipe you will want to hang onto for years to come. I love adding in a little hot sauce for added flavor in cream or cheese sauces and soups. It just amplifies the flavors more without really giving off any heat.
Whip up a batch of this soup next time you have a leftover party tray staring you in the eyes. I love giving new life to leftovers in a whole other delicious way. Enjoy!
Leftover Party Tray Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
- 5 cups broccoli and cauliflower florets
- 8-10 baby carrots sliced
- 5-6 short pieces of celery sliced
- 5 cups water
- 2 tsp. Instant Vegetarian Broth Mix or vegetable bouillon
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- 4 Tbsp. AP flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
- 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce
Instructions
- In a large pot add the broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, water and broth mix. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 min. or until the veggies are tender. Do not drain.
- In a medium sauce pan melt the butter and add the flour, salt and pepper. While whisking add in the milk gradually. Bring up to a simmer and cook whisking for two minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until it melts. Add in the hot sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add to the cauliflower/broccoli mix and stir. Serve immediately.
Comments & Reviews
LaVone says
This was way more delicious that I expected!! I substituted some of the water for low sodium chicken broth, used the rest of my onion “better than bouillon”, added garlic powder and a lot of fresh dried basil. I also subbed the milk for Planet Oatmilk extra creamy. I also used quinoa flour. I also added some nutritional yeast for a more buttery taste. Thank you again!!
Brenda says
Absolutely love this soup. I add an onion as well.
Tara Noland says
So glad you loved it! I think it is a great way to use up leftovers. Adding the onion is a good idea too.
Monika s. says
I love this leftover veggie tray soup ! I tweak it a little since I am not a vegetarian even tho the soup needs no meat! But my man needs meat🥴 . I add smoked sausage Or kielbasa towards the end it only need to be in about five minutes but talk about delicious! I also use half the hot sauce that is called for and Sriracha is my choice of hot sauce.
Tara Noland says
I am so glad you made it your own and you love it!! Thanks for sharing!!
Lyn Cloen says
Great use of my leftover veggie tray from this weekend. Generally I don’t eat hot food when it’s hot outside (85• August day), but with the central air going I figured I’d give it a try. I did use Almond milk and it’s just delicious. My 15 yo is enjoying a cup with me now. 👍🏻👍🏻 Up! Thank you!
Tara Noland says
You are welcome. I think we all stare at those party trays after they have been enjoyed and do not know what to do with them. I know I did!!
Glendus E Dowell says
I make this quite often as we like it. I puree the veggies when soft with my inversion mixture per the preference of my other half. It’s delicious.
Tara Noland says
So glad you are enjoying the recipe, blending it would be great too!
Jess B says
I added half of an onion and a clove of garlic. Sautéed the onion carrot and celery a bit in some olive oil before adding the rest of the veggies and water. Came out really well! Will definitely keep this is my back pocket.
Tara Noland says
So glad you liked it and made it your own. Have a great day Jess!
Lisa says
Can this be frozen?
Tara Noland says
It can be but not all dairy-based soups will turn out as well thawed.
Kelly says
This was delicious and a great way to use up leftover veggies!
Tara Noland says
Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it!
Jillian says
This recipe is so delicious! I just subbed in 5 c of vegetable broth instead of the water/bouillon. I didn’t have celery so I skipped it and added extra carrots. Definitely don’t skip adding the hot sauce!! It’s a must and it doesn’t make it spicy at all. Everyone in my family loved this soup, even my 3 year old ate some.
Tara Noland says
So glad you all liked it and yes the hot sauce doesn’t make is spicy just more flavorful!
Carla says
Thank you!!!
We had a ton of extra veggies after some Christmas parties (guess everyone was more into the cookies and fudge🤷🏻♀️) and this was a perfect way to create an easy meal.
Tara Noland says
Awesome, so glad you liked the recipe!!
Lisa Bunning says
This soup is fantastic! I use all kinds of different veggies I have in the fridge as I make it quite often. Thanks for a wonderful recipe!
Tara Noland says
Thank you so much Lisa, I thought it was a great idea to use up veggies when you have too many! Cheers!
Ashleigh says
What a great idea! After gatherings I always have cauliflower left especially! Pinning for later.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
Oh, I love how creamy this soup looks! Such a perfect comfort food dinner!
Nancy @ whispered inspirations says
There’s always veggies left over and what a great way to save them! I’m gonna have to make some soup!
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
This is such a great use of leftover random veggies. Your soup recipe looks so hearty and delicious, I can’t wait to try it.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That looks so good! This might be the best leftover recipe I’ve ever seen.
lisa says
This is seriously genius! There is never a party where the whole tray gets eating and you wonder what to do with the leftover mess – doing this next time!
Amy Desrosiers says
What a resourceful way to use up leftover veggies. I love hearty soups like this!
Reesa Lewandowski says
What a great way to use up leftovers! Honestly, we usually just throw them out b/c I don’t know what else to do with them! Saving this idea!
robin Rue says
This sounds perfect for a chilly winter night. My whole family would love this soup!!