Few things warm the soul quite like Cracker Barrel’s vegetable soup—it’s hearty, flavorful, and just plain full of goodness!
This recipe captures that cozy charm with fresh veggies, savory broth, and just the right blend of seasoning.
For an extra yummy broth, I like to use a mix of chicken stock and vegetable stock for added depth.
I always recommend chopping the vegetables into evenly-sized pieces so they cook perfectly without any mushy surprises.
This is the kind of recipe that’s as fun to cook as it is to share around the table!
How to Make Cracker Barrel Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Celery Stalks (chopped)
- 2 Carrots (diced)
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion (diced)
- 1 lb Potatoes (sliced)
- 1 ½ cups Green Beans
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (28 oz.)
- 1 cup Peas
- 2 cups Lima Beans
- 2 cups Corn
- 4 cups Vegetable Juice
- 3 Beef Bouillon Cubes
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots.
Cook them until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 2:
Pour in the vegetable juice and let it heat up.
Add the beef bouillon cubes, stirring until they are fully dissolved.
Step 3:
Add the potatoes, green beans, and diced tomatoes.
Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4:
Stir in the peas, lima beans, and corn.
Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Let the soup continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, ensuring all vegetables are tender.
Step 5:
Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Using Fresh vs. Frozen Vegetables
You can use a mix of fresh and frozen vegetables based on what’s available or more convenient for you.
Frozen vegetables can save time and reduce prep work without sacrificing much flavor.
Adjusting the Thickness
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a small portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
This technique maintains a consistent flavor while adding body to the broth.
Enhancing Flavor
Experiment by adding herbs like thyme or basil to customize the flavor profile.
A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can also brighten up the soup, adding a hint of tang.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container, and it should last up to four days.
Freezing the soup works well too, making it easy to have a quick meal on hand.
What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Vegetable Soup Recipe
Classic Bread Rolls
You can’t go wrong with a basket of warm bread rolls to accompany your soup!
The soft and fluffy texture soaks up the flavors wonderfully.
Plus, they add just the right amount of warmth and comfort to your meal.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
A grilled cheese sandwich makes a fantastic partner for your soup.
The melted cheese and crispy bread create a lovely contrast to the hearty broth.
It’s a simple yet so satisfying pairing that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Roasted Vegetables
For a twist, consider serving roasted vegetables alongside your soup.
Caramelized carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers complement the rich flavors effortlessly.
The added veggies also boost the nutritional value of your meal.
Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
Switch things up with garlic Parmesan breadsticks!
The combination of savory garlic and cheese pairs excellently with the vegetable soup.
It’s an easy way to enhance your dining experience without too much effort.
Avocado and Tomato Salad
Try something fresh with an avocado and tomato salad.
The creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes balance out the richness of the soup.
A drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice adds a refreshing touch that’s simply irresistible.
Variations and Substitutions
You can make this vegetable soup using fresh or frozen vegetables, each option adding its unique character.
For added protein, try including lentils or chickpeas.
Both pair nicely with the flavors in the soup.
To adjust the texture, blending part of the soup can give it a thicker, creamy feel without adding dairy.
Of course, if you want even more protein and want to add some meat try this beef and veggie soup from the Pioneer Woman.
Different Vegetable Choices
Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have.
Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes for a bit of sweetness.
If you can’t find lima beans, you could use cannellini beans instead.
Spice Adjustments
Experiment with different spices to suit your taste.
Consider using a pinch of cayenne pepper for a small kick.
For extra flavor depth, add a bay leaf during cooking and remove it before serving.
Vegan or Vegetarian Options
If you’re avoiding animal products, use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon cubes.
Adding nutritional yeast can boost flavor, giving it a hearty, cheesy note.
Soy or almond milk can replace any cream for a plant-based version.
How to Store Leftover Cracker Barrel Vegetable Soup
After you’ve prepared a delicious pot of Cracker Barrel Vegetable Soup, it’s important to store any leftovers properly so you can enjoy them later!
First, let your soup cool completely before attempting to store it.
This helps prevent condensation that could lead to soggy results.
Airtight Containers
Choose an airtight container to keep your soup fresh in the fridge.
Glass or plastic works well; just ensure that the lid fits snugly.
Refrigeration
Place the cooled soup in the container and pop it in the refrigerator.
You should consume your stored soup within 3-4 days to enjoy its full taste and quality.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is a great option!
Divide your soup into smaller portions, place them in freezer-safe containers, and leave some space to allow for expansion.
When stored correctly, your soup can last for several months in the freezer!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Vegetables
Take care to monitor your simmer time closely!
Vegetables cooked too long can become mushy and lose their vibrant colors.
Maintain a slight bite to the veggies for the best texture experience.
Skipping the Seasoning
Don’t forget to season adequately with salt and pepper.
Lack of proper seasoning can leave the soup tasting bland and uninspired.
Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed during cooking.
Using Frozen Ingredients Incorrectly
Using frozen vegetables is convenient, but they should be added in the right order.
Add them toward the end of cooking time to avoid overcooking them inadvertently.
Frozen veggies need less cooking time compared to fresh ones.

Cracker Barrel Vegetable Soup Recipe
- 2 Celery Stalks chopped
- 2 Carrots diced
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion diced
- 1 lb Potatoes sliced
- 1 ½ cups Green Beans
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes 28 oz.
- 1 cup Peas
- 2 cups Lima Beans
- 2 cups Corn
- 4 cups Vegetable Juice
- 3 Beef Bouillon Cubes
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots.
- Cook them until they are soft and fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable juice and let it heat up.
- Add the beef bouillon cubes, stirring until they are fully dissolved.
- Add the potatoes, green beans, and diced tomatoes.
- Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the peas, lima beans, and corn.
- Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Let the soup continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, ensuring all vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
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