Recipe for Cracker Barrel Vegetable Soup Made Easy

Updated On: October 8, 2025

If you’ve ever enjoyed a comforting bowl of Cracker Barrel’s famous vegetable soup, you know how heartwarming and satisfying it can be. This classic Southern-style soup is loaded with fresh vegetables, tender beans, and a flavorful broth that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

Whether you’re battling a chilly day or simply craving a nutritious, homemade meal, this recipe brings the beloved flavors of Cracker Barrel right into your kitchen. It’s easy to make, wholesome, and perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.

Plus, it’s versatile enough to cater to different dietary preferences.

In this detailed recipe blog post, I’ll guide you through every step to recreate this delicious vegetable soup at home. From selecting the freshest ingredients to handy tips for enhancing the flavor, you’ll be serving up a bowl of pure comfort in no time.

Ready your ladle and let’s dive into the warm, hearty goodness of Cracker Barrel vegetable soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cracker Barrel vegetable soup recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s packed with a variety of colorful vegetables and beans, offering a nutrient-dense meal that’s both filling and healthy.

The broth is rich yet light, seasoned perfectly with herbs and spices to deliver that unmistakable home-cooked taste.

It’s also incredibly adaptable—whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for a wholesome soup to enjoy, this recipe can be tweaked easily. Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it an ideal choice for batch cooking or meal prep.

If you love comforting meals that warm the soul without being complicated, this soup will quickly become a favorite.

For more wholesome and easy-to-make recipes, check out A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup cooked northern beans (or canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener (if using canned beans and tomatoes)
  • Ladle for serving
  • Optional: Immersion blender (to slightly puree part of the soup for a creamier texture)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in your large soup pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
  4. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes to begin softening the vegetables.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and water, then add the bay leaf, thyme, basil, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.
  6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  7. Add green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and cooked beans. Continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes until all vegetables are cooked through but still slightly crisp.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.
  9. Optional: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree about a third of the soup and then stir it back in.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley before ladling into bowls. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, try roasting your vegetables before adding them to the soup!”

Here are some ways to customize your Cracker Barrel vegetable soup:

  • Make it vegan: This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but make sure to use vegetable broth that doesn’t contain animal products.
  • Add more protein: Stir in cooked lentils or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or check out this Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to enhance the heat and flavor.
  • Use seasonal veggies: Substitute or add zucchini, squash, kale, or spinach depending on what’s fresh and available.
  • Slow cooker variation: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off meal.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1.5 cups)
Calories 150
Protein 6 grams
Carbohydrates 28 grams
Fiber 7 grams
Fat 3 grams
Sodium 450 mg (adjust based on broth choice)
Vitamin A 120% DV
Vitamin C 25% DV
Iron 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

This soup is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Serve it with a crusty piece of bread or a warm biscuit to soak up the flavorful broth.

For a more substantial meal, offer a side salad or a grilled cheese sandwich.

If you’re interested in more hearty and wholesome soup recipes, explore 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious or discover Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings.

Conclusion

Recreating Cracker Barrel’s vegetable soup at home is a rewarding experience that brings comfort and nutrition to your table. This recipe captures the essence of hearty, Southern-style cooking with its medley of fresh vegetables, tender beans, and a perfectly seasoned broth.

It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but rich enough to impress guests or nourish your family during colder months.

With easy-to-follow steps and customizable options, you can tailor this soup to suit your dietary needs and flavor preferences. Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables or spices to make it your own.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out other delicious meals like Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals or Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.

So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and dive into a bowl of homemade Cracker Barrel vegetable soup that tastes just like the original – if not better!

📖 Recipe Card: Cracker Barrel Vegetable Soup

Description: A hearty and comforting vegetable soup packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal any day.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Add green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 22 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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