Creamy Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The Ultimate Plant-Based Comfort Food Recipe
Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly delicious and satisfying vegan broccoli cheddar soup! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that reimagines the classic comfort food with a plant-based twist. Featuring a rich, smooth, and silky “cheesy” broth combined with tender, vibrant broccoli florets, this hearty soup recipe comes together in record time, proving that going vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or convenience. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure, dairy-free bliss!
For too long, many believed that creamy, cheesy soups like broccoli cheddar were off-limits on a vegan diet. But we’re here to prove that misconception wrong! This delightful plant-based rendition of the beloved classic is every bit as mouthwatering and deeply satisfying as its dairy counterpart, all while being completely free from animal products. What’s more, its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for any home cook – you can easily whip up a batch and savor its comforting warmth in no time at all. This recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy vegan soup options without compromising on taste.
Our vegan broccoli cheddar soup captures all the creamy, cheesy goodness you adore, achieved through clever and simple plant-based swaps. We’ve focused on creating a luxurious texture and authentic flavor profile without making the recipe overly complicated. The result is a wonderfully rich, dairy-free soup that will become a staple in your meal rotation, proving just how incredible vegan cooking can be.
Much like our popular Creamy Pumpkin Soup and Easy Roasted Carrot Ginger Soup, this vegan broccoli cheddar soup is wonderfully versatile. It’s absolutely perfect for a quick, wholesome weeknight dinner when you need something nourishing and comforting, or as a cozy lunch on a chilly afternoon. Serve it alongside some crusty artisanal bread for dipping, grab a spoon, and prepare to truly dig into this wholesome and delicious meal!
Why You’ll Adore This Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a culinary triumph that brings wholesome, plant-based goodness to your table. Here’s what truly makes this vegan broccoli cheddar soup a standout:
- Classic Comfort Food Flavor. If you’ve been yearning for that familiar, deeply comforting taste of cheesy, creamy, and truly indulgent broccoli cheddar soup, this plant-based version is here to satisfy every single craving. It perfectly replicates the rich, savory flavor profile of the original, making it almost unbelievable that it’s entirely vegan. Get ready for a taste sensation that transports you back to your favorite comfort food memories, without any dairy!
- Luxuriously Creamy Texture. The secret to this soup’s incredible, velvety consistency lies in the magic of cashews. When blended, these humble nuts create an unbelievably smooth and rich base that mimics dairy cream, providing an unparalleled mouthfeel without a drop of milk or heavy cream. This ingenious swap ensures a luscious soup that coats your palate with every spoonful, making it a truly decadent experience.
- Quick and Effortless to Prepare. Unlike many traditional soups that demand hours of simmering to develop deep flavors, this vegan broccoli cheddar soup is designed for speed and convenience. It’s the ideal weeknight meal solution, allowing you to create a gourmet-tasting, homemade soup in under an hour. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a nourishing, delicious meal with your loved ones.
- A Delightful Kid-Friendly Option. If you have discerning young eaters at home, this vegan broccoli cheddar soup is a brilliant and delicious strategy to encourage them to embrace their veggies without any fuss. Its appealing cheesy flavor and smooth, creamy texture are often big hits with kids, making it an excellent way to sneak in nutrient-rich broccoli into their diet in a way they’ll actually enjoy.
Notes on Essential Ingredients
Crafting the perfect vegan broccoli cheddar soup starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. Below are some key details to help you gather the best components for this wholesome dish. For exact quantities and full step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this article.
- Olive oil: This forms the aromatic base of our soup, used for sautéing the vegetables. A good quality extra virgin olive oil can add a subtle depth of flavor. You could also use avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Onion, garlic, and carrots: This classic trio is the foundation of many flavorful soups. Onions and garlic provide a sweet and pungent depth, while carrots add natural sweetness and a beautiful orange hue, which contributes to the “cheesy” color of the soup.
- Vegetable broth: The liquid base for our soup. Using a high-quality, flavorful vegetable broth is crucial as it significantly impacts the overall taste. Opt for a low-sodium variety to control the saltiness, or even better, make your own homemade vegetable broth for the freshest flavor.
- Raw cashews: These are the absolute star secret ingredient for achieving that impossibly creamy, rich, and smooth texture without any dairy. Cashews blend beautifully into a luscious cream, providing the perfect body for the soup. Make sure they are raw and unsalted for the best results. Soaking them beforehand (see tips below) can aid in achieving an even silkier consistency.
- Paprika: A touch of paprika adds a subtle warmth and a lovely color that enhances the “cheddar” appearance. You can use regular sweet paprika for a mild flavor, or opt for smoked paprika to introduce a wonderful smoky depth, which complements the savory notes of the soup beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, these balance and enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal preference throughout the cooking process. Freshly ground black pepper always makes a difference.
- Broccoli: The namesake vegetable! We recommend using fresh broccoli for its vibrant color and crisp-tender texture. Cut it into small florets for even cooking. While fresh is preferred, frozen broccoli can be used if you’re in a time crunch; just ensure it’s thawed and drained to avoid watering down the soup.
- Vegan cheddar cheese: This is what brings the “cheddar” essence to our soup. The quality of vegan cheese has improved dramatically, offering excellent melt and flavor. Read on for more details on selecting the best one.
Does Vegan Cheddar Cheese Really Melt?
Absolutely! The world of vegan cheese has advanced significantly, and today’s options are quite impressive, boasting realistic flavors and, most importantly for a soup like this, excellent meltability. However, to ensure the best results for your soup, your safest bet is to specifically look for vegan cheddar cheese shreds rather than a solid block. While some blocks of vegan cheese will melt beautifully, many are formulated more for vegan cheese boards, slicing, and snacking, and may not fully incorporate into a liquid base. Shredded vegan cheeses, in contrast, are typically designed with melting in mind, making them the ideal choice for creating a smooth, cheesy consistency in your soup.
How to Create This Delicious Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
You’ll be delighted by how straightforward it is to prepare this creamy, indulgent vegan broccoli cheddar soup. Follow these simple steps for a truly comforting and satisfying meal that tastes gourmet but is incredibly easy to execute. Remember to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go!
- Sauté the Aromatics. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté gently for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and develops a light golden-brown edge, and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavor of your soup.
- Simmer the Base. Next, stir in the chopped carrots, vegetable broth, raw cashews, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the pot with the sautéed aromatics. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and allow it to cook for about 15 minutes, or until the carrots are fork-tender. This ensures all the vegetables are soft enough for blending and the cashews soften further to create a creamy texture.
- Puree to Perfection. Once the carrots are tender, turn off the heat. Carefully transfer the soup mixture to a high-speed blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot, see tips below). Blend until the soup is completely smooth and wonderfully creamy, with no visible cashew pieces. This creates the luxurious, velvety texture that is characteristic of a great broccoli cheddar soup. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- Add Broccoli and Cheese. Pour the perfectly blended soup back into your pot. Stir in the fresh broccoli florets and the grated vegan cheddar cheese. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Continue to cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the broccoli florets are cooked to your desired tenderness and the vegan cheese has fully melted and incorporated into the creamy soup.
- Garnish and Serve. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls. For an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor, garnish with a few additional fresh broccoli florets, a sprinkle of extra vegan cheddar shreds, and a crack of fresh black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Essential Tips for Success
To ensure your vegan broccoli cheddar soup turns out perfectly creamy and flavorful every single time, keep these additional pointers in mind. These small details can make a big difference in the final outcome of your delicious plant-based meal.
- Soak the Cashews for Ultimate Creaminess. If you don’t own a powerful high-speed blender, soaking your raw cashews prior to cooking is a game-changer. This step significantly softens the cashews, allowing them to blend into an incredibly smooth, silky, and utterly creamy consistency, free of any grainy texture. Simply place the cashews in a bowl, cover them with hot water, and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or in cold water for a minimum of 2 hours (or even overnight). Drain them well before adding them to the pot.
- Ensure Even Broccoli Cooking by Cutting Uniformly. For the best texture and visual appeal, strive to cut your broccoli florets into roughly even, bite-sized pieces. This attention to detail ensures that all the florets cook at the same rate, resulting in a consistent, tender-crisp texture throughout the soup. Uneven pieces might lead to some being overcooked and mushy, while others remain too firm.
- Utilize an Immersion Blender for Maximum Convenience. An immersion blender (also known as a hand blender) is a fantastic tool that simplifies the blending process immensely. If you have one, you can blend the soup directly in the cooking pot after the vegetables have simmered. This eliminates the need to carefully transfer hot soup to a traditional blender, significantly reducing mess and cleanup time. It’s a quick and efficient way to achieve that perfectly smooth consistency.
Exciting Recipe Variations
This vegan broccoli cheddar soup recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:
- Veggie Swaps: Easily substitute cauliflower for broccoli, or use a delightful mixture of both for a richer vegetable profile. You can also toss in some chopped zucchini or spinach during the last few minutes of simmering for added greens and nutrients.
- Protein Boost: To transform this hearty soup into an even more substantial meal, consider adding extra plant-based protein. Stir in a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas or white beans during the final simmering stage. Cubed firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and lightly pan-fried before adding, also makes an excellent addition. Remember that adding these ingredients might require a slight adjustment to your seasonings to maintain balance.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the soup. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage can also add a subtle warmth.
- Nut-Free Option: If you have a cashew allergy, you can achieve a similar creamy texture using sunflower seeds (soaked) or by making a roux with vegan butter and flour, then slowly whisking in plant milk and vegetable broth. Alternatively, silken tofu can also provide creaminess when blended into the soup.
Delightful Serving Suggestions
This creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup is a meal in itself, but it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some fantastic serving ideas to elevate your dining experience:
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: The quintessential pairing! A warm, crusty loaf of artisanal bread, a baguette, or some soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, cheesy broth.
- Roasted Garlic Bread: Take your bread game up a notch with homemade roasted garlic bread. Its aromatic, savory flavors complement the soup beautifully.
- Garnish Galore: For an extra burst of cheesy flavor and a visually appealing finish, sprinkle your soup with additional vegan cheddar shreds, a spoonful of Vegan Parmesan Cheese, or a dusting of nutritional yeast. A few fresh broccoli florets, a swirl of vegan cream, or a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley can also add freshness and color.
- Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup, creating a well-rounded meal.
How to Store Leftovers
This vegan broccoli cheddar soup makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. To store any remaining soup, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or warm it up in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of vegetable broth or plant milk if it has thickened too much.
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! This vegan broccoli cheddar soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prepping or having a quick, comforting meal on hand. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little headspace for expansion, or portion it into zip-top freezer bags (laying them flat for easier storage). It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, following the instructions for reheating leftovers mentioned above. Stir well before serving.
More Irresistible Vegan Soup Recipes
If you loved this vegan broccoli cheddar soup, you’re in for a treat! We have a whole collection of warming, flavorful, and entirely plant-based soup recipes that are perfect for any season. Explore these other comforting options:
- Loaded Potato Soup (Vegan & One-Pot Creamy): A hearty, satisfying soup packed with all your favorite loaded potato toppings, made vegan and in a single pot!
- Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup (One-Pot Comforting): A robust and nutritious Italian-inspired soup brimming with fresh vegetables, pasta, and beans in a rich tomato broth.
- Creamy Vegan Mushroom Wild Rice Soup (One-Pot): Earthy mushrooms and nutty wild rice come together in a wonderfully creamy, savory broth, all made in one pot.
- Easy Lentil Soup (Vegan & Spiced): A simple yet incredibly flavorful and nutritious lentil soup, spiced to perfection for a comforting meal.
- White Bean and Kale Soup (Vegan, Slow Cooker): A wholesome and effortless soup that cooks itself to perfection in the slow cooker, featuring tender white beans and healthy kale.
We hope you truly enjoy this vegan broccoli cheddar soup, friends! If you make this recipe, we’d absolutely love to see your creations. Please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! Your support means the world to us. We’d also be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating! Thank you so much for your delicious feedback and for being a part of our culinary community!
Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, 13 grams
- 1 small onion, chopped (110 grams)
- 2 cloves of garlic, sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (195 grams)
- 4 cups vegetable broth, 960 ml
- ⅓ cup raw cashews, 53 grams
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large head of broccoli, about 3 cups florets (weight of broccoli head 450 grams)
- 2 cups vegan cheddar cheese, grated (180 grams)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly browned.
- Add chopped carrots, vegetable broth, cashews, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the sautéed onions. Stir everything together and cook for about 15 minutes until the carrots are tender.
- Turn off the heat. Using a blender, blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Pour the blended soup back into the pot. Add broccoli florets and the vegan cheddar cheese to the soup. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the broccoli is cooked and cheese is melted..
- Garnish soup with additional broccoli florets, vegan cheddar and sprinkle with black pepper if desired.
Notes
To freeze: Transfer the vegan broccoli cheddar soup to a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then heat it according to the instructions above.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.