Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

The Creamiest Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Ever

Stirring a creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup that rivals any dairy-based version lurking in your memories.

Comfort food doesn’t demand compromise when plant-based ingredients can create magic in your kitchen.

Nutritional yeast and cashews become unlikely heroes, crafting rich, cheesy flavors without animal products.

Smooth blended textures mingle with tender broccoli chunks, promising a warming embrace in every spoonful.

Home cooks seeking delicious alternatives will adore this surprisingly simple recipe that defies expectations.

Skeptical taste buds transform into believers with one incredible bite of this luxurious soup.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful and share this delightful discovery with everyone at your table.

Tips For Tasty Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Cashew Soak Shortcut: Quickly soften cashews by soaking them in hot water for 15 minutes instead of overnight, ensuring a creamy base without long preparation time.
  • Boost Nutrition Power: Add extra nutritional yeast for a deeper cheesy flavor and increased protein content, making the soup more satisfying and nutrient-dense.
  • Customize Veggie Texture: Chop broccoli into smaller pieces for quicker cooking or larger chunks for a more rustic soup experience, depending on personal preference.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust smoked paprika and Dijon mustard quantities to enhance or mellow the soup's overall flavor profile to match individual taste preferences.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and providing a convenient meal option.

How To Store Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup The Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top. Freeze for maximum 3 months.
  • Reheat on Stovetop: Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of almond milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and prevent separation.

Good Foods To Pair With Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Pair with Crusty Sourdough: Grab a warm, tangy slice of sourdough bread to dip into this creamy vegan soup. The bread's slightly sour notes perfectly complement the rich, cheesy broccoli base, creating a satisfying texture contrast.
  • Match with Crisp Apple Cider: Serve a chilled glass of fresh apple cider alongside the soup. Its light, sweet-tart flavor cuts through the soup's creaminess and provides a refreshing palate cleanser between spoonfuls.
  • Serve with Herb-Roasted Almonds: Sprinkle some homemade herb-roasted almonds on top or as a side snack. The nutty crunch adds extra protein and brings out the cashew and nutritional yeast flavors in the soup.
  • Complement with Arugula Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes create a beautiful flavor harmony with the creamy broccoli soup.

Fun Ways To Change Up Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Spicy Kick Broccoli Soup: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes during sautéing for a zesty heat that transforms the creamy base.
  • Protein-Packed Version: Incorporate cubed tofu or white beans directly into the soup for extra protein and hearty texture.
  • Mediterranean Style: Replace nutritional yeast with roasted garlic, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Roasted Vegetable Variation: Roast broccoli, carrots, and onions before blending to intensify the caramelized, deeper vegetable flavors in the soup.

FAQs For Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Lovers

  • Why use nutritional yeast in this soup?

Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy, nutty flavor and adds essential B-vitamins, making it a perfect dairy-free cheese substitute for vegan recipes.

  • Can I replace cashews if I have a nut allergy?

You can substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or silken tofu to maintain the creamy texture while keeping the soup nut-free.

  • Is this soup protein-rich despite being vegan?

Yes! The combination of cashews, nutritional yeast, and broccoli provides a good amount of plant-based protein, making it a nutritious meal option.

  • How can I make the soup more filling?

Add cooked quinoa or white beans to increase protein content and make the soup more substantial and satisfying.

Why Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Feels So Satisfying

  • Quick and Creamy Plant-Based Comfort: This vegan broccoli cheddar soup delivers rich, cheesy flavors without any dairy, making it a guilt-free comfort food perfect for health-conscious food lovers.
  • Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Packed with vegetables, cashews, and nutritional yeast, the soup provides a wholesome meal that's loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals while keeping the calorie count low.
  • Effortless Cooking Method: The blender-based technique transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality soup with minimal cooking skills required, allowing even beginner cooks to create a gourmet-style dish in under 30 minutes.
  • Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable for different dietary needs, the soup can be adjusted for texture, seasoning, and toppings, making it a flexible recipe that suits various preferences and occasions.

What’s In Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Soup Base:
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides the liquid foundation for the soup, adds depth of flavor.
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrot, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables that build a flavor base, choose fresh and firm produce.
Creamy Elements:
  • Cashews, Almond Milk: Create a rich, creamy texture without dairy, raw cashews work best when soaked overnight.
  • Nutritional Yeast: Adds cheesy flavor and nutty undertones, essential for vegan cheese-like taste.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Dijon Mustard, Smoked Paprika, Turmeric: Bring complexity and warmth to the soup, choose high-quality spices for best results.
Vegetable Highlight:
  • Broccoli Florets: Main vegetable star, select fresh green broccoli with tight, vibrant clusters.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors, adjust to personal taste.
  • Fresh Parsley, Vegan Shredded Cheese, Croutons: Optional toppings for added texture and freshness.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables, choose extra virgin for better flavor.

How To Make Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Quickly

Step 1: Warm Up the Veggies

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Toss in chopped:
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Carrot
  • Celery

Stir these veggies around and let them dance in the pan for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and release their amazing aroma.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Blender Magic

Transfer the sauteed vegetables to a blender. Add in:
  • Soaked cashews
  • Vegetable broth
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Dijon mustard
  • Smoked paprika
  • Turmeric

Blend everything until it transforms into a silky smooth liquid that looks like liquid gold.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

Pour the blended mixture back into the pot. Wake up the heat to a gentle simmer. Introduce:
  • Chopped broccoli florets
  • Almond milk

Stir everything together so all ingredients become best friends.

Step 4: Cook the Green Goodness

Let the soup bubble softly for 10-12 minutes. Watch the broccoli become tender while keeping its bright green personality.

Step 5: Perfect the Texture and Flavor

Decide your soup style – chunky or smooth. Use an immersion blender if you want a more uniform texture. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper until it tastes just right.

Step 6: Serve with Style

Ladle the soup into bowls. Jazz it up with:
  • Fresh parsley
  • Vegan shredded cheese
  • Crunchy croutons (optional)

Enjoy your creamy, dreamy vegan adventure!

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Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy “Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup” brings plant-based comfort straight from California kitchens, blending rich cashew cheese with tender broccoli florets. Comfort meets nutrition in this delightful bowl you’ll want to savor slowly and share with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

main ingredients:

  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk

soup base ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced

seasoning and flavor enhancers:

  • ⅓ cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

optional garnishes:

  • Fresh parsley or chives
  • Vegan shredded cheese
  • Croutons

Instructions

  1. Initiate the flavor foundation by sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, julienned carrots, and chopped celery in olive oil over medium heat until the vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
  2. Transfer the softened vegetable medley into a high-powered blender, introducing soaked cashews, rich vegetable broth, umami-packed nutritional yeast, tangy Dijon mustard, smoky paprika, and golden turmeric to create a velvety base.
  3. Pulse the blender contents until achieving a silky-smooth consistency, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated and transformed into a cohesive mixture.
  4. Carefully pour the blended liquid back into the original cooking pot, reigniting the heat to generate a gentle, bubbling simmer.
  5. Introduce fresh broccoli florets and creamy almond milk into the warming liquid, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the soup.
  6. Allow the broccoli to cook tenderly, maintaining its vibrant green color and nutritional integrity, typically requiring 10-12 minutes of careful simmering.
  7. Customize the soup’s texture by using an immersion blender to break down some or all of the broccoli, creating a more uniform or rustic consistency based on personal preference.
  8. Refine the flavor profile by seasoning with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting until the ideal balance is achieved.
  9. Serve the soup in warm bowls, embellishing with optional garnishes like fresh parsley, sprinkled vegan cheese, or crispy croutons to enhance visual appeal and textural contrast.

Notes

  • Soak cashews overnight or use hot water for a quick 30-minute softening method to achieve a ultra-creamy base without compromising texture.
  • Nutritional yeast provides a crucial cheesy flavor profile, so don’t skip this ingredient for authentic vegan cheddar taste.
  • Use fresh broccoli with bright green florets to maintain vibrant color and maximize nutritional value during cooking.
  • Customize soup thickness by adjusting vegetable broth quantity – less broth creates a thicker consistency, more broth results in a lighter soup.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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