If you’re looking for a comforting and healthy meal that satisfies your cravings without compromising your dietary choices, look no further than this Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s the perfect combination of creamy and cheesy goodness, but with a dairy-free twist! This easy-to-make soup is ready in just 30 minutes and is perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
As someone who loves classic broccoli cheddar soup, I wanted to recreate the creamy texture and rich flavor without any dairy. This recipe does just that—packed with wholesome vegetables, hearty ingredients, and a secret ingredient to bring the cheese flavor to life, it’s a dish the whole family will enjoy, even the picky eaters.
Let’s dive into how to make this vegan-friendly comfort food that’s bound to become your new favorite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This vegan broccoli cheddar soup is made with a handful of simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Base Ingredients:
- Potatoes: These will help create a creamy texture while also adding a subtle sweetness.
- Carrots: Adds a bit of sweetness and flavor to balance out the savory elements.
- Cashews: These are your secret ingredient for a rich and creamy texture. They help give the soup that velvety, cheesy feel without any dairy.
- Vegetable Broth: The base liquid for your soup, making it hearty and flavorful.
Vegetables:
- Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the soup base.
- Garlic: Gives the soup a punch of savory flavor.
- Broccoli: The star of the soup! Fresh broccoli florets add texture, color, and a nutritional boost.
Seasonings:
- Nutritional Yeast: This gives the soup its cheesy flavor without any dairy. A must-have for all vegan recipes.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky flavor that complements the broccoli and cashews.
- Salt: To season the soup and enhance the natural flavors.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic. You can skip this for an oil-free version.
- Shredded Vegan Cheese: This step is optional but adds extra creaminess and that classic “cheddar” feel.
Substitution Ideas:
- Cashews: If you’re not a fan of cashews or need a nut-free alternative, try macadamia nuts, blanched almonds, sunflower seeds, or even coconut cream for a richer taste.
- Olive Oil: You can swap olive oil for vegetable broth to make the recipe completely oil-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ready to make this simple yet indulgent soup? Let’s go over the easy steps to create the creamiest vegan broccoli cheddar soup you’ll ever taste.
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté them until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. The key here is to cook them gently until they’re translucent and releasing their lovely aroma.
Tip: If you want to skip the oil, simply sauté the onions and garlic in a little bit of vegetable broth. This method works perfectly for an oil-free version of the soup.
Step 2: Add Potatoes, Carrots, Cashews, and Broth
Next, add your potatoes, carrots, cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender. The cashews will also soften during this time, which is perfect for blending.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Once the vegetables are tender, transfer the soup to a blender and blend it until smooth. This step is key to achieving that creamy, velvety texture. Be careful—hot liquids expand, so blend in batches if necessary!
Visual Cue: At this stage, your soup will look thick, smooth, and velvety, just like a classic creamy soup.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency
After blending, return the soup to the pot and add water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. I recommend adding the water a little at a time, stirring, and checking the texture along the way.
Tip: If you like a thicker soup, don’t add too much water. For a more broth-like texture, add more.
Step 6: Stir in Broccoli and Vegan Cheese
Now it’s time to add your broccoli florets and vegan cheese (if using). Stir these ingredients into the soup and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the vegan cheese is melted and incorporated into the soup.
Visual Cue: When the broccoli is tender and the cheese is fully melted, the soup will be smooth and creamy, with little pops of green from the broccoli.
Step 7: Simmer Until Ready
Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes, making sure all the flavors have melded together. You can taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding a little extra salt or paprika if desired.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve it hot! You can garnish with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of vegan cheese, or even croutons for some added crunch.
Visual Cue: The finished soup should be a creamy, comforting bowl of warmth, with vibrant green broccoli and a cheesy, smooth texture.
Tips and Variations
- Blending the Broccoli: For a smoother soup, blend half of the broccoli along with the base ingredients and leave the other half for texture. This gives you a soup that’s creamy but still has some visible chunks of broccoli.
- Nut-Free Option: If you need a nut-free version, replace the cashews with coconut cream or silken tofu. Both options will keep the soup creamy without any nuts.
- Topping Suggestions: For added flavor, try roasted broccoli, a handful of vegan cheese, croutons, or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a bit of heat.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium vegetable broth and cut back on the added salt.
- Additional Veggies: You can bulk up your soup with additional vegetables like peas, cauliflower, black beans, or celery for more substance and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Step-by-Step Instructions for Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes! To make this soup in an Instant Pot, sauté the onions and garlic using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then release the pressure. Blend the soup as usual and add the broccoli and vegan cheese.
Do I need to soak the cashews?
No need to pre-soak the cashews for this recipe. They will soften as they cook in the soup and blend into a creamy texture.
How long does this vegan broccoli cheddar soup last?
This soup will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool fully before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, where it can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Why does my soup taste sweet?
If your soup tastes too sweet, it could be due to the carrots, cashews, or even vegan cheese. Make sure to adjust the balance of seasonings accordingly.
Nutritional Information
Per serving, this Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup provides:
- Calories: 230
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 10g (including healthy fats from cashews)
- Sodium: 500mg (can be reduced with low-sodium broth)
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamins A & C: Excellent source
- Calcium: 8% of daily value
- Iron: 10% of daily value
Tip: To lower sodium, use low-sodium vegetable broth and reduce the salt.
You’ll Also Love
If you enjoyed vegan broccoli cheddar soup, here are a few other soup recipes you’ll love:
This Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich creaminess with cheesy flavor, but without any dairy. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and satisfying for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or something that’s quick and simple, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! If you try it out, please leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you tried. Happy cooking!
1 thought on “Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Rich, Creamy, and Full of Flavor”
Comments are closed.