Quick & Comforting Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Culinary magic happens when my experimental broccoli cheddar soup meets plant-based creativity.

Creamy textures emerge from unexpected ingredients that surprise even seasoned cooks.

Dairy-free alternatives bring incredible depth to this classic comfort dish.

Nutritional yeast and cashews collaborate to mimic traditional cheese flavors brilliantly.

Rich, velvety spoonfuls promise warmth and satisfaction without animal products.

Childhood memories of soup’s hearty embrace return through this compassionate reimagining.

You’ll find comfort and nourishment in every delectable bite of this inventive recipe.

What’s to Love About Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Loaded with cashews, nutritional yeast, and fresh vegetables, this soup provides protein, vitamins, and a rich, satisfying flavor profile without any dairy.
• Easily accessible ingredients like broccoli, cashews, and vegetable broth make this recipe economical, perfect for home cooks wanting delicious meals without breaking the bank.
• Customize the soup's texture by blending to your preference, adjust seasonings, and experiment with different garnishes like vegan cheese or fresh herbs for a personalized touch.

Ingredients That Make This Vegan Soup Shine

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing vegetables and adds rich flavor.
• Onion, Garlic, Carrot, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables that build a deep flavor foundation.

• Cashews: Creates a smooth, creamy texture without dairy, requires soaking for best results.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides liquid base and enhances overall soup flavor.
• Almond Milk: Adds additional creaminess and lightness to the soup.

• Nutritional Yeast: Delivers cheesy flavor profile for vegan version, rich in B vitamins.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and complexity to the soup.
• Smoked Paprika, Turmeric: Provides warm, earthy undertones and beautiful golden color.

• Broccoli Florets: Main vegetable ingredient, offers bright green color and nutritional boost.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing overall taste.

• Fresh Parsley, Vegan Shredded Cheese, Croutons: Adds texture and visual appeal.

How to Cook Vegan Broccoli Soup in Minutes

Step 1: Sizzle Veggie Medley

• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery

Saute until vegetables become soft and release aromatic goodness, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Blend Silky Soup Base

• Soaked cashews
• Vegetable broth
• Nutritional yeast
• Dijon mustard
• Smoked paprika
• Turmeric

Whirl everything until ultra-smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 3: Create Soup Magic

• Chopped broccoli florets
• Almond milk

Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.

Step 4: Cook Broccoli Perfectly

Simmer soup for 10-12 minutes. Watch broccoli transform into tender yet bright green pieces.

Step 5: Customize Texture

• Leave chunky
• Use immersion blender for smoother feel

Season with salt and black pepper to your heart’s content.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

• Fresh parsley
• Vegan shredded cheese
• Crunchy croutons

Tips for a Smooth and Creamy Texture

• Maximize Cashew Creaminess: Soak cashews overnight or use hot water for 30 minutes to ensure ultra-smooth, silky blending results.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Add extra nutritional yeast for deeper cheesy flavor and increased B-vitamin content for plant-based protein boost.
• Customize Broccoli Texture: Keep broccoli slightly crisp by adding florets later in cooking process to maintain vibrant green color and prevent overcooking.
• Smart Seasoning Strategy: Taste and adjust seasonings progressively, adding small amounts of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to build complex flavor layers.
• Leftover Love Hack: Store soup in airtight container for 3-4 days, knowing flavors will deepen overnight; gently reheat with splash of almond milk to restore creamy consistency.

Reheat This Soup Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of almond milk if soup thickens during storage.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Grab a rustic sourdough or whole grain bread to complement the creamy soup's rich texture. The bread's crispy edges and soft interior perfectly balance the smooth, velvety broccoli soup.
• Whip up a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness. The peppery greens and tangy dressing provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, comforting soup.
• Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the soup's subtle flavors. The wine's bright acidity and herbal notes beautifully harmonize with the nutritional yeast and vegetable base.
• Follow the meal with a soothing chamomile or green tea to aid digestion. These light, clean beverages cleanse the palate and complement the soup's wholesome profile.

Flavor Twists for Soup Lovers

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace nutritional yeast with ground sunflower seeds or hemp seeds for similar cheesy flavor and nutrition while maintaining gluten-free status.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute cashews with silken tofu or white beans to create a creamy base without using nuts, perfect for those with nut allergies.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium vegetable broth and minimize added salt, replacing seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add cubed extra-firm tofu or cooked quinoa during final simmering stage to increase protein content and provide additional texture to the soup.

Vegan Broccoli Soup FAQs

• How do the cashews contribute to the soup's texture?

Cashews create a creamy, rich base when blended, replacing traditional dairy and providing a smooth, velvety consistency without using actual cheese.

• Why use nutritional yeast in this recipe?

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, nutty flavor profile that mimics cheddar cheese, providing depth and umami taste while keeping the recipe completely vegan.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your vegetable broth and any optional toppings like croutons are certified gluten-free.

• What nutritional benefits does this soup offer?

This soup is packed with nutrients from broccoli (high in vitamin C and fiber), cashews (healthy fats and protein), and nutritional yeast (B-vitamins), making it a wholesome, plant-based meal option.

Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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

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Description

Comforting vegan broccoli cheddar soup delivers creamy plant-based magic without dairy. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a nourishing bowl that satisfies both vegans and traditional soup enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped

Liquid and Creamy Base:

• 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes and drained)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• ⅓ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley or chives
• Vegan shredded cheese
• Croutons

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and heat olive oil over medium temperature, introducing diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced celery. Gently sauté the vegetables for approximately 6 minutes until they become translucent and release a fragrant aroma.
2. Transfer the softened vegetables into a blender container. Add pre-soaked cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and ground turmeric. Pulse and blend until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Pour the creamy blended mixture back into the original pot. Activate medium heat and encourage a gentle simmer, incorporating fresh broccoli florets and unsweetened almond milk. Whisk thoroughly to integrate all components.
4. Allow the soup to simmer for 11 minutes, ensuring broccoli maintains its vibrant green color while becoming tender. Stir periodically to prevent ingredient separation.
5. Customize the soup’s texture using an immersion blender if a smoother profile is preferred. Alternatively, leave the soup slightly chunky. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
6. Ladle the velvety soup into serving bowls. Enhance presentation with optional garnishes like chopped parsley, sprinkled vegan cheese shreds, or crisp homemade croutons.

Notes

• Select cashews carefully, ensuring they are raw and unsalted for the smoothest, creamiest soup base possible.
• Soak cashews overnight or use a quick hot water method to soften them completely for better blending and ultra-creamy texture.
• Choose fresh, firm broccoli with vibrant green color to maintain nutritional value and prevent mushy consistency during cooking.
• Experiment with different nutritional yeast brands to find the most robust cheese-like flavor for your vegan cheddar soup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg