You’d never guess that this incredibly creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup is completely dairy-free! This rich, savory blend of potatoes, vegetables, and herbs delivers all the comfort of traditional broccoli cheddar soup without any dairy products. Our vegan broccoli cheddar soup recipe has earned a stellar 4.97-star rating from over 344 home cooks who’ve discovered the magic of plant-based comfort food.
This super creamy, comforting soup is brimming with authentic cheesy flavor that rivals any traditional dairy-based version. The inspiration for this vegan broccoli cheddar soup came from countless requests on social media for a healthy, plant-based alternative to the classic comfort food. What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of creaminess and texture – it’s thicker, richer, and more cheese-like than typical light, healthy broccoli soups.
Table of Contents
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
The secret to achieving that authentic cheddar flavor and creamy texture in our vegan broccoli cheddar soup lies in carefully selected plant-based ingredients that work together harmoniously.
Main Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Broccoli | 1 large head | Base vegetable, stems and florets |
| Raw Cashews | 3/4 cup | Creamy texture and richness |
| Yukon Gold Potato | 1 medium | Thickening agent |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Natural cheese-like color |
| Yellow Onion | 1 medium | Savory depth |
| Celery Stalks | 2 stalks | Aromatic base |
| Garlic Cloves | 4 cloves | Flavor enhancement |
| Vegetable Broth | 4 cups | Liquid base |
Broccoli forms the heart of this vegan broccoli cheddar soup. We use every part of the broccoli – waste not, want not! The stems are blended into the creamy base, while the florets are pulsed in for texture and visual appeal.
Cashews and potatoes create the magic combination that delivers that gooey, cheesy texture and creamy richness that makes this vegan broccoli cheddar soup so satisfying. The cashews provide healthy fats and protein, while the potatoes add natural starch for thickening.
Carrots contribute more than just nutrition – they provide that beautiful, natural cheese-like golden color that makes this vegan broccoli cheddar soup visually appealing and authentic-looking.
Fresh dill serves as our secret ingredient, tying the entire soup together and delivering that distinctive sharp cheddar flavor without using any actual cheese. This herb is absolutely essential for achieving the authentic taste that makes our vegan broccoli cheddar soup so remarkable.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Preparation Phase
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing baking sheets for the garnishes. While your vegan broccoli cheddar soup simmers, you’ll roast reserved broccoli florets and homemade croutons with olive oil and salt for 10-15 minutes.
Building the Aromatic Base
Start your vegan broccoli cheddar soup by sautéing diced onions, carrots, celery, and broccoli stems in olive oil until fragrant. Add cubed potatoes and minced garlic, then pour in vegetable broth. Let this mixture simmer for 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before blending.
Perfecting the Creamy Texture
Transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to a high-powered blender along with soaked cashews, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Blend until completely smooth and creamy – this creates the luxurious base of your vegan broccoli cheddar soup.
Next, add the steamed broccoli florets (reserve 1 cup for garnish), fresh dill, and lemon juice. Use the pulse function to incorporate these ingredients while maintaining some texture – you want lovely green flecks throughout your vegan broccoli cheddar soup, not a completely smooth puree.
Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Flavor Enhancement Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Tangy brightness |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 teaspoon | Sharp depth |
| Fresh Dill | 1/4 cup | Cheesy complexity |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tablespoons | Acidic balance |
| Nutritional Yeast | 2 tablespoons | Extra cheesy flavor |
| Sea Salt | To taste | Overall enhancement |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Warm spice |
Texture Control: The key to perfect vegan broccoli cheddar soup lies in controlling the blending process. Blend the potatoes, celery, onions, broccoli stems, and carrots until completely smooth, but only pulse the florets to maintain appealing texture and color.
Don’t Skip the Dill: This herb is crucial for mimicking the rich, complex flavor of sharp cheddar cheese in your vegan broccoli cheddar soup. If you must omit it, add an extra tablespoon of nutritional yeast for enhanced cheesy flavor.
Garnish Importance: Crispy toppings like roasted broccoli florets and homemade croutons provide essential textural contrast that elevates your vegan broccoli cheddar soup from good to extraordinary.
Nutritional Benefits and Serving Suggestions
This vegan broccoli cheddar soup delivers impressive nutritional value alongside its incredible taste. Each serving provides substantial amounts of fiber, vitamins C and K, folate, and plant-based protein from the cashews. The recipe serves 4 generously and takes approximately 50 minutes from start to finish – 15 minutes prep and 35 minutes cooking time.
For the best experience, serve your vegan broccoli cheddar soup immediately while hot, topped with the roasted broccoli florets and golden croutons. The contrast between the smooth, creamy soup and the crispy garnishes creates a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.
Storage and Variations
Your vegan broccoli cheddar soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup has thickened too much.
For variations, try adding roasted red peppers for sweetness, or incorporate white beans for extra protein. Some home cooks enjoy adding a handful of fresh spinach during the final blending stage for added nutrition and color.
This vegan broccoli cheddar soup proves that plant-based comfort food can be every bit as satisfying as traditional recipes. With its perfect balance of creamy texture, rich flavor, and nutritional benefits, it’s destined to become a regular feature in your meal rotation. Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this soup delivers on every level.
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