When the chill of autumn settles in and cravings for something warm and comforting arise, few dishes satisfy quite like a rich, velvety bowl of soup. Enter the creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup–a plant-based twist on a timeless classic that delights both the palate and the conscience.Bursting with vibrant green broccoli florets and infused with the cheesy essence of nutritional yeast and cashews,this soup redefines comfort food for the modern,mindful eater. Join us as we explore how this luscious blend of wholesome ingredients comes together to create a dairy-free masterpiece that’s as nourishing as it is indulgent.
Creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup offers a luscious, soul-warming bowl that redefines comfort food through the rich blend of carefully selected plant-based ingredients. This velvety delight combines the earthiness of fresh broccoli with the bold, tangy notes of dairy-free cheddar, masterfully balanced to create a texture so luxuriously creamy it will satisfy even the most devoted comfort-seeker. Perfectly capturing the essence of classic soup with a compassionate twist, this recipe elevates simple vegetables into a decadent experience that is as nourishing as it is indeed flavorful.
Prep and Cook Time
- Readiness: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
Yield
Serves 6 generous bowls
Difficulty Level
Easy – ideal for beginner and seasoned cooks alike
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large head broccoli, chopped into small florets (about 4 cups)
- 3 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (such as oat or almond milk)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours and drained
- 3/4 cup dairy-free cheddar-style shreds (preferably from nutritional yeast or cashew-based)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant,careful not to let it burn.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add chopped broccoli florets to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring regularly to enhance flavour depth and soften the edges.
- Simmer in Liquids: Pour in the plant-based milk and vegetable broth. Stir in smoked paprika, ground mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Blend the creamy Base: Transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender along with soaked cashews and nutritional yeast. Blend until fully smooth and creamy. If your blender is small, do this in batches to avoid overflow.
- Return and Thicken: Pour the blended soup back into the pot. Stir in the cornstarch slurry slowly while cooking over medium heat. Continue stirring until the soup thickens to a luscious, creamy consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add dairy-Free Cheddar: Fold in the dairy-free cheddar shreds off the heat, allowing them to melt gently into the warm soup for a silky cheesy finish.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness if desired. Serve piping hot.
Chef’s Notes: Tips for Success
- Soaking cashews overnight yields the creamiest base, but a quick boil in hot water for 15 minutes can expedite this step.
- For a chunkier texture, reserve half the broccoli florets and add them back after blending.
- Switch up the plant-based milk-unsweetened cashew milk offers a neutral creaminess, while oat milk adds subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cheddar choice.
- Like a bit of heat? Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked chipotle powder during sautéing.
- Make-ahead: Refrigerate soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of plant milk if it thickens too much.
Serving Suggestions
Present this hearty soup in rustic bowls for maximum cozy appeal. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley and a sprinkle of extra dairy-free cheddar for visual and flavor contrast. A swirl of coconut cream or a roasted garlic drizzle intensifies indulgence. Pair with crusty whole-grain bread or vegan grilled cheese for an authentic touch of comfort dining. For an added nutrient boost,consider toasting sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as a crunchy topping.
nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
Customize with Seasonal Vegetables and spices
Make this recipe your own by incorporating vibrant seasonal veggies-think sweet corn kernels in summer or roasted butternut squash in fall. Experiment with warming spices like turmeric and cumin or fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary to suit your palate and season. The beauty of this creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup lies in its versatility; subtle tweaks will inspire new layers of flavor and seasonal connection in every bowl.
For more plant-based soup ideas, check out our Comprehensive Vegan Soups Guide. To understand the profound health benefits of broccoli, explore this detailed Harvard Nutrition Source overview on broccoli.
Q&A
Q&A: Creamy Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Plant-Based Comfort
Q: What makes this vegan broccoli cheddar soup “creamy” without using dairy?
A: The magic lies in plant-powered ingredients like cashews, potatoes, or cauliflower, which blend into a smooth, velvety base. Nutritional yeast adds that irresistible cheesy flavor, giving you all the comfort of conventional cheddar soup-without the cream or cheese.Q: Can I still get that classic cheddar taste in a vegan version?
A: Absolutely! Nutritional yeast is the secret weapon here. Its savory, cheesy notes mimic cheddar perfectly. Combined with a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder, the soup feels rich, complex, and satisfyingly cheesy.
Q: Is this soup healthy?
A: Yes! It’s packed with broccoli, a nutrient-dense superfood loaded with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. The plant-based creaminess comes from wholesome ingredients, making the soup nourishing without excessive calories or saturated fat.
Q: How do you ensure the broccoli stays bright green and vibrant?
A: Timing is key! Lightly steaming or sautéing the broccoli just until tender-crisp preserves its vivid color and nutrients. Adding the broccoli later in the cooking process helps maintain that fresh vibrancy in every spoonful.
Q: Is this recipe allergy-friendly?
A: You can make it allergy-friendly with a few swaps! Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of cashews, or try oat milk as the creamy base instead of nut milk. The recipe is flexible and designed to embrace all kinds of dietary needs.
Q: can this soup be made ahead or frozen?
A: Definitely! This soup tastes even better the next day.Cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Freeze in portions for quick comfort on busy days. Just reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.
Q: What sides or toppings pair well with vegan broccoli cheddar soup?
A: crusty bread, garlic croutons, or a fresh green salad are classic companions. For toppings,try toasted pumpkin seeds,a drizzle of truffle oil,or fresh herbs like chives or parsley to elevate the dish.
Q: Why should I choose a plant-based broccoli cheddar soup over the traditional version?
A: Beyond the ethical and environmental benefits, plant-based versions are often easier to digest, lower in cholesterol, and free of lactose. Plus, they open up a world of creative flavors and textures that can surprise and delight your palate.
Enjoy the cozy, creamy goodness of this vegan broccoli cheddar soup-it’s comfort food reinvented for a plant-powered world!
In Conclusion
As the final spoonful of this creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup melts on your tongue, you’ll realize that plant-based comfort doesn’t have to compromise on richness or warmth. By embracing the vibrant flavors of wholesome ingredients and clever dairy-free twists, this soup transforms a classic favourite into a nourishing, compassionate delight. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply curious about exploring new tastes, this recipe invites you to savor the cozy essence of comfort food-one velvety, vibrant bowl at a time. so next time the chill sets in, let this plant-powered creation be your go-to hug in a bowl, proving that indulgence and wellness can effortlessly go hand in hand.
