Cozy Hearty Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort meets plant-based magic in this creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup that will warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Packed with tender broccoli and rich, cheesy goodness, this recipe reimagines a classic favorite without any dairy.

Nutritional yeast and cashews work their culinary alchemy to create a surprisingly authentic cheddar flavor that rivals traditional versions.

Each spoonful delivers a velvety smooth texture and robust taste that will make you forget this is entirely plant-based.

The secret lies in blending wholesome ingredients to craft a soup both nourishing and deeply satisfying.

Vibrant green broccoli florets peek through the golden, creamy base, promising a delightful dining experience.

Grab your favorite soup pot and let’s turn simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes in Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Olive Oil: Kickstarts the cooking process with a smooth, rich foundation that helps develop deep vegetable flavors.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that builds incredible depth in the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a punchy, robust flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Carrot: Introduces subtle sweetness and beautiful golden color to the soup.
• Celery: Contributes a gentle, earthy undertone that balances other ingredients.

• Cashews: Creates luxurious, silky texture and serves as the primary cream base.
• Nutritional Yeast: Delivers authentic cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy complexity and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky notes that mimic traditional cheese characteristics.
• Turmeric: Provides golden color and subtle earthy warmth.

• Vegetable Broth: Establishes the soup's liquid foundation with rich, savory undertones.
• Broccoli Florets: Delivers vibrant green color, crisp texture, and nutritional boost.
• Almond Milk: Adds additional creaminess and light nutty background.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all flavor elements.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic depth.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and herbal note.

Tools to Whip Up Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup.
• Blender: Crucial for creating smooth, creamy base with cashews and vegetables.
• Immersion Blender: Optional tool for adjusting soup's final texture.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like onion, garlic, carrot, and broccoli.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable preparation.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and cooking vegetables.

Cooking Instructions for Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Warm up a pot with olive oil and toss in onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Let these veggies dance and soften for 5-7 minutes, releasing their delicious aromas.

• Create the Creamy Blitz

Scoop the sauteed vegetables into a blender. Dump in soaked cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Blend until silky smooth and dreamy.

• Build the Soup

Pour the blended mixture back into the pot. Crank up the heat to a gentle simmer. Tumble in broccoli florets and almond milk, stirring everything together in a happy harmony.

• Nurture the Broccoli

Let the soup bubble away for 10-12 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender while maintaining its gorgeous green color.

• Perfect the Texture

Decide how you want your soup – chunky or smooth. Use an immersion blender to adjust consistency. Sprinkle in salt and pepper until the flavors sing.

• Serve with Joy

Ladle the soup into bowls. Crown with fresh parsley, vegan cheese shreds, or crunchy croutons if you’re feeling fancy.

Flavor Tips for Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Creamy Consistency Hack: For an ultra-smooth soup, soak cashews overnight to enhance blending results and create a richer, more velvety texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace cashews with cauliflower to reduce calories and create a lighter version of the soup while maintaining a creamy consistency.
• Protein Power Boost: Add cooked quinoa or white beans directly into the soup to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal for athletes or active individuals.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different herbs and spices like dried thyme, red pepper flakes, or curry powder to transform the soup's flavor profile and keep meals exciting.
• Allergy-Friendly Swap: Use sunflower seeds instead of cashews for those with nut allergies, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious plant-based soup without compromising taste or texture.

Plating Ideas for Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Cozy Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough or whole grain bread slices for dipping and soaking up every delicious bit of creamy soup.
• Hearty Bowl Boost: Top with roasted sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the smooth soup texture.
• Herbal Green Sprinkle: Garnish with fresh chopped chives, dill, or green onions to add brightness and a subtle oniony freshness that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Nutritional Power-Up: Pair with a small side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to create a balanced, nutrient-rich meal that satisfies and nourishes.

Save and Reheat Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Like a Pro

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freezer-Friendly Magic: Freeze the soup in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy weekdays.
• Reheating Tricks: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture and prevent scorching.
• Batch Preparation Strategy: Double the recipe and portion out servings for quick, nutritious meals throughout the week, saving time and reducing cooking stress.

Hearty Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup delivers comfort in a bowl with plant-based ingredients. Nutritious cashew cheese and fresh broccoli combine for a hearty, satisfying meal you’ll savor from first spoonful to last.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 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 tbsps olive oil or vegan butter
• ⅓ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp turmeric (optional, for color)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives (optional)
• Vegan shredded cheese (optional)
• Croutons (optional)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced celery until translucent and fragrant, approximately 6 minutes.
2. Blending Transformation: Transfer softened vegetables to a blender. Combine with pre-soaked cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and ground turmeric. Blend until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Creamy Integration: Return the blended mixture to the original pot. Activate medium heat, introducing broccoli florets and unsweetened almond milk. Whisk thoroughly to create a harmonious base.
4. Simmering Perfection: Allow the soup to simmer for 11 minutes, maintaining broccoli’s vibrant green color while ensuring tenderness. Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture if desired.
5. Flavor Finalization: Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tailoring the taste to personal preference. Adjust consistency as needed.
6. Elegant Presentation: Ladle the velvety soup into serving bowls. Elevate with optional garnishes like chopped parsley, vegan cheese shreds, or crisp homemade croutons.

Notes

• Cashew Soaking Strategy: Pre-soak cashews overnight or use hot water for 30 minutes to ensure maximum creaminess and smoother blending texture.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat during simmering to prevent nutritional yeast from burning and preserve delicate flavors of vegetables.
• Texture Customization: Use immersion blender sparingly if wanting chunky soup, stopping blending when desired consistency is reached to maintain broccoli’s natural texture.
• Nutritional Boost: Experiment with additional nutritional yeast for deeper cheesy flavor or sprinkle hemp seeds for extra protein and nutty undertones.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg