Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This vegan version captures all the flavors of the beloved classic while being healthier and completely plant-based. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply looking for a hearty lunch, this soup is sure to impress. With its creamy texture and rich cheese flavor, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy your veggies without sacrificing taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This Broccoli Cheddar Soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of vegan cheddar and fresh vegetables creates a deliciously creamy soup that satisfies your cravings.
- Healthy Alternative: This recipe is vegan and packed with nutrients, providing a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this soup, making it great for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Broccoli Cheddar Soup, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- High-speed blender
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to blend well.
- High-speed blender: Creates that creamy texture by blending part of the soup until smooth.
Ingredients
For this delightful Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup white onions (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Liquid Ingredients
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
Veggies and Cheese
- 3 heaping cups broccoli (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 heaping cups julienned carrots
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
Seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Melt the butter in a large pot on medium heat until it is completely liquid.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onions and finely diced garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Stir in the flour and mix thoroughly. Continue stirring until the flour is fully incorporated into the butter mixture, creating a roux.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Whisk in the vegetable broth and rice milk gradually until the roux is completely dissolved.
Step 5: Bring to Boil
Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
Once boiling, reduce heat back to medium. Add finely chopped broccoli and julienned carrots. Cook for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 7: Incorporate Cheese
Stir in your vegan cheddar cheese (we recommend Follow Your Heart) until fully melted into the soup.
Step 8: Blend for Creaminess
Remove about 1/4 of the soup from the pot. Place it in a high-speed blender and blend until creamy. Return this blended portion back into the pot.
Step 9: Season and Serve
Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with croutons or fresh bread if desired!
Enjoy your homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate your meal experience. This creamy soup pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavor and texture.
With Croutons
- Crispy croutons add a delightful crunch, creating a contrast to the smoothness of the soup.
Topped with Chopped Herbs
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives provide a burst of freshness and color, making your dish visually appealing.
With a Side Salad
- A light side salad complements the rich flavors of the soup, balancing the meal perfectly.
Served in a Bread Bowl
- For an extra treat, serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a bread bowl for a fun and edible presentation.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the flavors and adds richness to each bite.
Paired with Sandwiches
- Serving this soup alongside sandwiches, such as grilled cheese, makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner option.
How to Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Perfecting your Broccoli Cheddar Soup can make it even more delicious. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking:
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Use fresh ingredients – Fresh broccoli and carrots will bring out the best flavors in your soup.
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Adjust thickness – If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more flour to your roux.
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Experiment with spices – Adding spices like nutmeg or cayenne can elevate the flavor profile.
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Choose quality vegan cheese – A good vegan cheddar melts well and improves the overall taste of your soup.
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Blend for creaminess – Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture that is both delightful and satisfying.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing side dishes with Broccoli Cheddar Soup can create a memorable meal. Here are some great options:
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich – The classic combination pairs perfectly, offering gooey cheese alongside creamy soup.
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Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread complements the flavors well while adding an extra layer of comfort.
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Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad introduces freshness and tanginess that balances the richness of the soup.
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Veggie Sticks with Hummus – Crisp vegetables dipped in hummus provide a healthy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup.
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Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with cheese or sour cream for an indulgent side that fills you up.
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Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or lentils make for a hearty side that’s both nutritious and tasty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final result.
- Using too much flour: Adding excess flour can make the soup too thick. Start with the recommended amount and adjust if needed.
- Not cooking vegetables long enough: Undercooked broccoli and carrots can be tough. Ensure they are cooked until tender for a pleasing texture.
- Overheating the cheese: Melting vegan cheese too quickly can cause it to become grainy. Stir it in on low heat for smooth results.
- Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting salt and pepper will leave your soup bland. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving for full flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Broccoli Cheddar Soup and their answers.
Can I use fresh broccoli for Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Yes, fresh broccoli is perfect for this recipe! Just chop it finely to ensure it cooks evenly.
Is this a healthy version of Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Absolutely! This vegan version uses plant-based ingredients while still delivering delicious flavor.
How can I customize my vegan broccoli cheddar soup?
You can add spices like nutmeg or cayenne for extra flavor, or include additional vegetables like potatoes or cauliflower.
What is the best type of cheese for vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Vegan cheddar cheese works well, but feel free to experiment with other varieties that melt nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not just easy to make; it’s also versatile and comforting. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or serve it alongside crusty bread. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to please everyone at your table!
Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a delightful twist on the classic favorite. This hearty and creamy soup combines fresh broccoli, sweet carrots, and rich vegan cheddar to create a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Perfect for cozy dinners or quick lunches, this soup is not only easy to prepare but also appeals to everyone, even picky eaters. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a warm bowl of this comforting veggie delight that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white onions (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
- 3 heaping cups broccoli (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 heaping cups julienned carrots
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onions and garlic until soft.
- Stir in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in vegetable broth and rice milk until smooth.
- Bring to a boil, then add broccoli and carrots; cook until tender.
- Stir in vegan cheddar cheese until melted.
- Blend part of the soup for creaminess; return blended portion to pot.
- Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
