Broccoli Cheddar Soup
The Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting classic that warms the soul and satisfies your taste buds. This vegan version captures all the rich flavors of the original while being healthier and cruelty-free. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a cozy gathering, this soup is creamy, delicious, and packed with nutrients from fresh broccoli and carrots. Whether you’re serving it with crusty bread or a side salad, this recipe will become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this satisfying soup in under 30 minutes.
- Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the creamy goodness without dairy or animal products, making it perfect for vegans and anyone looking to eat healthier.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a starter at your next dinner party—this soup fits any occasion.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of vegan cheddar and fresh vegetables creates a rich and hearty taste that everyone will love.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or extra veggies to make it your own!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- High-speed blender
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without sticking.
- High-speed blender: Helps achieve that creamy texture by blending part of the soup smoothly.
- Whisk: Useful for mixing ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a lump-free roux.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Vegetables
- 1 cup white onions (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (finely diced)
- 3 heaping cups broccoli (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 heaping cups julienned carrots
Base
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
Cheese
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
Seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Melt the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat until fully liquefied.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onions and finely diced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Stir in the flour gradually. Mix well until fully incorporated, creating a thick roux.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Whisk in the vegetable broth and rice milk slowly until there are no lumps from the roux.
Step 5: Bring to Boil
Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
Once boiling, reduce heat back to medium. Add in broccoli and carrots. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 7: Stir in Cheese
Add vegan cheddar cheese (we recommend Follow Your Heart) into the mixture. Stir continuously until cheese is completely melted.
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. Pour it back into the pot and stir well.
Step 9: Season and Serve
Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with croutons or crusty bread on the side for an extra treat!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, there are plenty of serving options to elevate your meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair the soup with a slice of crusty sourdough or whole-grain bread for dipping, adding texture and flavor.
Topped with Croutons
- Add crunchy croutons on top of your soup for an extra layer of crunch and flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish your bowl with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the overall taste.
Served in a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve the broccoli cheddar soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an edible container that soaks up delicious broth.
Accompanied by Salad
- A side salad, like a crisp Caesar or mixed greens, provides a refreshing balance to the rich soup and makes for a complete meal.
With Vegan Cheese Sprinkles
- Sprinkle extra vegan cheese on top just before serving for those who can’t get enough cheesy goodness!
How to Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To make your broccoli cheddar soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and carrots will provide better flavor and nutrition compared to frozen ones.
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Make it creamy: Blend part of the soup as directed; this adds creaminess without needing heavy cream.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving; add more salt, pepper, or even nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
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Experiment with spices: Consider adding nutmeg or smoked paprika for an unexpected twist that enhances the overall taste.
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Store leftovers wisely: Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and can be reheated easily.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Complementing broccoli cheddar soup with the right side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider:
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Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds brightness and crunch.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich soup, providing both flavor and texture.
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Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for an appealing side that’s healthy and filling.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots and zucchini enhance the meal with additional nutrients and flavors.
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Veggie Wraps: Light veggie wraps filled with hummus and assorted veggies offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch while being healthier than traditional fries.
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Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy vegan cheesy biscuits are delightful when served warm alongside your bowl of comforting soup.
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Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad tossed with veggies creates balance and makes for an enjoyable bite alongside your hot soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring the roux: Skipping the roux step can lead to a watery soup. Ensure that flour is fully mixed with butter before adding liquids.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking broccoli and carrots for too long can make them mushy. Stick to the recommended 10 minutes for perfect texture.
- Using non-vegan cheese: Make sure you use vegan cheddar cheese to keep the recipe plant-based. Check labels carefully!
- Not blending enough: Blending only a small portion of the soup may not give you that creamy texture. Blend a larger portion for a smoother consistency.
- Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting salt and pepper can leave your soup bland. Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Let the soup cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion.
Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (1-2 minutes) on medium power, stirring between intervals.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Broccoli Cheddar Soup, here are some common inquiries.
Can I use frozen broccoli for Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just add it later in the cooking process since it’s already cooked.
What can I substitute for rice milk?
You can use almond milk or oat milk as alternatives. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will still work well.
How do I make Broccoli Cheddar Soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, blend more of it or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. This will give it a creamier texture.
Is this Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Final Thoughts
This vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only comforting but also customizable. Add your favorite spices or enjoy it with croutons or bread on the side. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and is sure to satisfy your cravings!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This vegan version retains the rich flavors of the classic while being healthier and cruelty-free. Packed with fresh broccoli and carrots, this creamy soup is perfect for lunch, dinner, or cozy gatherings. Serve it with crusty bread or a vibrant side salad for a delightful experience. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious soup that will quickly become a staple in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white onions (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (finely diced)
- 3 heaping cups broccoli (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 heaping cups julienned carrots
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onions and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Gradually stir in flour to create a thick roux.
- Whisk in vegetable broth and rice milk until smooth and lump-free.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally.
- Add broccoli and carrots; cook for another 10 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the vegan cheddar cheese until fully melted.
- Blend about ¼ of the soup for creaminess, then return it to the pot and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
