Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This vegan broccoli cheddar soup uses sautéed vegetables, plant-based milk, and melted vegan cheese to create a warm, creamy, and hearty dish. The soup features tender broccoli and a velvety texture, achieved through blending and gentle simmering, resulting in a vibrant, comforting bowl free of dairy but rich in flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 180 kcal
- 1 head broccoli cut into florets
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup plant-based milk unsweetened almond or cashew
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup vegan cheese melting variety, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- a squeeze lemon juice optional, to brighten flavor
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring until fragrant. The mixture should smell savory and sound slightly sizzling.
Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a vibrant green and slight aroma of cooked broccoli fills the air.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
Use an immersion blender to carefully blend half of the soup directly in the pot, creating a creamy texture while leaving some chunks for added bite.
Stir in the plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, and shredded vegan cheese. Keep the heat low and stir constantly until the cheese melts completely and the soup thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired to brighten the flavors.
Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld and the consistency to stabilize.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra herbs or a sprinkle of vegan cheese if desired, alongside crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.
Keyword broccoli, cheddar, plant-based, soup, vegan