This creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup recipe can turn your preferred comfort food into a great plant-based dinner. Though it’s entirely plant-based and nutritious, this dairy-free variation captures all the rich, cheesy tastes of classic broccoli cheddar soup. Perfect for any time you’re yearning for a filling, healthy soup or for cold winter days.
Simple Scratch-Made Plant-Based Broccoli Soup
Combining cashews with nutritional yeast will help you achieve the ideal cheese-like taste in this dairy-free soup. The rich, creamy base created by these strong plant-based components replicates classic cheddar soup perfectly. This dish proves that good substitutes can be just as tasty as the original, regardless of your dietary preferences—vegan, dairy-free, or just wanting to include more plant-based meals into your diet.
Ingredients for Healthy vegan broccoli cheddar soup recipe
You’ll Need for the Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce Base:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon white miso paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Base of the Creamy Broccoli Soup:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium-sized carrots, sliced
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup plant-based milk (preferably unsweetened oat or soy)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Handy Homemade Vegan Soup Recipes Step-by-Step
Making the Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce:
- Drain your soaked cashews and blend them with miso paste, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Cooking the Soup:
- In a large pot over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Add minced garlic and carrots, cooking until the carrots start to soften (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in vegetable broth and broccoli florets. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
- In a separate bowl, whisk plant-based milk and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the milk mixture, prepared cheese sauce, and Dijon mustard into the pot. Stir well and simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken the soup.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, blend half the soup in a traditional blender and return it to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Expert Advice for the Perfect Dairy-Free Broccoli Soup
- Soak cashews overnight for the creamiest results.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli to maintain its bright green color.
- Adjust thickness with additional vegetable broth or plant-based milk.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Plant-Based Broccoli Cheddar Soup’s Nutritional Benefits
This vegan version isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with essential nutrients:
- Broccoli: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber
- Cashews: Full of healthy fats, protein, and minerals
- Nutritional yeast: High in B-vitamins and protein
- Carrots: Loaded with beta-carotene and fiber
Meal Prep & Storage Tips for Your Vegan Soup
Store this soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Leftovers often taste even better as flavors intensify overnight. When reheating, add a splash of broth or plant-based milk to adjust the consistency.
Serving Suggestions for Dairy-Free Comfort Food
Enhance your soup experience with these tasty additions:
- Fresh crusty sourdough bread
- Homemade garlic croutons
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions
- Extra nutritional yeast sprinkled on top
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Broccoli Soup
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well. Simply add it to the soup without thawing.
What Can I Use Instead of Cashews?
For nut-free diets, try hemp or sunflower seeds as alternatives.
How Can I Thicken the Soup?
You can either blend more of the soup or add extra cornstarch mixed with cold plant milk.
Additional Simple Vegan Soup Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more comforting dairy-free soups? Try these plant-based favorites:
- Creamy Vegan Potato Leek Soup
- Dairy-Free Butternut Squash Soup
- Vegan French Onion Soup
- Plant-Based Cream of Mushroom Soup
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