Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup

This Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup is a quick, easy, delicious one-pot soup you'll want on your regular soup carousel. It's great for a busy weeknight meal and also for batch cooking and meal prepping.

Say goodbye to Campbell's cheese soup!

This soup has evolved from its original version. While I used to take the time to soak and blend the cashews, it's now a cashew-free, quick, healthy, creamy delight that's become a staple in our winter vegan soup rotation. It's so good it'll have you humming that '90s "Mm! Mm! Good!" jingle with every spoonful.

Traditional broccoli-cheese soup is rich in butter, cream, and cheddar cheese and is typically high in calories and fat. But this plant-based alternative offers a healthier twist.

It maintains its creamy, decadent character without the need for vegan cheeses and nuts, and I believe you'll find it equally enjoyable. And if you’re craving more cozy meals, check out this 16 Delicious Vegan Soups and Stews for even more plant-based comfort food ideas!

Why You'll Love This Soup

• It's comfort food but made healthy just like in my Vegan Split Pea and Barley Soup.
• It's perfect if you're lactose intolerant, vegan, or just looking to reduce dairy in your diet.
• It's wallet-friendly! You'll love that this soup doesn't break the bank. It's made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, like potatoes, carrots, and everyday spices.
• I don't need to tell you, but it's worth mentioning broccoli is loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants so have more in Roasted Broccoli Salad with Vegan Honey Mustard Dressing.
• This soup is surprisingly simple to prepare. It's a great recipe for weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
• Nowadays, I make it during the colder months, but it's also a great recipe year-round. It's not too heavy, so it works even when it's not freezing out.

Does It Really Taste Like Traditional Broccoli Cheese Soup?

I like to set expectations when people are trying a vegan version of a classic, so here is my take on this soup.

Traditional broccoli cheese soup is this creamy, comforting bowl of joy, right? It's got that rich, gooey cheese thing going on. Now, the vegan version enters the scene. No dairy, no problem? Well, sort of.

If you're expecting a 1:1 match with the dairy version, you might be a bit surprised. Vegan broccoli cheese soup has its own unique charm. It's like getting a cover version of your favorite song. You recognize the melody, but the interpretation is different, and it is still awesome.

Texture-wise, it's pretty close. Flavor-wise, it's familiar but with a twist.

So, will it fool a hardcore dairy lover? Probably not. But is it worth a try for a cozy, guilt-free bowl of goodness? Absolutely.

Ingredients

Here is the cheesy dream team. For quantities, check out the recipe card.

• If oil-free, use a veggie broth to saute the onions and garlic instead of oil.
• I've used fresh and frozen broccoli for this recipe, and they both work great. However, I prefer the convenience and ready-to-go size of the frozen petite broccoli florets sold at my local Safeway. The frozen broccoli from Costco is ginormous, and I have to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
• A can of coconut milk is also a great substitute, but you can taste the coconut ever so slightly. I've never used almond milk in this recipe because it's thinner than oat milk, so let me know in the comments if you try.

How to Make Healthy Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup

For those who love to see what they'll be doing, this section is for you. See the recipe card for details.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the onions and a pinch of salt.

Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Add the vegetable broth, potatoes, chopped broccoli, and shredded carrot, and bring to a boil. Then, lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Add the oat milk, lemon juice, mustard powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper to the mixture.

Step 5: Transfer half to two-thirds of the soup to the blender and blend until smooth. Blend only for a few seconds to preserve some of the structure.

Step 6: Pour the blended soup back into the pot and stir well to incorporate everything. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to thicken and allow the flavors to meld.

Top Tips

• The soup will be slightly thicker when it cools a bit.
• If your soup is too thin for you, you can add a cornstarch slurry at the end when the soup is simmering. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water until smooth, then stir it into your simmering soup. It's a quick, easy fix and doesn't alter the flavor. You can also let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
• The base of any good soup is a quality broth. Use a flavorful, rich vegetable broth, as it significantly impacts the overall taste of the soup. I like to use a vegetable-based paste I mix with water instead of the box kind so I can control the depth of flavor.
• When transferring the soup to the blender, purposefully leave behind a few small pieces of broccoli if you want a nice textural contrast and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions and Additional Toppings

Vegan cheese broccoli soup pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are a few suggestions:

• Nothing beats dipping a piece of warm, crusty bread into this soup. For an extra-hearty experience, choose a sourdough or whole-grain bread.
• Served in a sourdough bowl, it makes for a nice presentation.
• Homemade croutons are a game changer. These homemade croutons are easy to make and add a delightful crunch and flavor boost to your soup.
• Serve with a green salad with a tangy Classic French Salad Dressing, or try a delicious Vegan Caesar Salad.
• For an earthy element, top with sautéed mushrooms like these Smoky Glazed Mushrooms.
• Adding a few slices of avocado can bring in a creamy, buttery element.
• Serve with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or sweet potatoes, or these Sheet Pan Oven Roasted Vegetables.
• Top with a sprinkle of Vegan Bacon Bits, vegan cheddar cheese shreds, or crispy fried onions.
• My family's favorite toppings are Roasted Chickpea Croutons, crispy sautéed vegan sausage, or crispy tofu cubes.

FAQS

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