Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that warms the soul. This delicious vegan version maintains all the flavor of its non-vegan counterpart while being healthier and more wholesome. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup is great for cozy nights in or serving guests. With its rich taste and satisfying texture, it stands out as a family favorite that everyone will enjoy.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Vegetables
• Dairy Alternatives
• Other Essentials
• How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Step 1: Melt the Butter
• Step 2: Cook Onions and Garlic
• Step 3: Create the Roux
• Step 4: Add Liquids
• Step 5: Bring to Boil
• Step 6: Add Vegetables
• Step 7: Incorporate Vegan Cheese
• Step 8: Blend for Creaminess
• Step 9: Season and Serve
• How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• With Crusty Bread
• Topped with Croutons
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs
• Alongside a Salad
• In a Bread Bowl
• With Vegan Grilled Cheese
• How to Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Broccoli Cheddar Soup made of?
• How do I customize my Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
• Can I use other types of milk?
• Is this Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of vegan cheddar and fresh vegetables creates a creamy, savory experience that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish with your favorite sandwiches and salads.
• Healthy Alternative: Enjoy all the deliciousness without any dairy or animal products, making it suitable for vegans and those seeking lighter meals.
• Kid-Friendly: A great way to sneak in some veggies, this soup is loved by kids and adults alike!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Broccoli Cheddar Soup, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• High-speed blender
• Whisk
• Chopping knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing enough space for all ingredients.
• High-speed blender: Creates the creamy texture by pureeing part of the soup; a must-have for achieving that velvety consistency.

Ingredients

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

Dairy Alternatives

• 1/4 cup vegan butter
• 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
• 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese

Other Essentials

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• Salt & pepper to taste

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Melt the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2: Cook Onions and Garlic

Stir in the chopped onions and finely diced garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Add the flour to the pot. Mix well until fully incorporated to form a roux.

Step 4: Add Liquids

Whisk in the vegetable broth and rice milk carefully until the roux is completely incorporated.

Step 5: Bring to Boil

Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

Once boiling, reduce heat back to medium. Stir in the chopped broccoli and julienned carrots. Cook for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 7: Incorporate Vegan Cheese

Add in your favorite vegan cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until melted completely into the soup.

Step 8: Blend for Creaminess

Remove about one-fourth of the soup from the pot and transfer it into a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 9: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with croutons or crusty bread on the side for an extra treat!

Enjoy your homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup! It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a chilly day or you simply want something satisfying!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serving broccoli cheddar soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this creamy dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Pairing your soup with freshly baked sourdough adds a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the soup.

Topped with Croutons

• Adding crunchy croutons enhances texture, providing a delightful contrast to the smoothness of the soup.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling chopped parsley or chives on top adds color and a fresh taste that brightens up each spoonful.

Alongside a Salad

• Serving with a light garden salad offers a refreshing balance, making for a well-rounded meal.

In a Bread Bowl

• For an extra twist, serve your soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl, which makes for an edible container and adds flavor.

With Vegan Grilled Cheese

• Pairing broccoli cheddar soup with a vegan grilled cheese sandwich creates a comforting combo perfect for lunch or dinner.

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How to Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Perfecting your broccoli cheddar soup is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance flavor and texture.

• Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also retains more nutrients compared to frozen options.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and add more salt and pepper if needed. This step makes all the difference in flavor.

• Blend for creaminess: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture without needing too much cheese.

• Experiment with spices: Adding spices like nutmeg or cayenne can give your soup a unique twist that excites your palate.

• Choose quality cheese: Using high-quality vegan cheddar will ensure rich flavors in your soup. Look for brands that melt well.

• Simmer longer: Letting the soup simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep an eye on the veggies so they don’t overcook!

Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Complementing your broccoli cheddar soup with side dishes can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some tasty sides you might consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread is ideal for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers add protein and make your meal more filling.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides a nutritious boost while keeping things fresh.
4. Vegetable Platter: A simple vegetable platter can be refreshing and crunchy, perfect alongside the rich soup.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges make for a hearty side that many love, especially when seasoned well.
6. Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad balances the savory flavors of the soup, making for an exciting contrast.
7. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf is another great option that pairs well with many soups, including this one.
8. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and tanginess that brightens up each bite of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be straightforward, but small errors can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Ignoring the roux: Failing to fully cook the flour with the butter can lead to a raw taste. Make sure to cook it until it’s well combined and slightly golden.
• Using the wrong cheese: Not all vegan cheeses melt well. Opt for a brand known for melting, like Follow Your Heart, to achieve that creamy texture.
• Skipping the blending step: Leaving all ingredients chunky can make the soup less enjoyable. Blend part of the soup for a smooth consistency that elevates each spoonful.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can leave your soup bland. Always taste and adjust with salt and pepper before serving.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking broccoli and carrots too long can make them mushy. Aim for a tender yet firm texture by following recommended cooking times.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

What is Broccoli Cheddar Soup made of?

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is primarily made from chopped broccoli, carrots, onions, garlic, and vegan cheddar cheese blended into a creamy base.

How do I customize my Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

You can add spices like nutmeg or cayenne for extra flavor or toss in additional veggies such as cauliflower or peas for variety.

Can I use other types of milk?

Yes! While rice milk works great, you could substitute almond milk or oat milk according to your preference.

Is this Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free flour, this soup can easily be made gluten-free while maintaining its delicious taste.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delightful but also versatile. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or lunches. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices! Enjoy a bowl today!