Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting, creamy delight that warms the soul. This vegan version captures all the rich flavors while being healthier than traditional recipes. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup is not just a meal but a cozy experience. It’s an excellent option for gatherings, family dinners, or simply enjoying a quiet night at home. With its vibrant colors and nourishing ingredients, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of broccoli and vegan cheddar cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor that will leave you wanting more.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this soup in just 30 minutes.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main dish, side dish, or paired with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Healthy Alternative: This vegan recipe offers a lighter take on the classic without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- High-speed blender
- Whisk
- Chopping knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- High-speed blender: Creates that creamy texture by blending part of the soup to perfection.
- Whisk: Helps in mixing ingredients smoothly, especially when incorporating the flour into the roux.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white onions (chopped)
– 1 clove garlic (finely diced)
– 1/4 cup vegan butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 cups vegetable broth
– 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
– 3 heaping cups broccoli (finely chopped)
– 1 1/2 heaping cups julienned carrots
– 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
– 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: Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Stir in the chopped onions and finely diced garlic.
- Cook for about 5–7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Add the flour to the onion-garlic mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated, forming a roux.
Step 4: Whisk in Liquids
- Gradually whisk in vegetable broth and rice milk.
- Ensure that the roux is completely blended with no lumps.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Increase heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
Reduce heat back to medium. Add finely chopped broccoli and julienned carrots. Cook for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 7: Incorporate Vegan Cheese
Stir in your choice of vegan cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
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. Return it to the pot and mix well.
Step 9: Season and Serve
Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with croutons or crusty bread on the side for an extra treat. Enjoy!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, the right accompaniments can elevate this delicious soup.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your soup with a slice of crusty sourdough or baguette for dipping. The bread’s texture complements the creaminess of the soup.
Topped with Croutons
- Add some homemade or store-bought croutons on top for extra crunch. They provide a delightful contrast to the smooth texture of the soup.
Served in a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve your Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an edible bread bowl. This makes for an impressive presentation and adds even more flavor.
With Side Salads
- A light side salad, such as a mixed greens or Caesar salad, can balance the richness of the soup. Opt for fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing.
Paired with Sandwiches
- Consider serving your soup alongside sandwiches like grilled cheese or veggie wraps. These hearty options make for a filling meal.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving. This adds freshness and enhances the flavor profile.
How to Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Creating the perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and carrots not only add flavor but also provide vibrant color and nutrients to your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer, or add more blended soup back into the pot.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different brands of vegan cheddar cheese to find one that melts well and suits your taste preferences.
- Enhance Flavor: Add nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor without dairy. It’s packed with nutrients and complements the soup beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup
When enjoying Broccoli Cheddar Soup, pairing it with the right side dishes can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the flavors of the soup and is perfect for dipping.
- Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad made with seasonal greens offers a light contrast to the creamy soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies create a fulfilling combination alongside your soup.
- Grilled Veggie Wraps: These wraps provide heartiness while adding diverse flavors that pair well with broccoli cheddar.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs enhance your meal’s texture and taste.
- Cheesy Quesadillas: Filled with vegan cheese and veggies, quesadillas make for an excellent side dish option that kids will love.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their crispy edges and earthy flavor complement the creamy nature of the Broccoli Cheddar Soup beautifully.
- Quinoa Salad: A nutritious quinoa salad can add protein and fiber, balancing out your meal perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Overcooking the vegetables – This can lead to mushy broccoli and carrots. To avoid this, cook them just until tender.
- Using too much flour – Adding excessive flour will make the soup too thick. Stick to the recommended amount for a creamy texture.
- Skipping the blending step – Blending part of the soup adds creaminess. Don’t skip this step for a smoother consistency.
- Not seasoning adequately – Lack of salt and pepper can make the soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Selecting low-quality cheese – Not all vegan cheeses melt well. Choose a good quality vegan cheddar for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place in a covered dish, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop – Warm on medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli is perfect! Just chop it finely and follow the recipe as directed.
What can I substitute for vegan cheddar?
You can use nutritional yeast or cashew cheese as alternatives if you prefer.
How do I thicken my Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
If your soup is too thin, add a bit more flour or blend more of the soup to achieve your desired consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with different veggies or spices to suit your taste. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm bowl that satisfies cravings!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to every meal. This creamy, vegan version offers all the rich flavors of traditional recipes while being a healthier choice. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or cozy gatherings, this soup delights with its vibrant colors and nourishing ingredients. With a delightful combination of fresh broccoli and plant-based cheddar, it’s a dish that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped white onions
- 1 clove garlic, finely diced
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups unsweetened rice milk
- 3 heaping cups finely chopped broccoli
- 1 1/2 heaping cups julienned carrots
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft.
- Mix in flour until fully incorporated to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in vegetable broth and rice milk until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat.
- Stir in broccoli and carrots; cook for about 10 minutes until tender.
- Add vegan cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Blend a portion of the soup for creaminess, then return it to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper; serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
