Name: Vegan Broccoli “Cheddar Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1/2 large yellow onion, diced; 1 large shallot, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup carrots, shredded or diced; 3/4 cup carrots, matchstick or shredded; 1 cup russet potato, peeled and cubed; 1 cup cauliflower, chopped; 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1/4 cup warm water; 1/2 cup raw cashews; 3 tbsp nutritional yeast; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tsp dijon mustard; Parsley; Croutons; Coconut cream; Black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 48 reviews

If you are craving a comforting bowl of creamy, cheesy soup but want to keep things entirely plant-based, then this Vegan Broccoli “Cheddar Soup Recipe” is going to be your new best friend. Imagine rich, velvety texture combined with the fresh green pop of broccoli and the nutty depth of a homemade cashew cheese sauce that tastes just as indulgent as the classic dairy-filled version. It’s vibrant, wholesome, and packed with so much flavor that every spoonful feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are eleven white bowls and glass containers, each holding different ingredients. Starting from the top left, one bowl contains bright orange carrot slices, next to it is a bowl with chopped green celery, and another with chopped white onions. In the center is a small bowl holding several butter cubes wrapped in silver foil. Below the celery is a small white bowl featuring three different powders: white, light beige, and reddish-orange spices. To the left of it is a whole yellow lemon. Below the lemon, a glass bowl holds fine yellow cornmeal. Next to it, a small glass bowl contains three garlic cloves. Below the garlic is a white bowl filled with whole cashew nuts. On the right side, a large white bowl is filled with fresh green broccoli florets. Finally, at the bottom right is a white bowl with three whole yellow potatoes. The setup is clean, bright, and organized for easy cooking preparation, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Vegan Broccoli “Cheddar Soup Recipe” keeps things delightfully simple, relying on wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy cashew base to the fresh broccoli that brings life and crunch.

Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing, adding subtle richness and boosting flavor extraction from the aromatics.

Yellow onion and shallot: These add sweetness and a gentle pungency that build a flavorful foundation.
Garlic cloves: For that warm, inviting aroma that makes your kitchen smell irresistible.
Carrots: They bring natural sweetness and a pop of bright orange to contrast with the green broccoli.

Russet potato: Key to achieving the soup’s creamy body and smooth texture without any cream.
Cauliflower: Adds volume and a subtle nuttiness, blending beautifully with broccoli’s earthiness.
Broccoli florets: The star of the show—vibrant, fresh, and packed with nutrients.

Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those natural flavors.
Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that brings all ingredients together harmoniously.
Unsweetened almond milk: Adds creaminess without overpowering the flavors with sweetness.

Raw cashews: Soaked and blended to create the luscious, dairy-free “cheddar” sauce.
Nutritional yeast: The magic ingredient providing that unmistakable cheesy, umami depth.
Lemon juice: Brightens the soup and adds a refreshing tang against the creamy backdrop.

Dijon mustard: A subtle zing that rounds out the flavor profile with a little kick.
Warm water: Used to adjust the consistency of the cashew cheese sauce perfectly.
Optional toppings (parsley, croutons, coconut cream, black pepper): These elevate the soup with added texture, freshness, and richness.

How to Make Vegan Broccoli “Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Soak Your Cashews

Start by soaking the raw cashews in hot water for 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it softens the cashews enough to be blended into a luxuriously creamy sauce, creating the signature “cheddar” base of this soup. It’s a small prep step that makes a huge difference in texture and taste.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat and add the diced yellow onion and shallot. Let them cook slowly until they turn translucent and tender, releasing their sweetness. Then, add minced garlic and stir until it becomes fragrant but not browned, building the savory foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Simmer the Vegetables

Add the chopped cauliflower, cubed potatoes, 2 1/2 cups of broccoli florets, and half a cup of diced or shredded carrots into the pot. Cook for a few minutes, then pour in the vegetable broth. Cover and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes until all the veggies soften beautifully, melding their flavors together.

Step 4: Prepare the Cashew Cheese Sauce

While the vegetables simmer, blend the soaked cashews with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, and warm water until you get a smooth, thick sauce. This creamy mixture brings the rich, cheesy element to the soup without a drop of dairy, turning humble ingredients into something truly special.

Step 5: Blend the Soup and Finish Cooking

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup to a regular blender, then blend until silky smooth. Stir in the almond milk, the reserved 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 3/4 cup of matchstick or shredded carrots. Continue cooking for 10 more minutes until the added broccoli and carrots soften just enough to keep a bit of texture and vibrant color.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pour your soup into bowls and dress with your favorite toppings like fresh parsley, crunchy croutons, a drizzle of coconut cream, and a crack of black pepper. The contrast of creamy soup with fresh, crisp garnish makes every bite irresistible.

How to Serve Vegan Broccoli “Cheddar Soup Recipe

A pot with three main sections: on the left side, bright green chopped broccoli pieces; on the top right, thin, light yellow pasta sticks; and on the bottom right, a smooth, thick orange sauce filling the rest of the pot. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes elevates the bowl from simple to spectacular. Try fresh parsley for a burst of herbaceous brightness, crunchy croutons for texture contrast, a swirl of coconut cream for silky richness, and freshly cracked black pepper to bring a mild spicy lift. These extras make each spoonful exciting and Instagram-ready!

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty whole-grain bread for dipping, a crisp green salad to lighten the meal, or roasted garlic bread to double down on garlic flavor. The sides help create a balanced plate, combining warm, creamy comfort with fresh and crunchy elements that keep things interesting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes on top for a subtle smoky twist. You can also layer a dollop of cashew cream on top and sprinkle with fresh chives to add color and sophistication. These little touches make the Vegan Broccoli “Cheddar Soup Recipe” ideal for dinner parties or cozy family meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before storing, let the soup cool to room temperature to preserve its fresh flavors and creamy consistency. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Transfer the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of headspace as the soup expands when frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much after freezing, add a splash of almond milk or vegetable broth to restore its creamy texture. Avoid boiling to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use any other nuts instead of cashews for the cheese sauce?

While cashews are ideal because of their naturally creamy texture and mild flavor, you can experiment with soaked almonds or macadamia nuts. Keep in mind that flavor and texture might vary slightly, so adjust seasoning as needed.

Is this soup suitable for people with nut allergies?

This recipe relies heavily on cashews for creaminess, so it is not suitable for those with nut allergies. However, you could try a version using blended silken tofu or cauliflower to maintain creaminess, but the taste will differ from the classic “cheddar” flavor.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes during the sautéing stage or sprinkle on top as a garnish to add a subtle heat kick that pairs wonderfully with the creamy broccoli-cheddar flavor.

What can I substitute for nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast gives the soup its cheesy umami punch. If you don’t have it, you can try using a small amount of miso paste or soy sauce to deepen flavor, but the unique “cheddar” taste might be less pronounced.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can sauté the aromatics separately and then combine everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until vegetables are tender, then proceed with blending and adding the cashew cheese sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Broccoli “Cheddar Soup Recipe” is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic favorite without any dairy and all the healthy benefits of fresh veggies and plant-based ingredients. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any occasion where you want comfort food that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!