Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that delights with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. This vegan version of the classic Panera favorite offers a healthier twist without compromising on taste. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup brings warmth to chilly days and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or croutons.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is bursting with flavor from fresh vegetables and creamy vegan cheese.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this soup in just 30 minutes.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, it fits any occasion perfectly.
- Healthier Alternative: Made without dairy, this vegan recipe is lower in fat while still being satisfying and tasty.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love the cheesy goodness, making it a great choice for family meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into your delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup, gather some essential tools to help you along the way.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- High-speed blender
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A sturdy large pot is crucial for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- High-speed blender: This tool ensures your soup achieves a creamy texture by blending part of it smoothly.
- Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate the flour into the roux seamlessly, preventing clumps.
Ingredients
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup was a family favorite before going vegan. We made a much healthier yet just as delicious (maybe even better!) vegan version!
Vegetables
- 1 cup white onions (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (finely diced)
- 3 heaping cups broccoli (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 heaping cups julienned carrots
Base
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
Cheese & Seasoning
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Melt the butter in a large pot on medium heat.
Step 2: Cook Onions and Garlic
Stir in the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Add the flour and mix well until it is fully incorporated with the butter. This forms your roux.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Whisk in the vegetable broth and rice milk until the roux is completely blended.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
Reduce heat back to medium after boiling. Add broccoli and carrots, cooking for about 10 minutes until tender.
Step 7: Incorporate Cheese
Stir in the vegan cheddar cheese (we recommend Follow Your Heart) until it melts completely into the soup.
Step 8: Blend for Creaminess
Remove about a quarter of the soup from the pot and place it in your high-speed blender. Blend until smooth, then add back into the pot and stir well.
Step 9: Final Seasoning
Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, perhaps with croutons or bread on the side for an extra treat!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving broccoli cheddar soup can elevate your dining experience. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as part of a larger meal, there are plenty of ways to make it even more delightful.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough: The tangy flavor complements the creamy soup perfectly.
- Baguette: A classic option for dipping into the rich broth.
Add Croutons
- Homemade croutons: Toasted bread cubes seasoned with garlic and herbs add crunch.
- Store-bought options: Quick and easy, perfect for busy days.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chives: Chopped chives provide a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Serve in Bread Bowls
- Edible bowls: Hollow out a round loaf of bread for a fun twist on serving.
- Mini rolls: Perfect for individual servings at gatherings.
Top with Additional Cheese
- Vegan cheese sprinkle: Add more vegan cheddar for an extra cheesy experience.
- Nutritional yeast: This adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How to Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Perfecting your broccoli cheddar soup is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh broccoli and carrots enhance the flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go; add salt and pepper gradually to suit your preference.
- Blend for creaminess: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy base while keeping chunks intact.
- Choose quality vegan cheese: High-quality vegan cheese melts better, improving overall texture.
- Incorporate spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika for an additional depth of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing your broccoli cheddar soup with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing, especially when made with vegan cheese, adds comfort.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil complement the flavors of the soup beautifully.
- Stuffed Peppers: Packed with grains and beans, these add protein and make the meal heartier.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy wedges seasoned with herbs provide a satisfying crunch alongside the soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with lemon dressing offers a healthy side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Broccoli Cheddar Soup, avoiding common errors can lead to a much better dish. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
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Skipping the roux: Not creating a roux with flour and vegan butter will result in a soup that lacks thickness and creaminess. Always ensure you cook the flour with the butter before adding liquid.
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Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap or low-quality vegetable broth can significantly affect flavor. Invest in a good vegetable broth for a richer taste.
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Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking broccoli and carrots too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender-crisp vegetables by cooking them just until they are bright and colorful.
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Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season your soup adequately can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
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Not blending enough: Many skip blending part of the soup, missing out on a creamy texture. For the best results, blend at least a quarter of the soup for that perfect consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 3-4 days.
- Allow soup to cool before refrigerating.
Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
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Microwave: Microwave on medium power in short bursts (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until heated through.
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Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed up, about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Broccoli Cheddar Soup:
What makes this Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegan?
This recipe uses vegan butter and cheese alternatives, ensuring it remains completely plant-based while still being creamy and delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to my Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add cauliflower, peas, or even spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
How do I make my Broccoli Cheddar Soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, blend more of it until creamy or add a bit more flour when making the roux.
What is the best way to serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Serve it warm with crusty bread or croutons on top for added texture. It makes an excellent starter or main dish!
Final Thoughts
This vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different veggies or spices to suit your palate. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a delightful twist on the classic dish that’s both rich and creamy. This plant-based version captures all the satisfying flavors you love while being healthier and easier to make. Packed with fresh vegetables and dairy-free cheese, it’s a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner, especially on chilly days. Serve it with crusty bread or crispy croutons for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white onions (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (finely diced)
- 3 heaping cups broccoli (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 heaping cups julienned carrots
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic; cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in flour to create a roux.
- Whisk in vegetable broth and rice milk until well combined.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and add broccoli and carrots.
- Cook for about 10 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Stir in vegan cheddar cheese until melted.
- Blend about a quarter of the soup for creaminess, then mix back into the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
