If you’re searching for a comforting, creamy, and nourishing soup that hits all the right notes without any dairy, you have to try The Best Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup. This recipe transforms simple, wholesome vegetables into a velvety, cheesy delight that’s perfect for cozy nights in or anytime you want a warm hug in a bowl. With its natural cheesy flavor coming from nutritional yeast and the perfect blend of fresh veggies, it’s a soulful way to enjoy broccoli and savor every spoonful guilt-free.

The Best Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The heart and soul of The Best Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in building layers of flavor, silky texture, and that vibrant color that makes the soup so inviting.

Olive oil: Provides a rich, smooth base while gently sautéing the veggies to deepen their flavor.
Garlic: Brings a fragrant punch that wakes up the entire dish.
Onion: Adds sweetness and body to the soup base.
Celery: Gives a subtle crunch and fresh aroma.
Carrots: Contribute natural sweetness and bright color.
Potato: Creates creaminess and thickens the soup without needing cream.
Broccoli florets: The star vegetable, offering a fresh, earthy flavor and vibrant green bursts in every bite.
Vegetable broth: The savory liquid that blends everything together.
Unsweetened almond milk: Makes the soup velvety smooth while keeping it light and dairy-free.
Nutritional yeast (optional): Infuses the soup with that unmistakable cheesy umami flavor that makes this recipe truly shine.
Sea salt: Elevates and balances all the natural flavors.
Croutons (optional): A crunchy topping to contrast the creamy texture.

How to Make The Best Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Make the Soup Base

Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat to get it warm and shimmering — this sets the stage for all the flavors to bloom. Toss in your finely chopped onions, garlic, celery, carrots, and potatoes. Sauté these together until they are soft and tender, about 10 minutes. This soft base builds the rich depth that makes the soup so crave-worthy.

Step 2: Add Broccoli and Liquids

Next, add your broccoli florets along with the vegetable broth and unsweetened almond milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll notice the broccoli brightens to a lively green and the flavors start marrying beautifully. Simmering for about 5 minutes is just enough to soften the broccoli without losing its fresh appeal.

Step 3: Blend for Creaminess

This is where the magic happens. Using tongs, carefully lift out most of the broccoli florets and set them aside — these will add lovely texture later. Blend the remaining soup until it’s ultra creamy and silky, resembling a cheesy, velvety soup base. You’ll likely need to do this in batches depending on your blender size. Once smooth, add the reserved broccoli back in and pulse a few times to mix everything together.

Step 4: Final Touches

Return the soup to the pot and stir in nutritional yeast if you’re using it to give that iconic cheesy flavor. Season with sea salt and taste-test to fine-tune. Adjust seasoning as needed. Your soup is now ready to warm your soul!

How to Serve The Best Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley, a dash of smoked paprika, or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate your serving game. Croutons add a delightful crunch and texture contrast that makes each bite interesting and fun.

Side Dishes

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or a fresh green salad to add some crisp brightness. For something heartier, a grain bowl or roasted vegetables complement the soup’s creaminess effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation. You can also swirl in some vegan pesto or swirl almond cream on top for a restaurant-worthy look. If you want to wow your guests, add some toasted nuts or seeds for extra texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Best Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and keep those vibrant colors bright.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a charm. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain that creamy texture. You can add a splash of almond milk if it feels too thick after cooling. Microwave reheating works well, too — just stir often for even warming.

FAQs

Can I make this soup nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the almond milk for oat milk or another plant-based milk without nuts. The soup will remain creamy and just as delicious.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?

While optional, nutritional yeast adds the signature cheesy flavor that makes this soup stand out. If you don’t have it, the soup will still taste great, just a bit milder.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just use the amount stated and add it directly during the simmer step. Sometimes frozen broccoli is softer, so adjust your blending accordingly.

How do I make the soup thicker or thinner?

Adjust thickness by controlling the liquid quantities. For thicker soup, reduce the vegetable broth or blend a bit longer. For thinner soup, add extra vegetable broth or almond milk until you reach your desired consistency.

What can I use instead of croutons for garnish?

Try toasted pumpkin seeds, roasted chickpeas, or a sprinkle of hemp seeds for a crunchy, nutritious twist as garnishes instead of croutons.

Final Thoughts

Making The Best Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup is like giving yourself a warm, nourishing hug from the inside out. It’s simple to make, packed with wholesome goodness, and so inviting that you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your cherished kitchen staples for a healthy, comforting meal anytime.

The Best Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 7 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This vegan broccoli cheese soup offers a creamy, comforting bowl full of vibrant vegetables and rich flavors, using almond milk and nutritional yeast to create the perfect cheesy texture without any dairy. It’s hearty, healthy, and easy to make, perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner.

Instructions

Make Soup Base: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, celery, carrots, and diced potato (this mixture is also known as a mirepoix). Sauté until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant, approximately 10 minutes.
Add Broccoli: Incorporate the broccoli florets, vegetable broth, and almond milk into the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the soup is bubbly and the broccoli brightens in color, about 5 minutes.
Blend Soup: Using tongs, carefully remove most of the broccoli florets from the soup and set them aside. Blend the remaining soup in batches until it reaches a very creamy and cheesy-looking consistency.
Combine and Season: Return the blended soup to the pot. Add the reserved broccoli pieces back into the soup and pulse a few times with a hand blender or stir well to mix without fully blending. Stir in the nutritional yeast and sea salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with croutons if using. Serve hot for the best flavor and comfort.

Notes

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and is optional; omit if you prefer a milder taste.
Croutons add a delightful crunch but can be skipped for a gluten-free or lighter version.
You can substitute almond milk with any other unsweetened plant milk of your choice.
For a thicker soup, reduce the quantity of vegetable broth slightly.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Blending
Cuisine: American