Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy delight that’s perfect for cozy nights or quick lunches. This vegan version of the classic Panera dish offers all the rich flavors you love, while also being healthier. It’s a versatile soup that satisfies your cravings and is easy to make. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a warm bowl on chilly days, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup will surely become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Twist: Enjoy the beloved flavors of broccoli cheddar soup without dairy, making it a healthier option.
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes total time, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh broccoli, carrots, and vegan cheddar creates a rich and satisfying taste.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delightful Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- High-speed blender
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: This is crucial for making the soup as it allows ample space for mixing ingredients without spilling.
- High-speed blender: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture that enhances the overall experience.
- Whisk: A whisk helps combine ingredients smoothly, especially when creating the roux.
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 Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups rice milk (plain, unsweetened)
Finishing Touches
- 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 over medium heat until it’s completely liquid.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onions and finely diced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Stir in the flour until fully incorporated. This will create your roux, which thickens the soup.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Whisk in the vegetable broth and rice milk gradually until the roux is completely blended with no lumps.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Add Veggies
Once boiling, reduce heat back to medium. Add in your finely chopped broccoli and julienned carrots. Let cook for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 7: Incorporate Cheese
Add in your favorite vegan cheddar cheese (we recommend Follow Your Heart) and stir until it’s fully melted into the soup.
Step 8: Blend for Creaminess
Remove about one-quarter of the soup from the pot and place it into your high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, then return it to the pot.
Step 9: Season and Serve
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy your Broccoli Cheddar Soup hot! For added texture, consider serving with croutons or slices of bread on the side.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup is creamy, comforting, and can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you want to keep it classic or try something new, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
With Croutons
- Add crunchy croutons on top for an extra texture contrast. Homemade or store-bought options work well.
Pair with Bread
- A slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette complements the soup perfectly. Use it to soak up every last drop!
In Bread Bowls
- For a fun twist, serve your broccoli cheddar soup in edible bread bowls. It’s both a presentation delight and a tasty treat.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for added flavor and a pop of color. This enhances both the taste and the visual appeal.
Drizzle with Olive Oil
- A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate the flavors. It adds richness without overpowering the soup.
Serve with a Side Salad
- A refreshing green salad balances the meal and adds nutritional value. Consider a simple vinaigrette for extra zest.
How to Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To achieve the best broccoli cheddar soup, follow these essential tips that will enhance your cooking process and final dish.
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and carrots bring vibrant flavor and texture to the soup, making it more enjoyable.
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Don’t rush the roux: Take your time when preparing the roux—it should be cooked until golden for maximum flavor.
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Blend for creaminess: Blending part of the soup gives it that creamy consistency without needing heavy cream or dairy products.
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Adjust seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to ensure your soup is well-seasoned and flavorful.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing side dishes with broccoli cheddar soup can create a hearty meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
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Garlic Bread: This buttery, garlic-infused delight adds flavor and is perfect for dipping.
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing provides a great crunch alongside the creamy soup.
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Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites filled with cheese and herbs make for an irresistible appetizer before diving into your soup.
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Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, spring rolls offer a fresh contrast to the richness of broccoli cheddar soup.
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Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with veggies brings a healthy balance to your meal while adding texture.
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Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs create an excellent side that complements the flavors of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Broccoli Cheddar Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Ignoring the roux: Skipping the roux can lead to a soup that’s too thin. Make sure to cook the flour with the butter until fully combined.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking broccoli and carrots for too long can make them mushy. Aim for about 10 minutes, just until they’re tender.
- Using the wrong milk: Not all plant-based milks work the same. Stick with plain, unsweetened rice milk for best results.
- Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season your soup can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
- Blending too much: Blending all of your soup will remove texture. Blend only part of it for a creamy consistency while keeping some chunks.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow soup to cool before sealing.
Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion.
Reheating Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Broccoli Cheddar Soup:
Can I use fresh broccoli?
Yes, fresh broccoli works wonderfully in this recipe and adds great flavor.
What type of vegan cheese should I use?
Look for brands like Follow Your Heart or Daiya that melt well and taste delicious in Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
How do I add protein to my soup?
You can add cooked beans or lentils for extra protein while keeping it vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Broccoli Cheddar Soup, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini for variations on your Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any meal occasion. Its creamy texture and rich flavor will surely satisfy your cravings. Plus, you can customize it with various veggies or spices according to your taste preferences. Give it a try today!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in a warm bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a creamy and comforting vegan delight that perfectly captures the flavors of the beloved classic. This healthy twist on Panera’s signature dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making it ideal for cozy dinners or quick lunches. Packed with fresh broccoli and carrots, this plant-based soup is rich in nutrients and flavor, ensuring that every spoonful is both delicious and wholesome. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, you can enjoy this nourishing soup any day of the week.
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 plain unsweetened rice milk
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onions and garlic until soft and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in vegetable broth and rice milk until smooth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and add broccoli and carrots; cook until tender (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in vegan cheddar cheese until melted.
- Blend part of the soup for creaminess, then return to pot.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
