Description
Enjoy a rich and comforting Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup that features tender broccoli and melted plant-based cheddar cheese in a luscious, velvety broth. This warming soup balances fresh vegetables with creamy texture for a satisfying, hearty meal suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Cheese
- 4 strips smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheddar cheese, shredded
Liquids and Broth
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk
Texture and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped, for garnish and flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic to ensure even softening and full flavor release.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy and fragrant. Remove the bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook gently over medium-low heat until the onions become translucent and aromatic, forming the flavor base for the soup.
- Add Broccoli and Broth: Stir in the broccoli florets, then pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the broccoli is tender and the broth is infused with green flavor.
- Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Puree until mostly smooth with some texture remaining to create a creamy, velvety base.
- Stir in Cheese and Milk: Return the blended soup to low heat. Gently whisk in the plant-based cheddar cheese and plant-based milk. Stir consistently until the cheese melts completely and the soup has a rich, smooth consistency.
- Finish with Seasoning and Serve: Add salt, black pepper, and the natural gelling agent to enhance texture. Stir in the cooked smoked turkey bacon pieces. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs as desired.
Notes
- Use bright green fresh broccoli heads for best flavor and color.
- Keep heat low when adding cheese to avoid grainy texture.
- Leave some broccoli texture after blending for a pleasant mouthfeel.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural) to brighten the flavor if desired.
- Adjust soup thickness by varying the amount of plant-based milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering and Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: creamy broccoli cheddar soup, plant-based soup, vegan broccoli soup, dairy free soup, comforting soup
