This creamy, dairy-free Blender Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect cozy meal for anyone who loves comforting soups but prefers a plant-based twist. Inspired by the classic broccoli cheddar style, this version relies on wholesome ingredients—like cashews, potatoes, nutritional yeast, and fresh broccoli—to create a rich, velvety texture and cheesy flavor without any dairy. Even better? Your blender does most of the work, making this an easy weeknight recipe that’s ready in a flash. Whether you're a longtime vegan, experimenting with plant-based meals, or simply looking for a nutritious soup with incredible flavor, this blender recipe delivers every time.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: About 5 cups of soup
Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes
- 1 medium Yukon gold potato, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional for color)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional add-ins: pinch of paprika, cayenne, or mustard powder for extra "cheddar" depth
Directions
- Cook the Broccoli and Potato:
Steam or boil the broccoli florets and diced potato until tender, about 8–10 minutes. Soft vegetables blend more easily and help create a creamier soup. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In a small pan over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a splash of oil or water until softened and fragrant, 3–4 minutes. This step deepens the overall flavor. - Drain the Cashews:
After soaking, drain the cashews well. Soaking ensures they blend into a smooth, silky texture without leaving graininess. - Add All Ingredients to the Blender:
Transfer the cooked broccoli, potato, sautéed onion, garlic, soaked cashews, vegetable broth, plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, turmeric, salt, and pepper to a high-speed blender. - Blend Until Completely Smooth:
Start on low speed and gradually increase until the soup reaches a creamy, velvety consistency. This may take 30–60 seconds depending on your blender. - Adjust the Seasoning:
Taste and adjust — add more nutritional yeast for cheesiness, more lemon for brightness, or spices for extra depth. - Warm and Serve:
Pour the blended soup into a pot and warm over medium heat for 3–5 minutes. Don’t boil; gentle heating maintains the smooth texture.
Tip:
For a chunkier soup, reserve a small handful of cooked broccoli, chop it finely, and stir it in after blending.
Warning:
Always vent the blender lid or blend in batches if blending hot ingredients to prevent pressure buildup.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
Pro-Tip:
A high-powered blender is truly the secret ingredient behind the ultra-smooth, velvety texture of this Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup. While the flavors come from whole, plant-based ingredients, the creamy finish depends on your blender’s ability to fully break down cashews, potatoes, and broccoli into a perfectly silky consistency. If you’re using an older model or don’t yet own a quality blender, upgrading can make a noticeable difference—not just for this recipe, but for all your soups, sauces, smoothies, and meal-prep staples. Investing in a reliable blender turns plant-based cooking into an effortless, enjoyable experience. Ready to explore top-rated options? Click the button below to browse the best blenders on Amazon and find the perfect one for your kitchen.
Conclusion
This Blender Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup proves that comfort food doesn’t need dairy to be rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. With its creamy base, cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast, and fresh broccoli throughout, this soup is a plant-based winner that comes together quickly—perfect for meal prep, busy nights, or anyone exploring delicious vegan cooking. Enjoy it on its own, pair it with crusty bread, or add toppings like roasted broccoli, vegan cheese shreds, or croutons for a personalized touch. Warm, nourishing, and full of flavor—this is one soup you'll come back to again and again.
