This creamy vegan broccoli cheddar cheese soup tastes just like the bakery-cafe classic, with melty dairy-free cheddar, tender broccoli and a silky coconut milk base. It's ready in about 30 minutes.
Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes, until tender. Drain well, then pulse 2-3 times in a food processor. You still want some small chunks, so don’t over-process.
Meanwhile, melt the vegan butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk and stir. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the vegan cheese a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is completely melted, then let it cook for another 2 minutes.
Stir in the chopped broccoli and cook for 2-3 more minutes, until heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with a few small broccoli florets if you like, and serve hot.
Notes
Melting the cheese: keep the heat low when you add the vegan cheese and stir it in a handful at a time for the smoothest texture. Daiya and Follow Your Heart shreds melt well.Smoother soup: for a Panera-style texture, blend the base with an immersion blender before stirring in the broccoli.Storage: refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Add a splash of broth when reheating, since the soup thickens as it sits.
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