Best Vegetarian Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe to Try Today

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of broccoli cheese soup to comfort the soul on a chilly day. This classic soup, rich, creamy, and packed with vibrant green broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, has long been a favorite in many households.

But what if you’re vegetarian or simply looking to enjoy a meat-free meal without sacrificing flavor? Our best vegetarian broccoli cheese soup recipe has got you covered.

It’s hearty, wholesome, and uses fresh ingredients to deliver a velvety texture and robust taste that will satisfy even the biggest cheese lovers.

Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for yourself, feeding a family, or entertaining guests, this soup is an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s flexible enough to adapt to your pantry staples and dietary preferences.

Dive in to discover why this recipe will become your go-to for wholesome comfort food all year round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian broccoli cheese soup stands out for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The broccoli is cooked just right—tender but still vibrant—while the cheese melts into a creamy base without being overpowering.

Unlike some recipes that rely on heavy cream or processed cheese, this version uses real sharp cheddar and a touch of milk to keep it luscious yet light.

It’s also incredibly versatile: you can easily make it gluten-free by swapping flour for cornstarch or almond flour, or add a little spice for a kick. The ingredients are simple and accessible, and the soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend cooking.

Lastly, it’s a great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet without compromising on taste, perfect for kids or picky eaters who might usually shy away from broccoli.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra depth)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Immersion blender or regular blender (optional, for smoother texture)
• Cheese grater
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the broccoli: Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In your large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to combine, cooking for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. This will thicken your soup later.
4. Add broth and milk: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Then add the milk slowly, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth.
5. Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
6. Blend for desired texture: For a chunkier soup, leave the broccoli as is. For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup to your preferred consistency. Be careful with hot liquids! Alternatively, you can transfer half the soup to a blender, puree, and return it to the pot.
7. Add the cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Parmesan (if using), mixing until completely melted and smooth. Avoid boiling after adding cheese to prevent curdling.
8. Season the soup: Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

“To get the best melt and flavor from your cheese, shred it yourself from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.”

• Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan margarine, use unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk, and replace cheddar with your favorite vegan cheese.
• Boost the protein: Add cooked white beans or lentils during the simmering step for extra protein and fiber.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to give the soup a gentle heat.
• Use frozen broccoli: If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen works great—just add it a little earlier as it will cook faster.
• Thicker soup: For a thicker consistency, reduce the broth to 2 cups and increase the milk to 3 cups.
• Chunky texture: Save some broccoli florets to stir in at the end for bite-sized chunks in the otherwise creamy soup.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and toppings. For a light and refreshing contrast, serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.

A crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of creamy goodness.

Want to add some extra texture? Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed crackers on top.

For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped green onions or a swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Looking for more comforting soup recipes? Try our Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe for a seafood twist or warm up with a bowl of Chorizo Pumpkin Soup.

And if you’re craving something sweet to finish the meal, our Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe is a delightful treat.

Conclusion

This vegetarian broccoli cheese soup recipe is a true staple for anyone who loves comfort food without the meat. It’s simple to prepare, uses wholesome ingredients, and offers a rich, creamy texture that warms you from the inside out.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this soup is sure to impress with its vibrant broccoli flavor and cheesy goodness.

With its flexibility and ease, it can become a regular on your menu, especially during the colder months. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens while enjoying a satisfying meal.

So grab your pot, some fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar, and get ready to enjoy one of the best vegetarian broccoli cheese soups you’ll ever make!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegetarian Broccoli Cheese Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and comforting broccoli cheese soup that’s perfect for vegetarians. Rich in flavor and easy to make, it\u2019s a perfect meal for any day.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 cups fresh broccoli florets”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “4 cups vegetable broth”, “2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese”, “1 cup heavy cream”, “3 tablespoons unsalted butter”, “3 tablespoons all-purpose flour”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced onion and garlic, saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gradually whisk in vegetable broth until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add broccoli florets, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; simmer for 15 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Use an immersion blender to puree half the soup for texture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and heat through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “18 g”, “fatContent”: “24 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “14 g”}}