If you are craving a cozy, velvety, and heartwarming meal, this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect treat to indulge in. Made with smoked turkey bacon for a smoky aroma, rich plant-based cheddar, and a natural gelling agent that gives it the ideal luscious texture, this soup combines fresh broccoli’s vibrant flavor with a creamy smoothness that simply melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a comforting bowl of deliciousness, this soup will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Velvety Texture: The natural gelling agent enhances the creaminess without overwhelming the broccoli’s fresh taste.
Rich Umami Flavor: Smoked turkey bacon adds a deep, smoky layer without overpowering the dish.
Plant-Based Goodness: Using plant-based cheddar keeps it indulgent yet lighter and easy on digestion.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of staples to make a gourmet-tasting soup.
Easy to Customize: This base soup welcomes your personal touch, from spice level to texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but essential ingredients makes this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup delightfully easy to prepare. Each component plays a thoughtful role, from building the rich flavor profile to creating the perfect balance of texture and color.

Broccoli: Fresh and chopped for vibrant green color and a tender bite.
Smoked turkey bacon: Adds smoky depth and a subtle crunch that complements the creaminess.
Plant-based cheddar (shredded): Melts beautifully for that signature creamy cheesiness.
Onion (chopped): Brings a touch of sweetness and layers of flavor.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with rich aromatic notes.
Vegetable broth: The soup’s base that elevates the natural flavors without heaviness.
Natural gelling agent: Creates the silky texture that makes this soup irresistible.
Apple cider vinegar (natural): Adds a subtle tang to brighten the dish harmoniously.
Olive oil: Helps soften the vegetables while adding richness.
Salt and pepper: Season to bring all the ingredients together perfectly.

Variations for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Feel free to put your spin on this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences. This recipe is incredibly adaptable and welcomes creative twists without losing its comforting core.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to warm things up.
Extra Veggies: Stir in steamed carrots or cauliflower for added texture and nutrients.
Herb Infusion: Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the earthy flavors beautifully.
Grain Bowl: Serve over quinoa or brown rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Vegan Version: Replace smoked turkey bacon with smoked tofu and use a vegetable-based source for extra smoky flavor.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup That Warms You

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Prepare the smoked turkey bacon and vegetables

Begin by cooking the smoked turkey bacon in a large pot until it’s crispy and aromatic. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Then, sauté the chopped onions until translucent, followed by cooking the minced garlic until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the broccoli and combine with broth

Add the chopped broccoli to the pot and stir well with the onions and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth, cover, and let it simmer gently until the broccoli is tender, making sure every piece softens perfectly for that creamy base.

Step 3: Blend and thicken the soup

Using either an immersion blender or a countertop blender, blend the soup until smooth but still retaining a bit of texture. Stir in the natural gelling agent slowly to help achieve the luxurious creaminess that makes this soup memorable.

Step 4: Add plant-based cheddar and seasonings

Gradually fold in the shredded plant-based cheddar, allowing it to melt thoroughly into the warm soup. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural) for depth. Stir well to ensure all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve with smoked turkey bacon topping

Return the crispy smoked turkey bacon crumbles to the soup or save them for garnishing each bowl just before serving for a delightful crunchy contrast.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Use fresh broccoli: Fresh florets provide the best vibrant color and flavor compared to frozen.
Slowly add natural gelling agent: Mixing it gradually prevents clumping and ensures smoothness.
Do not over-blend: Leaving little broccoli chunks creates a satisfying texture.
Simmer gently: Avoid boiling after adding cheese to keep it from separating.
Adjust consistency: Add broth or plant-based milk if you prefer a thinner or creamier soup.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Garnishes

The soup shines when topped with crispy smoked turkey bacon crumbles, a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives, and an extra handful of shredded plant-based cheddar for an irresistible finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with crusty whole-grain bread or warm, buttery plant-based garlic breadsticks for a meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or drizzle a bit of olive oil on top along with pumpkin seeds or toasted nuts for an unexpected yet delightful crunch and flavor twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making easy lunches or dinners just a quick reheat away.

Freezing

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the soup on low heat in a saucepan, stirring often to avoid scorching. Add a little extra broth or plant-based milk if it thickens too much during refrigeration or freezing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well if fresh isn’t available, just adjust the cooking time since frozen broccoli cooks faster.

Is the plant-based cheddar necessary?

Plant-based cheddar adds that signature creamy cheesy flavor without heaviness, but you can experiment with other plant-based cheeses if preferred.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Absolutely, adding red pepper flakes or freshly chopped chili peppers can bring a pleasant heat to the creamy base.

How thick should the soup be?

The soup should be creamy but pourable, similar to a thick chowder, adjustable by adding more broth or natural gelling agent depending on your preference.

Can I cook this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, simply sauté the veggies and bacon first as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours before blending and adding cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a true masterpiece of comforting flavors and textures, making any meal feel cozy and special. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Dive in, customize it your way, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort today!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Author: Jonathan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup offers a cozy, velvety, and heartwarming meal featuring smoked turkey bacon’s smoky aroma, rich plant-based cheddar, and a natural gelling agent for ideal luscious texture. Fresh broccoli’s vibrant flavor combines with creamy smoothness for a deliciously comforting bowl perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave indulgence.

Instructions

Prepare the smoked turkey bacon and vegetables: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large pot until crispy and aromatic. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Sauté the chopped onions in the fat until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Cook the broccoli and combine with broth: Add the chopped broccoli to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir well, pour in the vegetable broth, cover, and simmer gently until broccoli is tender and soft.
Blend and thicken the soup: Use an immersion blender or a countertop blender to blend the soup until smooth but still with some texture. Slowly stir in the natural gelling agent to achieve a silky, luxurious creaminess.
Add plant-based cheddar and seasonings: Gradually fold in the shredded plant-based cheddar, allowing it to melt completely into the warm soup. Season with salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Serve with smoked turkey bacon topping: Return the crispy smoked turkey bacon crumbles to the soup or garnish each bowl before serving for a crunchy contrast.

Notes

Use fresh broccoli for best color and flavor compared to frozen.
Add the natural gelling agent gradually to avoid clumping and ensure smoothness.
Do not over-blend to maintain some texture with small broccoli chunks.
Simmer gently after adding cheese to prevent separation.
Adjust consistency with additional broth or plant-based milk if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American