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.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Dairy Alternatives
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheddar
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent (such as pectin, agar, or carrageenan)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: creamy broccoli cheddar soup, plant-based soup, smoked turkey bacon soup, comforting soup, vegan cheddar soup
