Name: Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 16 oz Green Split Peas; 1 medium Onion – diced; 2 cloves Garlic – minced; 2 medium Yellow or Yukon Potatoes – peeled and cubed; 3 ribs Celery – diced; 2 small Carrots – diced; 2 tsp Fresh Thyme – chopped; 2 Bay Leaves; 6 cups Vegetable Broth – or Vegan Chicken Broth; 2 cups Water – as needed to thin; 3 dashes Liquid Smoke – or more, to taste; 1 pinch Salt & Pepper – or more, to taste; 2 Tbsp Neutral Oil – like Avocado oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 45 reviews

When you crave something creamy, comforting, and packed with wholesome goodness, this Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe hits every note perfectly. It’s a vibrant celebration of plant-based ingredients that come together to create a velvety, cheesy soup without any dairy at all. Imagine tender broccoli, hearty yellow potatoes, and green split peas all simmered with aromatic herbs and a hint of smoky depth—this soup is pure magic in a bowl that will warm your heart and satisfy your soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass measuring cup filled with bright yellow broth sits on the left, next to two green celery stalks. Below the broth is a white mug filled to the top with split green peas. Two light brown potatoes and one round yellow onion rest in front of the mug. To the right, two orange carrots lie side by side, with a small white dish holding two brown bay leaves above them, and a whole white garlic bulb beside the carrots. A small white bottle labeled

Simple, accessible ingredients are all you need to create this rich and flavorful soup. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy texture lent by the split peas and potatoes, to the brightness and earthiness from fresh thyme and vegetables, making every spoonful a delight.

16 oz Green Split Peas: Provides natural creaminess and a protein boost, making this soup hearty and filling.
1 medium Onion – diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and essential flavor base for the soup.
2 cloves Garlic – minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic kick that elevates the overall depth.
2 medium Yellow or Yukon Potatoes – peeled and cubed: Creates a smooth, velvety texture and helps thicken the soup.
3 ribs Celery – diced: Brings a fresh, crisp element that balances the creaminess.
2 Tbsp Neutral Oil (like Avocado oil): Perfect for sautéing vegetables without overpowering flavors.
2 small Carrots – diced: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
2 tsp Fresh Thyme – chopped: Offers a fragrant herbal note that complements the soup perfectly.
2 Bay Leaves: Imparts subtle earthiness and depth during simmering.
6 cups Vegetable Broth or Vegan Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that brings everything together.
2 cups Water (as needed to thin): Helps adjust the consistency for your preferred soup thickness.
3 dashes Liquid Smoke (or more, to taste): Adds a smoky, “cheesy” essence that mimics traditional cheese flavor brilliantly.
1 pinch Salt & Pepper (or more, to taste): Essential seasonings to bring out all the natural flavors.

How to Make Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by rinsing the green split peas thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Dice the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking, and peel and cube the potatoes. Having everything ready sets you up for a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

Heat the neutral oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the flavor base, unlocking sweetness and aromas that will enrich your soup.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Add the rinsed green split peas, cubed potatoes, fresh thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes or until the peas and potatoes are tender. This slow simmer lets the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 4: Blend to Creaminess

Remove the bay leaves, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until you reach a smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup or pulse lightly. You can add water gradually at this stage to thin the soup to your liking.

Step 5: Add the Smoky, Cheesy Finish

Stir in the liquid smoke and season with salt and pepper to taste. These final touches give your Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe its unmistakable smoky, cheesy vibe without any dairy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—don’t be shy with the liquid smoke if you want that robust flavor to shine through!

How to Serve Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

A white round pot with two side handles filled with a mix of small green split peas covering most of the bottom layer. On top to the left, there is a small pile of finely chopped white garlic. To the right, a light brown bay leaf rests on the peas, and below it is a small heap of finely chopped green herbs. Around the edges, there are light green diced pieces of celery and translucent chopped onions. The pot is placed on a wooden surface with a white and green striped towel nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your soup with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Toasted pine nuts or crunchy croutons add a wonderful texture contrast, while a drizzle of vegan sour cream or cashew cream makes it extra indulgent.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a warm crusty bread or a slice of garlic bread to mop up every last drop. A crisp side salad with tangy vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts provides a fresh, bright companion to the soup’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for a rustic, impressive presentation. For a party, serve it in mini cups with skewers of roasted vegetables or vegan cheese cubes on the side—an easy and elegant appetizer option that’s sure to delight your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 4 days without losing its flavor or texture.

Freezing

This Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Spoon portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months and still taste fresh when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warm. If the soup has thickened after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up as desired. Avoid overheating to keep the creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli in this recipe?

Yes! While the original recipe relies on split peas and potatoes for creaminess, adding fresh broccoli either steamed or roasted just before serving can boost the vegetable content and flavor. Just be mindful not to overcook it for a better texture.

Is liquid smoke necessary for the cheesy flavor?

Liquid smoke plays a big role in mimicking the smoky cheese taste here. If you don’t have it, try adding a bit of smoked paprika or nutritional yeast to bring in that umami depth instead.

How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken, cook the soup uncovered a little longer to reduce the liquid or add less broth initially. To thin, simply stir in more water or broth until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I substitute split peas with lentils?

Lentils can be used as a substitute, but keep in mind they cook faster and have a slightly different taste and texture. Green lentils would be the best choice, but adjust cooking times and liquid accordingly.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy, mild flavor and smooth texture make it popular even with kids. You can reduce the smoky flavor if your little ones are sensitive to strong tastes.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is a true testament to how satisfying and comforting plant-based cooking can be. It’s simple to make but delivers big on flavor and texture, making it a new essential in your recipe rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it with loved ones, and make it your own cozy go-to soup!

Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need