Vegan Baked Potato Soup

Vegan Baked Potato Soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This creamy soup combines the richness of potatoes with delightful seasonings, making it incredibly satisfying.

This recipe is also completely plant-based, allowing everyone to enjoy this classic favorite without compromising on taste. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a hearty soup that warms both the heart and soul.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Vegan Baked Potato Soup offers numerous benefits. It is easy to prepare and can be whipped up in less than an hour. The soup’s creamy texture will exceed your expectations, giving you a traditional taste without using any dairy.

Furthermore, it’s packed with nutrition, offering vitamins and minerals primarily from the potatoes and spices. By using whole, plant-based ingredients, this soup keeps you full and nourished.

Equipment Needed for Vegan Baked Potato Soup

To create this delicious soup, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment.

Cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients
High-powered blender or a regular blender for making the cream base
Large pot for cooking the soup
Ladle for serving
Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts

Having these tools on hand will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

What You Need to Make Vegan Baked Potato Soup

3/4 cup soy milk, unsweetened
1/2 cup raw cashews
1 tablespoon vegan butter
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" chunks
3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sea salt
Fresh cracked pepper to taste
5 cups vegetable broth, reduced sodium
1 bay leaf
1-2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Vegan bacon (for topping)
Chives (for topping)
Vegan sour cream (for topping)
Vegan cheddar cheese shreds (for topping)

Gathering these ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process more efficient and stress-free.

How to Cook Vegan Baked Potato Soup Step by Step

To begin your soup, prepare the creamy base first. If you have a high-powered blender, you can skip this soaking step. If not, soak the raw cashews in boiling water for about 20 minutes. After they soak, drain them and combine with the unsweetened soy milk in the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, then set your cashew mixture aside.

Next, take a large pot and heat the grapeseed oil and vegan butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 2 to 4 minutes until it becomes translucent. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that it’s time to add the garlic. Sauté the minced garlic for approximately 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.

Now it’s time to introduce your star ingredient: the potatoes! Add the peeled and cut russet potatoes into the pot along with the smoked paprika, thyme, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Sauté the mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Once the potatoes are coated with the spices, pour in the vegetable broth. Make sure to add a bay leaf at this point. Stir in the nutritional yeast and liquid smoke if you’re using it. Bring the whole mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for around 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

After the potatoes are properly cooked, remove the bay leaf and add the creamy cashew mixture to the pot. Blend the entire mixture until it becomes very creamy. You can use an immersion blender if you have one or carefully transfer it to a regular blender. If needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper to match your taste. Finally, stir in the lemon juice if desired for a tangy touch.

The soup is now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and top with vegan sour cream, fresh chives, vegan bacon bits, and vegan cheddar cheese shreds. Each topping adds a delightful twist that elevates this comforting soup.

How to Serve Vegan Baked Potato Soup

Serving Vegan Baked Potato Soup is straightforward. Ladle the creamy soup into bowls ensuring each serving is generous.

For added flavor and presentation, sprinkle toppings like chives, vegan bacon, or vegan cheddar cheese shreds on each bowl. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider setting up a toppings bar so guests can customize their bowls according to their preferences.

Pair the soup with some crusty bread or a fresh green salad to create a complete meal. Enjoying it while still warm is key to maximizing its comfort factor.

What to Serve with Vegan Baked Potato Soup

Vegan Baked Potato Soup pairs well with various sides. Freshly baked bread is one of the top choices, as it soaks up the creamy goodness of the soup beautifully.

A light green salad also complements the heartiness of the soup, providing a fresh contrast. Alternatively, you could serve it with roasted vegetables for added nutrition and flavors.

If you prefer a lighter touch, crispy baked tortilla chips offer a unique crunch. You can also enjoy it alongside a sandwich for a quick and satisfying lunch option.

How to Store Vegan Baked Potato Soup

Storing leftover Vegan Baked Potato Soup is simple. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days.

For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of water or vegetable broth if it thickens during freezing.

Tips to Make Vegan Baked Potato Soup

Making the best Vegan Baked Potato Soup requires just a few simple tips. First, don’t rush the sautéing of the onions and garlic. This step builds a solid flavor base that is crucial for your soup.

Ensure the potatoes are uniform in size for even cooking. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave some pieces larger, or blend only half of the soup and mix it back in.

Using fresh herbs adds to the depth of flavor, so feel free to experiment with spices or herbs that you love. Lastly, don’t forget the toppings—they enhance both the flavor and presentation of your dish.

Variation

Vegan Baked Potato Soup can easily be customized to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.

If you want a more substantial meal, add in some cooked lentils or beans for extra protein. Different types of potatoes can also be used if you prefer a sweeter taste—like sweet potatoes.

For a more earthy flavor, try incorporating mushrooms into the sautéing step, adding a hearty, umami punch.

Best Time to Make Vegan Baked Potato Soup

The best time to make Vegan Baked Potato Soup is during the colder months. Fall and winter are perfect as soup warms you up from the inside.

However, it can be enjoyed year-round, especially on those rainy or cloudy days. Make it for a casual weeknight dinner or when hosting friends and family.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Vegan Baked Potato Soup turns out well, avoid some common mistakes. First, do not skip the soaking step for the cashews if you don’t have a high-powered blender. This step is essential to achieving that creamy texture.

Secondly, don’t rush the sautéing process; this will sacrifice flavor. Be patient to extract the best taste from the onions and garlic.

Moreover, remember to season appropriately. Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Lastly, be careful not to over-blend, which can change the texture and make it too smooth, losing the desired chunkiness.

Nutritional Notes

Vegan Baked Potato Soup offers a variety of nutrients. Potatoes provide fiber, vitamins C and B6, and potassium, all essential for a healthy diet.

The addition of cashews brings healthy fats and proteins, making this soup satisfying. Nutritional yeast adds B vitamins, particularly B12, a crucial nutrient for those on a vegan diet.

This recipe is low in cholesterol and saturated fats, making it a heart-healthy choice. The overall combination of ingredients creates a nutrient-dense meal you can feel good about.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, Vegan Baked Potato Soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

Can I use other types of milk besides soy?

Certainly! Almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk can be used as a substitute for soy milk.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

Vegan Baked Potato Soup is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with delightful flavors. Its creamy texture and scrumptious toppings make it a favorite for many.

With easy steps and versatile ingredients, this recipe ensures everyone can enjoy a classic comfort food that warms and nourishes. Whether it’s a hot day or a chilly evening, this soup is just what you need. Enjoy every warming spoonful and the creativity of customizing it to your taste!