Cream of Broccoli Soup is the cozy, comforting meal that always delivers—you know, that magical combination of velvety texture, gorgeous green color, and just the right hint of earthiness from fresh broccoli. This creamy classic bridges the gap between everyday simplicity and a soup that feels like something truly special. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you sigh with happiness as you dip your spoon in, whether you’re seeking a quick nourishing lunch, or impressing dinner guests with a beautiful first course. If you’re a fan of soups that are rich, heartwarming, and full of flavor, this is the one you need in your kitchen repertoire.

Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great Cream of Broccoli Soup starts with just a handful of simple but important ingredients. Each one brings its own magic—whether it’s deep flavor, silky mouthfeel, or that signature green hue.

Fresh broccoli: Go for big, bright green crowns, including stems—this is what gives the soup its vibrant flavor and body.
Onion: Sweet or yellow onions are perfect for a mild depth that enhances, not overpowers, the broccoli.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves add a mellow nuttiness and fragrance that lifts the whole dish.
Butter: Adds rich, creamy notes and makes the base luxurious and smooth.
All-purpose flour: This thickens the soup without making it heavy.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Offers savory backbone, while keeping the soup light enough to let the broccoli shine.
Heavy cream: For that classic, luscious finish and a gorgeous, pale-green color.
Salt and pepper: Just the basics to let your other ingredients take center stage.
Freshly grated nutmeg (optional): A pinch adds a hint of warmth and complexity you’ll notice in every spoonful.

How to Make Cream of Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Chop the florets into bite-size pieces, and don’t toss those stems—peel and cube them as well. The stems give your Cream of Broccoli Soup even more flavor and a delightfully creamy texture once blended.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until it turns translucent and softens up. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it releases its fragrance—don’t let it brown.

Step 3: Add Flour to Make a Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes. This helps eliminate any raw flour flavor and lays the foundation for a silky, thick soup. It should become a pale, paste-like mixture before you move on.

Step 4: Pour In Broth and Simmer

Gradually whisk in the broth, making sure to dissolve the roux and create a smooth mixture. Add all of the broccoli pieces. Turn up the heat to bring it just to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 15-20 minutes, until the broccoli is fork-tender and the soup is fragrant and green.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Once the broccoli is fully cooked, it’s time to blend. For that classically smooth Cream of Broccoli Soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Blend until you reach your preferred consistency—totally smooth or just a little bit chunky for extra texture.

Step 6: Add Cream and Season

Stir in the heavy cream for luxurious richness. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and that tiny pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy. Reheat gently if needed, but don’t let it boil after adding cream to keep everything silky and luscious.

How to Serve Cream of Broccoli Soup

Garnishes

This is the fun part! A swirl of extra cream, a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper, or a shower of finely shredded cheese can make your bowl gorgeous. For a bit of crunch, try homemade croutons, toasted nuts, or even a scattering of crispy bacon. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley brighten things up beautifully, too.

Side Dishes

Cream of Broccoli Soup pairs well with crusty bread, buttery rolls, or a warm baguette. If you want to make it a full meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad dressed simply, or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special occasion, serve in bread bowls, or top with a drizzle of truffle oil for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Pour the soup into small espresso cups as an elegant appetizer at a gathering, or try ladling it over cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover Cream of Broccoli Soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the flavors will deepen and develop overnight for even tastier bowls the next day.

Freezing

Cream-based soups can be tricky, but this one holds up well! Freeze in individual portions for easy meals. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For best results, you can stir in a splash of fresh cream after reheating to revive the original texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat Cream of Broccoli Soup over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent scorching. If it’s thickened up in the fridge, add a bit of broth or water as it warms. Avoid boiling to keep the soup creamy and prevent separation.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient substitute and works well for Cream of Broccoli Soup. Just add it straight from the freezer—there’s no need to thaw, but you might need to simmer an extra minute or two.

Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil or plant-based butter, and use coconut cream or a thick cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Use a good-quality vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegan alternative.

Can I make Cream of Broccoli Soup ahead of time?

You sure can. This soup actually tastes better after a day in the fridge, as the flavors meld and develop. Just reheat gently, and add a splash of fresh cream if it needs loosening up.

How can I make it thicker or thinner?

For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered a little longer to reduce, or use less broth. To thin it out, just add more broth, cream, or even a touch of milk until you reach your perfect consistency.

What can I do with leftover Cream of Broccoli Soup?

Besides simply reheating, you can use leftovers as a rich pasta sauce, a base for casseroles, or even as an inventive topping for baked potatoes. It’s so versatile—you’ll never get bored of finding new ways to enjoy it!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried homemade Cream of Broccoli Soup, now’s your chance to turn a humble vegetable into absolute comfort-in-a-bowl. Give it a try, play around with the garnishes, and savor every spoonful—it might just become your new go-to favorite for chilly evenings, lunch with friends, or any time you crave something truly satisfying.

Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe

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5.2 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy soup that highlights the fresh flavors of broccoli in every spoonful. This Cream of Broccoli Soup is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup:

4 cups broccoli florets
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

Croutons
Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and cook for another 5 minutes.
Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
Finish: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Heat through but do not boil.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with croutons, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley.

Notes

You can customize the consistency of the soup by adding more or less vegetable broth.
For a healthier version, you can use milk instead of heavy cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American