Cream of broccoli soup is a timeless comfort food that’s creamy, nutritious, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you want a cozy lunch or a light dinner, this soup hits the spot with its rich texture and vibrant green flavor. If you’ve ever wondered how to make cream of broccoli soup from scratch, this guide will walk you through a foolproof recipe that anyone can master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic cream of broccoli soup, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
– Fresh broccoli florets (about 3 to 4 cups)
– Butter (around 5 tablespoons, divided)
– Onion and garlic for flavor
– Chicken broth or vegetable broth (about 3 cups)
– Flour (to thicken the soup)
– Half-and-half, heavy cream, or milk (for creaminess)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Optional extras include celery, carrot, and Parmesan or cheddar cheese for added depth and richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Broccoli
Start by washing and chopping your broccoli into medium-sized florets. You can also use broccoli stems, peeled and chopped, to reduce waste and add nutrition. Some recipes suggest blanching the broccoli briefly in boiling water for 15 to 20 seconds to brighten the color and soften it slightly, then draining it.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. You can also add diced celery or carrot at this stage for extra flavor and texture.
3. Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the pot along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook until the broccoli is tender and vibrant green—usually around 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Blend the Soup
Once the broccoli is cooked, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until creamy.
5. Make the Creamy Base
In a separate small saucepan, melt the remaining butter (about 3 tablespoons) over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 3 minutes until it turns a pale golden color and loses its raw taste. Slowly whisk in the half-and-half, heavy cream, or milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes.
6. Combine and Season
Pour the creamy mixture into the blended broccoli soup and stir well to combine. Heat the soup gently until warmed through, but do not boil. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For an extra touch, stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese until melted.
Tips for the Perfect Cream of Broccoli Soup
– Use fresh broccoli whenever possible for the best flavor and texture, but frozen works fine in a pinch.
– Don’t skip sautéing the aromatics like onion and garlic—they build the soup’s flavor foundation.
– Cook the flour properly in the butter to avoid a raw flour taste in your soup.
– Blend thoroughly to achieve a silky smooth texture that feels indulgent but is packed with veggies.
– Customize your creaminess by adjusting the amount and type of dairy or dairy alternatives.
– Add a garnish of reserved broccoli florets, a sprinkle of cheese, or freshly cracked black pepper for a beautiful presentation and extra flavor.
Variations to Try
– Vegan or dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth, and coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy cream.
– Cheesy broccoli soup: Add sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a richer, tangy flavor.
– Add herbs and spices: Thyme, nutmeg, or smoked paprika can add subtle complexity.
– Make it heartier: Toss in cooked potatoes or white beans before blending for extra body.
Cream of broccoli soup is a versatile dish that’s perfect for warming up chilly days or serving as a light starter. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality soup right at home, made with wholesome ingredients and lots of love.
Enjoy your homemade cream of broccoli soup with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.
Delicious, creamy, and comforting—this soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!