Broccoli Soup Recipe
If you’re craving a bowl of cozy comfort packed with greens, look no further than Broccoli Soup. This classic recipe transforms humble, everyday ingredients into a silky, deeply flavorful dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or searching for a satisfying way to sneak extra veggies onto your table, Broccoli Soup has you covered with its creamy texture, vibrant color, and gentle, savory taste that delights both adults and kids. Trust me, once you try this easy homemade version, you’ll never look at broccoli the same way again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Broccoli Soup lies in its simplicity — every ingredient serves a delicious purpose in bringing out the best flavors, textures, and that amazing emerald-green color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single one:
- Olive oil or butter: Gives the soup a rich base and starts things off with a subtle depth of flavor.
- Medium onion (chopped): Adds gentle sweetness and enhances the overall savoriness.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Just a couple transform the aroma and create delicious complexity.
- Fresh broccoli florets: The star of the show, lending color, nutrients, and an earthy, mild flavor.
- Medium potato (peeled and diced): A secret weapon for creaminess without needing heavy dairy.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Provides savory backbone and helps meld all the ingredients smoothly together.
- Salt: Absolutely essential for bringing out all those green, vibrant notes.
- Black pepper: Brings a subtle warmth and elevates every spoonful.
- Dried thyme (optional): Just a pinch adds herby fragrance and an extra layer of interest.
- Heavy cream or whole milk (optional): If you like your Broccoli Soup extra creamy and luxurious, this finishes it beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese for garnish (optional): Melts into the hot soup and adds a cheesy, comforting touch that’s just irresistible.
How to Make Broccoli Soup
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by heating your olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. As the fat melts and warms, add your chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds, until your kitchen is filled with an unforgettable, savory aroma — your first promise of delicious Broccoli Soup on the way!
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Add the fresh broccoli florets and diced potato to the pot, then pour in your chosen vegetable or chicken broth. Gently stir in salt, pepper, and thyme, if you’re using it. The combination instantly looks wholesome and smells like pure comfort. Turn up the heat and bring the pot to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the veggies simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the broccoli and potato are fork-tender and your kitchen smells amazing. This slow simmer coaxes out flavor while softening everything for blending.
Step 4: Purée to Silky Perfection
Carefully remove the pot from the heat. For a creamy texture, puree the soup until velvety-smooth using an immersion blender right in the pot. Alternatively, you can work in batches with a countertop blender, but be careful with the hot liquid! This step transforms your Broccoli Soup into a luscious, sippable delight.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the blended soup to the pot and gently rewarm if needed. Stir in the heavy cream or whole milk if you like an extra luxurious touch. Taste and tweak the salt or pepper to your liking. Ladle into bowls and, if you wish, shower each serving with a flourish of shredded cheddar cheese. Your homemade Broccoli Soup is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Broccoli Soup
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Sprinkle freshly-shredded cheddar cheese right before serving for a melty, cheesy finish. A swirl of cream, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or even a few toasted seeds or nuts can elevate your Broccoli Soup and make every bowl feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Broccoli Soup pairs perfectly with an array of classic comfort sides. Serve it alongside buttery garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or a thick slice of rustic sourdough for dipping. For a heartier meal, enjoy it with a simple grilled cheese sandwich — dunking encouraged!
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests (or yourself!) by serving Broccoli Soup in bread bowls for a cozy twist. Try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or herbed crème fraîche, or sprinkle with microgreens for color and crunch. For a fresh pop, float a few steamed broccoli florets or roasted chickpeas on top for texture and extra nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about Broccoli Soup is that it stores beautifully! Let your soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners on the fly.
Freezing
Broccoli Soup freezes surprisingly well, with just a couple of tricks. For best results, freeze it before adding any cream or cheese — simply cool the blended soup, pour into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little room for expansion), and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and stirring in cream or milk at the end.
Reheating
To reheat Broccoli Soup, pour it into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot but not simmering. If the soup looks too thick, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling if you’ve added dairy, as this can cause it to separate.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works wonderfully in this soup and can be tossed in straight from the freezer. It makes this recipe even more convenient while still delivering that signature Broccoli Soup flavor and creamy texture.
Is there a way to make this Broccoli Soup vegan?
Yes, turning this into a vegan Broccoli Soup is simple. Use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth, and skip the cream or substitute it with your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk. Finish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy touch without dairy!
How can I make Broccoli Soup even creamier without adding a lot of cream?
The potato is the secret! It naturally thickens the soup and creates a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. For extra silkiness, blend the soup thoroughly and consider adding a splash more milk or a scoop of plain Greek yogurt just before serving.
What herbs and seasonings pair best with Broccoli Soup?
Thyme is a lovely addition, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Fresh parsley, chives, or even a hint of nutmeg can bring exciting new layers to your Broccoli Soup. Add them toward the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavor.
Can I make this Broccoli Soup ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! In fact, the flavors actually deepen if you make Broccoli Soup a day ahead. Simply reheat gently on the stove before serving, and add your favorite garnishes at the last minute for an extra-special presentation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, wholesome dish that comes together with nothing but simple ingredients and a little love, Broccoli Soup is your answer. With its creamy texture, bold color, and warm, inviting flavor, it’s a bowlful of happiness every time. Gather your ingredients and give it a try — your tastebuds (and your loved ones) will thank you!
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Broccoli Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy broccoli soup recipe that is both nutritious and delicious. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional)
- shredded cheddar cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil or butter: In a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic: Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the vegetables: Add broccoli, potato, broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer until tender.
- Puree the soup: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender until smooth.
- Finish the soup: Stir in cream or milk, warm through, adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with cheddar cheese.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and omit the cream or substitute with unsweetened plant-based milk.
- You can also add spinach or peas for extra color and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
