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If you’re craving a soup that’s both comforting and bursting with fresh, green flavor, you’re going to adore this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe. It’s lighter than many traditional cream soups but doesn’t skimp on that creamy, silky texture that makes you feel cozy from the inside out. With tender broccoli stalks and florets cooked to perfection, blended into a velvety smooth bowl of goodness, this recipe turns simple ingredients into pure magic. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and perfect for a quick lunch or a soothing dinner on chilly evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a white pot filled with a warm soup that has visible small broccoli florets, pale yellow potato slices, and soft translucent onion pieces floating in a light greenish broth. A small square of butter melts at the center, adding a creamy texture and a light yellow color contrast. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, making the colors of the soup stand out naturally. The scene focuses on the fresh, cooked vegetables with a soft and slightly chunky texture, showing a comforting homemade meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious soup, and you’ll find each one brings something special to the table. With just a handful of staples, you’ll balance flavors beautifully, from the sweetness of onions to the bright zing of lemon juice.

Unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons: Essential for that rich, silky base, used at different stages to build flavor.
Yellow onions, 2 medium: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened slowly.
Garlic cloves, 6 smashed: Gives a subtle aromatic kick without overpowering the broccoli.
Fine sea salt, 1 ¼ teaspoons: Enhances every layer of flavor, added in steps to control seasoning.
Freshly ground black pepper: Brings just enough heat and complexity to lift the soup.
Broccoli, 2 pounds (with stalks): The star ingredient, used whole to maximize flavor and nutrition.
Water, 6 cups: The cooking liquid that keeps the soup light without diluting flavor.
Lemon juice, 1 to 2 teaspoons: Adds brightness and balances the creaminess perfectly.
Optional garnishes – heavy cream and fresh chives: For that elegant finishing touch and extra indulgence.

How to Make Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot on medium-low heat. Toss in your chopped onions, smashed garlic, a pinch of salt, and a few good twists of black pepper. Cover and let them cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and just begin to turn golden. This slow cooking develops the natural sweetness that forms the backbone of your soup.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

While your onions are cooking, trim the broccoli stalks by slicing off the rough bottoms and peeling away their tough outer layers. Cut the peeled stalks into chunky pieces. Then, carefully separate the florets from the heads and reserve them. The stalks will cook first to break down their fibrous texture, while the florets will be added later to keep their vibrant green color and delicate bite.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli Stalks

Add the chopped broccoli stalks to the pot with the softened onions and garlic. Pour in the water and the remaining salt, then bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Immediately reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently. This slow simmer until the stalks are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes, ensures a naturally sweet and earthy base without any bitterness.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli Florets

Once the stalks are tender, stir in the chopped broccoli florets. Cover the pot again and cook for another 4 to 7 minutes, just long enough for the florets to turn a brilliant green and become fork-tender. This step keeps their fresh flavor vibrant, so the soup has dimension and isn’t just one flat, blended note.

Step 5: Blend Until Silky Smooth

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the last tablespoon of butter for extra creaminess. Working in batches, carefully transfer the soup into a blender, filling only to the max fill line to avoid spills. Blend each portion until completely smooth, then return it all to the pot. If you prefer, use an immersion blender right in the pot for a slightly more textured, rustic finish. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your exact preference, tasting carefully while hot.

How to Serve Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe

A large white pot filled with smooth, bright green soup with a creamy texture and gentle swirls on the surface. To the left of the pot, there is half a lemon and a small clear glass pitcher with white liquid inside. To the lower right, there is a fresh broccoli floret placed on a white marble surface. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The simplest garnishes can elevate your soup to something special. A light drizzle of heavy cream adds luxurious silkiness, while a sprinkle of finely snipped fresh chives lends a pop of color and mild onion flavor that complements the broccoli perfectly.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or buttery crackers, perfect for dipping. A side salad with bright, tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the soup and keeps the meal feeling fresh and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or pour into small ramekins topped with toasted breadcrumbs and melted cheese for a gratin-style finish. You could even swirl in pesto or a stretch of crunchy roasted broccoli florets on top to add texture and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When ready to enjoy again, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to revive the bright, fresh flavors that can mellow out during refrigeration.

Freezing

This Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe freezes very well. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Warm your soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the texture smooth and prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up, then taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be a convenient option, though fresh broccoli typically yields a brighter flavor and better texture. If using frozen, you might want to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

Is this soup suitable for vegans?

This recipe as written includes butter and optional cream, which aren’t vegan. To make it vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative and skip the cream garnish or use coconut cream instead.

Can I add cheese to the soup?

Absolutely! A handful of grated cheddar or Parmesan stirred in at the end adds a wonderful savory depth. Just remember to adjust your salt accordingly since cheese does contribute saltiness.

What’s the best blender to use for this soup?

A high-speed stand blender gives the creamiest results, but an immersion blender works well if you prefer less cleanup and a bit more texture. Whichever you choose, blend the soup in batches if needed to avoid spills.

Can I make this recipe on the stove top only?

Yes, this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe is designed for stovetop cooking. It’s straightforward and requires just one pot, making cleanup easy and the process quite user-friendly.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe. It’s comforting, fresh, and packed with broccoli goodness in every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a quick weekday dinner or a nourishing weekend treat, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to soups. Give it a try, and let yourself savor the simple pleasure of a bowl of silky, vibrant broccoli soup made with love.

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