Do you remember the first time you tried cream of broccoli soup? Maybe it was a bit bland, a bit boring? This cream of broccoli soup recipe is a classic comfort food, but with a bright, fresh twist that will elevate your soup game. I’ll guide you through making this simple and delicious soup, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Whether you’re looking for a fast recipe or helpful tips, you’re in the right place. Get ready to learn how to make the best cream of broccoli soup you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average broccoli soup! I’ve added a special touch to really make it shine.
The Secret Ingredient: Lemon! A touch of lemon zest and juice brightens the flavor of the soup, enhancing the natural taste of broccoli and cutting through the richness of the cream. The acidity balances the creaminess, and the zest adds aromatic complexity.
Quick and easy to make. You can have a bowl of this comforting soup on the table in under 30 minutes.
Family-friendly. It’s a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies. My kids love it!
Budget-friendly. This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients, making it a great choice for any budget.
Meal-prep friendly. You can easily store leftovers for easy and delicious lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients Needed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42.4 grams)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (if using table salt, start with 1/2 a teaspoon)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour (40 grams)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth (907 grams)
- 6 cups broccoli florets (see note 1 (448 grams)
- 1 cup half and half (see note 2)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Let’s talk ingredients. Here are some notes and substitutions to help you customize this cream of broccoli soup to your liking.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter in this recipe because it gives me more control over the salt content. If you’re using salted butter, just be sure to taste the soup at the end and adjust the salt accordingly. You can learn more about different types of butter and their uses on Allrecipes.
Broth: You can use either chicken broth or vegetable broth in this recipe. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth is the obvious choice. Chicken broth will add a bit more richness.
Half and Half: If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use milk instead of half and half. Just be aware that the soup won’t be quite as creamy. For an even richer soup, use heavy cream.
Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot starch to thicken the soup. Use about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the soup after blending.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is my go-to, but you CAN use frozen broccoli. The texture will be different, but it will still work in a pinch. Thaw it slightly before adding it to the soup.
How to Make Cream of Broccoli Soup
This cream of broccoli soup recipe is so easy, even a beginner can make it perfectly! Here’s how:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onions are tender and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 30 seconds. This will create a pale roux that will help thicken the soup.
For more information, the Britannica website provides a comprehensive overview of roux and its culinary uses.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Very slowly pour in the chicken stock (or vegetable stock). Add about 2 tablespoons at a time, fully whisking it in and combining it before adding more. As you add more, you will be able to add it more quickly. While you want to go slowly here to make the roux, the whole process will take less than a minute or so. Whisk constantly to avoid lumps!
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Stir in the broccoli florets, bring to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is soft and tender. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork. The broccoli will turn a vibrant green as it cooks.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, blend the soup in a regular blender in batches, being careful to vent the lid to avoid pressure buildup.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Stir in the half and half and allow the soup to warm through. Do not boil after adding half-and-half to prevent curdling. Just before serving, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. This is the secret to a bright, flavorful soup!
Serve your delicious cream of broccoli soup topped with homemade croutons if desired.
How to Adjust the Thickness & Texture
Want your soup thicker or thinner? Chunkier or smoother? Here’s how to customize the texture to your liking.
To make the soup thicker, simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) or puree a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
For a chunky soup, blend only a portion of the soup or skip the blending step entirely. If you prefer a smoother soup, blend until completely smooth and strain if desired. You could also consider adding reserved broccoli florets after blending to add some texture back into the soup.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Here are some of my top tips for making the best cream of broccoli soup, plus some common mistakes to avoid.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t skip the lemon! It’s the secret to a bright, flavorful soup.
- Use fresh, vibrant broccoli for the best flavor.
- Sauté the onions and garlic until softened but not browned to prevent a bitter taste.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth and depth of flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- If using an immersion blender, be careful to avoid splattering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Burning the garlic (keep heat on medium).
- Adding all the broth at once (leads to lumps).
- Boiling the soup after adding the half and half (can cause curdling).
- Overcooking the broccoli (loses its bright green color and becomes mushy).
- Not seasoning properly (taste and adjust).
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas:
This cream of broccoli soup is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to take it to the next level:
- Serve with homemade croutons for a satisfying crunch.
- Pair it with garlic bread for dipping.
- Enjoy it alongside a crisp chicken salad recipe.
- Serve with a crisp side salad.
- Sprinkle with a bit of parmesan cheese.
- Add a swirl of cream or yogurt.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Storage and Make-Ahead:
Here’s how to store your leftover soup and how to make it ahead of time:
- Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Allow to cool completely before freezing. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Or, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Conclusion
This cream of broccoli soup recipe is easy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. The lemon twist is the secret to its amazing flavor! Don’t be intimidated if you’re new to cooking; this recipe is simple and straightforward. Feel free to experiment with different variations, like adding cheddar cheese or other vegetables. If you enjoyed this cream of broccoli soup recipe, be sure to print it out for easy access or share it with your friends! Also, check out my other soup recipes for more comforting meal ideas.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about making cream of broccoli soup:
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it slightly before adding it to the soup. Note that the texture may be slightly softer than fresh broccoli.
How do I store and reheat leftover soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze cream of broccoli soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Allow to cool completely before freezing. The texture may change slightly after freezing.
What are some good serving suggestions for cream of broccoli soup?
Serve with croutons, garlic bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a side salad.
How can I make cream of broccoli soup thicker?
Simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid, add a cornstarch slurry, or puree a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
How can I make cream of broccoli soup vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Speaking of vegan recipes, have you tried these crispy pan fried tofu? It’s simple and very delicious.
Best Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe: Bright & Easy!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onions are tender and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
- Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 30 seconds. This will create a pale roux that will help thicken the soup.
- Very slowly pour in the chicken stock (or vegetable stock). Add about 2 tablespoons at a time, fully whisking it in and combining it before adding more. As you add more, you will be able to add it more quickly. While you want to go slowly here to make the roux, the whole process will take less than a minute or so. Whisk constantly to avoid lumps!
- Stir in the broccoli florets, bring to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is soft and tender. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork. The broccoli will turn a vibrant green as it cooks.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, blend the soup in a regular blender in batches, being careful to vent the lid to avoid pressure buildup.
- Stir in the half and half and allow the soup to warm through. Do not boil after adding half-and-half to prevent curdling. Just before serving, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. This is the secret to a bright, flavorful soup!
- Serve your delicious cream of broccoli soup topped with homemade croutons if desired.
Notes
Lia Monet is a food blogger, recipe developer, and the founder of EasyAsMeals, a food blog focused on easy recipes, quick dinners, and everyday home cooking. She creates tested, family-friendly recipes using simple ingredients to help busy families cook affordable and delicious meals at home.
