If you’ve ever craved a comforting bowl of green goodness that’s both velvety and packed with nutrients, this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe is the cozy hug you need on a chilly day. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes that’s super easy to throw together but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. Plus, it’s kitchen-friendly, uses simple ingredients, and always gets rave reviews whenever I serve it to friends and family. Stick with me—I’ll share all my favorite tips to make sure your soup turns out fantastic every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: The basics come together beautifully to create a rich, creamy soup without complicating things.
Perfect Balance: The blend of broccoli, herbs, and creamy dairy hits that cozy, savory note every time.
Fast and Fuss-Free: Ready in about 35 minutes, making it a great weeknight go-to without any stress.
Customizable to Taste: Easily tweak herbs, creaminess, or add-ins so it always suits what you’re craving.

Cream of Broccoli Soup, Broccoli Soup Recipe, Easy Broccoli Soup, Healthy Creamy Soup, Vegetarian Broccoli Soup - A large white pot filled with creamy, light green broccoli soup with tiny bits of broccoli visible in the smooth texture. The pot has two white handles and sits on a wooden surface. Around the pot there are fresh dark green broccoli heads on the left and a small pile of shredded orange cheese on the right. A white and black striped cloth is draped casually behind the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe plays an important role, combining textures and flavors that create a satisfying, luscious bowl of soup. Plus, many are pantry staples you probably already have, so it’s straightforward to get started. Here’s a quick look:

Cream of Broccoli Soup, Broccoli Soup Recipe, Easy Broccoli Soup, Healthy Creamy Soup, Vegetarian Broccoli Soup - Flat lay of fresh broccoli florets, a medium diced white onion, whole garlic cloves, sprigs of dried thyme and oregano, a small mound of salted butter, and a splash of creamy milk and heavy cream artfully arranged in clear glass containers, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions while building the soup’s base flavor.
Olive Oil: Balances the butter’s richness and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
White Onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth when cooked slowly.
Garlic: A little punch of aroma and flavor that complements the broccoli perfectly.
Dried Thyme & Oregano: These herbs bring warmth and a hint of earthiness that elevates the soup’s profile.
All-Purpose Flour: Key for thickening the soup to that perfect creamy texture.
Vegetable Broth: Provides a savory, umami base without overpowering the broccoli.
Milk & Heavy Cream: The twin pillars of creaminess that make this soup feel indulgent but still light.
Broccoli Florets: The star ingredient, packed with nutrients and that fresh, green flavor you’re craving.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything into perfect harmony.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

You’ll find I love tweaking this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the vibe I want to create. A pinch more herbs, a splash of spice, or a swap for a dairy-free version can totally shift the experience—and it’s fun to personalize!

Variation: Sometimes, I add a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy twist that’s perfect if I want a heartier meal.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the milk and cream for coconut milk or cashew cream — it transforms the soup while keeping it silky and rich.
Veggie Boost: Try adding chopped carrots or celery when cooking the onions for a richer vegetable base and added texture.
Spice it Up: I like a pinch of red chili flakes or some smoked paprika if I’m craving a little warmth and depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Soften Those Onions and Garlic

Start by melting butter and heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook them slowly for about 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll want to see them become translucent and soft, not brown or crispy—that’s key for a sweet, mellow flavor in the soup. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute so it softens but doesn’t burn. Burnt garlic can turn bitter, so keep your eye on it.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Herbs and Flour

Now, sprinkle in thyme and oregano, stirring them around so the herbs wake up and infuse the butter-onion mix. Then, add the flour and stir. This is your thickening base—cook it until the flour turns a light golden color, about 2 minutes. This ‘roux’ step is essential because it avoids any raw flour taste and helps your soup thicken up gorgeously.

Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Bring to a Simmer

Pour in your vegetable broth, milk, and heavy cream while stirring constantly. This prevents lumps and helps everything combine evenly. Turn the heat up just enough to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—you don’t want it boiling rapidly, just enough to meld the flavors and start thickening. Once it simmers, add the broccoli florets and immediately drop the heat to low.

Step 4: Simmer and Purée to Perfection

Let everything simmer for around 8-10 minutes. The broccoli should be tender but still bright green—that fresh color is a good sign! Now comes the fun part: use an immersion blender right in the pot to purée your soup into that wonderfully smooth, creamy texture everyone loves. If you don’t have an immersion blender, ladle the soup carefully into a regular blender in batches, pulsing gently to avoid hot splashes.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy here—you want to bring out all those subtle flavors. Give it a quick stir and serve hot in your favorite bowls.

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Pro Tips for Making Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe

Fresh Broccoli is Best: I always opt for fresh florets instead of frozen—they give better texture and flavor, especially when pureed.
Don’t Skip the Roux: Cooking the flour a bit helps avoid any pasty taste and drastically improves mouthfeel.
Blend Carefully: Let the soup cool slightly before blending to prevent splatters and heat burns.
Season Last: Adjust salt and pepper after blending—it’s easier to judge your flavor after everything comes together.

How to Serve Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe

Cream of Broccoli Soup, Broccoli Soup Recipe, Easy Broccoli Soup, Healthy Creamy Soup, Vegetarian Broccoli Soup - A white bowl holds creamy light green broccoli soup, topped with a small pile of bright yellow shredded cheddar cheese and a single small green broccoli floret on top. The bowl is set on a wooden surface, with a few small broccoli florets beside it. A silver spoon rests to the right of the bowl, and a loosely folded gray and white striped cloth is visible in the background. The scene is warm and inviting, with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m all about simple garnishes that add a little flair and texture. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top is my go-to for salty richness. Sometimes, I like to add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a small handful of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley add a lovely pop of color and brightness too.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread—like a baguette or sourdough—for dunking. I also enjoy serving it with a simple mixed green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. For heartier meals, a grilled cheese sandwich is a classic and unbeatable companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve used small ramekins or hollowed-out mini bread bowls to serve individual portions—it’s such a charming presentation idea that guests always comment on. If you want to get fancy, swirl in a spoonful of pesto or a drizzle of hot chili oil for color contrast and a flavor surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to let any leftover soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe freezes pretty well, though I recommend freezing before adding any dairy to keep texture from changing too much. When freezing, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and label the date. It should stay good for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If it seems a bit thick, adding a splash of milk or broth can bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency. Avoid boiling it again, as that can separate the cream and change the texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegan, swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter, replace milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegetable broth as usual. The soup will still be creamy and flavorful, just without dairy.
Do I have to peel the broccoli stems?

You don’t have to peel them fully, but I like to trim the tough ends and peel away the outer layer if it feels fibrous. Then chop the stems into small pieces and add them along with the florets to reduce waste and add extra flavor and nutrients.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

No worries! Just ladle the soup in batches into a regular blender. Make sure to vent the lid slightly to let steam escape and avoid pressure build-up. Pulse gently until smooth, then return soup to the pot for seasoning and serving.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You can, but fresh broccoli offers better flavor and texture in this soup. If using frozen, thaw it first and reduce the simmer time slightly to avoid overcooking, which can make the soup taste watery or mushy.
How thick should my Cream of Broccoli Soup be?

It should be creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still easily spoonable. If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth or milk until you hit the right consistency; too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.

Final Thoughts

This Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe has become my go-to comfort food when I want something simple yet deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of soup you come back to again and again because it’s both nostalgic and delicious, wildly easy to customize, and perfect for sharing. Give it a try—I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too, just like it did with me and all my friends. Cozy up with a bowl, some good company, and you’re all set.