If you’re craving a cozy, comforting soup that’s both nutritious and downright delicious, this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe is going to become your new favorite. I’ve made this soup countless times, and every single spoonful bursts with creamy, vibrant broccoli goodness — perfect for chilly evenings or a simple lunch that feels special. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using a mix of butter, olive oil, and herbs gives this soup a rich base that’s both comforting and fresh.
Creamy, Not Overwhelming: The balance of milk and heavy cream creates that perfect velvety texture without feeling too heavy.
Fresh Broccoli Front and Center: Plenty of broccoli florets make the soup vibrant and nutritious, both in taste and in color.
Easy to Customize: This recipe lets you tweak it however you like, making it a foolproof go-to for all skill levels.

Cream of Broccoli Soup, broccoli soup recipe, healthy broccoli soup, easy broccoli soup, comforting vegetable 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 a vital role in bringing out that luscious, comforting flavor we all crave. Plus, I’ll share a few tips on picking the best produce and pantry staples so your soup turns out perfect every time.

Cream of Broccoli Soup, broccoli soup recipe, healthy broccoli soup, easy broccoli soup, comforting vegetable 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, creating a flavorful foundation.
Olive Oil: Helps elevate the butter’s flavor and prevents it from burning during sautéing.
White Onion: Gives sweetness and depth when caramelized gently.
Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth—the fresher, the better!
Dried Thyme: Brings an earthy note that pairs beautifully with broccoli.
Dried Oregano: Adds a subtle, savory complexity without overpowering.
All-Purpose Flour: Works as a thickening agent for that creamy, dreamy consistency.
Vegetable Broth: Keeps the soup light and flavorful—homemade or store-bought is fine.
Milk: Balances out the creaminess without heaviness.
Heavy Cream: This is the magic that makes the soup silky smooth.
Broccoli Florets: The star of the show—fresh broccoli means vibrant color and better taste.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—start small and adjust as you go.

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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

I love how forgiving this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe is—you can make it as classic or creative as you like. I often jazz it up depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. You should definitely experiment and find your perfect version!

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when I want warmth beyond the usual cozy vibe.
Cheesy Upgrade: Melting in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan gives a velvety richness that’s pure comfort food magic.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the milk and cream for coconut milk or cashew cream—I’ve tried it, and it’s a lovely twist!
Extra Herbaceous: Fresh basil or parsley stirred in at the end brightens things up beautifully.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When the butter melts and the oil is shimmering, add your diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 to 8 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent—this is where all the sweet, savory foundation gets laid. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté just for a minute more, until fragrant. Keep a close eye here; garlic burns fast and can turn bitter.

Step 2: Add Herbs and Flour for a Flavorful Roux

Sprinkle in the dried thyme and oregano, then immediately stir in the flour. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the flour turns a light golden color. This step is crucial—it cooks off the raw flour taste and thickens the soup later. If you rush, your soup may end up grainy or underseasoned, so patience pays off here!

Step 3: Add Liquids and Broccoli, Then Simmer

Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, milk, and heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep things smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer before dropping in the broccoli florets. Lower the heat and let everything cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the soup thickens slightly. This is also the perfect time to taste the broth—add salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Blend to Creamy Perfection

Grab your immersion blender and carefully purée the soup right in the pot until silky smooth. Don’t have an immersion blender? No worries! Just ladle the soup in batches into a regular blender with a vented lid and pulse gently. Be cautious when blending hot liquids—remove the center piece of the blender lid or leave it slightly open to release steam safely. Then, season once more if needed, and you’re ready to serve!

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Pro Tips for Making Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe

Use Fresh Broccoli: I always opt for fresh florets over frozen for that bright green color and fresh flavor—it really makes the soup pop.
Don’t Skip the Roux: Cooking the flour with butter and herbs is key to avoiding a raw flour taste and ensuring smooth thickness.
Blend in Batches Carefully: When using a regular blender, blend small amounts at a time to avoid splatters and hot spills.
Adjust Thickness With Broth or Cream: If your soup gets too thick, just whisk in a little extra broth or milk before serving.

How to Serve Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe

Cream of Broccoli Soup, broccoli soup recipe, healthy broccoli soup, easy broccoli soup, comforting vegetable 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

For garnishes, I love topping my soup with a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar or a dollop of sour cream—it adds a luscious tang. Some toasted pine nuts or a few crispy croutons also bring a wonderful crunch. Freshly chopped parsley or chives brighten up each bowl beautifully, making it look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a warm grilled cheese sandwich—my favorite childhood combo! For a lighter side, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creaminess well. Sometimes, I even serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a simple quinoa salad for a more filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve the Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls or elegant white ramekins with a swirl of cream on top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on the surface gives it a fancy touch without extra effort. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and looks stunning on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. When you reheat, just warm it gently on the stove over low heat so it doesn’t scorch or separate.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to save portions for later. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It lasts about 2 months frozen. When thawing, I recommend overnight in the fridge to keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat the soup slowly on the stovetop, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, just whisk in a splash of broth, milk, or cream to get back that perfect consistency. Avoid microwaving whenever possible to prevent uneven heating or curdling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw it before adding to the soup and be aware that the soup might be slightly less vibrant in color and texture, but it will still taste delicious and nutritious.
How do I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?

Simply substitute the butter for olive oil or a vegan margarine, and use plant-based milk (like unsweetened almond or oat milk) along with a dairy-free cream alternative such as coconut cream or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth to keep it vegan. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.
Can I add other vegetables to this Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Cauliflower, spinach, or kale work well if you want to boost the nutrition or alter the flavor profile. Just add them along with the broccoli and adjust cooking times if needed to ensure everything is tender.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup is too thin, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, whisk together a small slurry of flour or cornstarch with cold water and slowly stir it in, cooking until you reach your desired thickness.
How do I avoid a grainy texture after blending?

Make sure you cook the flour long enough with the onions and herbs to eliminate any raw flavor, and blend the soup thoroughly and evenly. Using an immersion blender in the pot helps prevent transferring hot liquid and keeps the texture smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe feels like a warm hug in a bowl every time I make it, and I can’t recommend it enough. From the velvety texture to the fresh broccoli flavor, it’s both simple and indulgent without being complicated. So next time your kitchen needs a little comfort or your taste buds want something nourishing, try this recipe—you’ll thank yourself for it!