Cream Of Broccoli Soup Recipe

Step by StepJump to Recipe

Cream of Broccoli Soup is the perfect comfort food on cold winter days. Ready in less than thirty minutes (including the prep time) and made almost entirely in one pot, this classic soup recipe is easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner and delicious enough for your next family meal.

cream of broccoli soup topped with broccoli florets in a black rimmed white bowl on a black board

About Cream Of Broccoli Soup

Smooth, mouthwatering, and creamy this quick and easy cream of broccoli soup (adapted from my Cream of Mushroom Soup) is made in just one pot and takes less than thirty minutes.

Filled with fresh broccoli and a few other pantry staples, this soup is one of my go-to weeknight meals because it’s easy to make and easy to clean up. Plus, this vegetarian soup is a sneaky way I can get my family to eat some greens.

Surprisingly, broccoli is not a much loved veggie in my house, so I like to find creative ways to disguise it in soups like this, or in a mixed vegetable curry or pasta — I’ll try anything!

I chose not to use cream in this “cream” of broccoli soup. Instead, I pureed the broccoli and milk together, which creates a smooth, creamy texture.

You can also garnish the soup with some cream before serving to add an extra layer of richness and flavor.

I like to serve my creamy broccoli soup with a toasted buttered bread or baguette to soak up every last bite.

broccoli soup topped with broccoli florets in a black rimmed white bowl on a slate board

Origin

The exact origin of cream of broccoli soup is not well-documented, but creamy vegetable soups have been a part of various culinary traditions for centuries. Broccoli itself is native to the Mediterranean and has been cultivated since ancient times.

The concept of creamy soups, where vegetables are pureed and combined with a rich base, likely evolved over time as a way to create comforting and flavorful dishes.

In the case of Cream Of Broccoli Soup, it is a product of modern culinary fusion, blending the techniques of creamy soups from European traditions with the popularity of broccoli in the Western world.

Cream Of Broccoli Soup gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century as broccoli became more widely available and appreciated in Western cuisine. The dish is a testament to the versatility of broccoli, transforming a nutritious vegetable into a creamy and satisfying soup.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to make Cream Of Broccoli Soup

Blanch Broccoli

1. First, fill a saucepan with 3 to 3½ cups of water and add in ¼ teaspoon of salt.

top shot of salt in teaspoon measuring spoon over pot of boiling water

2. Next, heat the water on medium to medium-high heat until it begins boiling.

top shot of salt water boiling in pot

3. When the water has reached a boil, turn off heat and add in the chopped 3.5 to 4 cups broccoli florets. Give everything a stir so the broccoli florets are immersed in water.

Tip: I like to cut the broccoli into medium-sized florets for this soup recipe. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, but I always say that fresh ingredients taste best.

top shot of broccoli in water in pot on stovetop

4. Next, blanch the mixture for 15 to 20 seconds.

top shot of broccoli getting blanched in hot water in a pot

5. Then drain all the water.

Tip: I like to set aside a few of the blanched florets to garnish the soup before serving.

top shot of broccoli on strainer

Sauté Aromatics

6. Now it’s time to begin the creamy mixture for your soup. First, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in the same saucepan or pot you blanched your broccoli in.

Both salted or unsalted butter work well.

top shot of butter melting in pot

7. After the butter has melted, add ¼ cup of chopped onions and ¼ or ½ teaspoon of chopped garlic.

top shot of onions, garlic, and butter cooking in pot

8. Now, sauté the onions on low to medium-low heat, stirring often until they soften. At this point opt to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of chopped celery if you like.

top shot of onions softened in a pot

9. Next, add 1 to 1½ tablespoons of whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour to the sautéd onion mixture.

top shot of flour added to sautéed onion mixture in pot

10. Then continue to sauté for 2 to 3 minutes on low heat.

Tip: It is important to cook the flour so that its rawness is not felt in the soup later.

top shot of flour being sautéed in pot

Add and Cook Broccoli

11. Now it’s time to add the blanched broccoli to the soup mixture.

Top shot of broccoli florets in pot

12. Then mix everything well.

Top shot of wooden spoon stirring broccoli florets in pot

13. Now add 1½ cups of water or vegetable stock (vegetable broth), and stir to combine well.

top shot of water being added in pot

14. Now it’s time to let the broccoli cook. Cover with a lid and simmer on low to medium-low heat until the broccoli is tender (about 6 to 7 minutes).

top shot of covered pot with broccoli soup cooking inside

15. Don’t forget to check occasionally. You want to take the pot off heat when the broccoli has become tender, and then let it become warm or cool.

top shot of wooden spoon stirring broccoli soup mixture in pot

16. When the soup mixture is still slightly hot or warm, use an immersion hand blender to blend the soup until the texture is smooth.

top shot of immersion blender pureeing broccoli soup mixture

17. While the broccoli mixture is cooling, heat 1½ cups of whole milk in a saucepan. It’s important not to overheat the milk – simply lightly heat and do not boil.

top shot of milk heating in pot

Make Cream of Broccoli Soup

18. Next, add hot milk to the pureed soup.

milk being added to the pureed broccoli soup

19. Now mix the soup thoroughly. Keep your pan on the stovetop and simmer on a low heat.

top shot of wooden spoon stirring milk into broccoli soup puree in pot

20. Next, add ¼ teaspoon dried oregano or your choice of dried or fresh herbs. You can add about 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh herbs.

top shot of creamy broccoli soup with dried oregano added to the top in saucepan

21. Gently heat soup (do not boil). Occasionally stir.

top shot of wooden spoon stirring cream of broccoli soup in pot

22. Lastly, add salt and freshly crushed black pepper, as needed, plus a pinch of grated nutmeg. Mix again!

top shot of creamy broccoli soup with salt, ground black pepper and grated nutmeg added on the top in saucepan

23. Finally, pour the soup into individual serving bowls and garnish with broccoli florets. You can also garnish with homemade croutons, cream, cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro or dill or chives.

Feel free to add a dollop of heavy cream or whipping cream to the soup.

top shot of soup in white bowl topped with three small broccoli florets

Storage and Leftovers

I always store my leftover or make-ahead broccoli soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If properly stored, your soup will last for 2 to 3 days in the fridge or up to 1 to 2 weeks in the freezer.

Expert Tips

  1. Use fresh broccoli. While frozen broccoli florets will work well for this recipe, I always try to use fresh produce whenever possible. It’s important to make sure your broccoli is cut into small to medium pieces so that it is easier to puree. If you’re using frozen broccoli, you will need to allow it to thaw or put it in an Instant Pot to thaw before pureeing with the soup ingredients.
  2. Use both florets and stems. Don’t discard the broccoli stalk; they are flavorful and add depth to the soup. Peel and chop the broccoli stems into small pieces to use along with the florets.
  3. Don’t overcook. The broccoli cannot be overcooked. Keep a check on this. Overcooking can result in a loss of color, flavor and nutrients. The broccoli has to be cooked till just tender.  
  4. Make ahead of time. This soup is the perfect meal to freeze and eat later (you can also store your leftovers this way). Simply thaw your soup and use your hand immersion blender to remix the soup before serving. This soup will last up to 1 to 2 weeks in the freezer.
  5. Optionally, add cheese. To experience that extra burst of flavor, you can add a mild cheese like cheddar or Gruyère. Make sure to stir and blende the cheese well into the soup.
  6. Make it vegan: Prepare the soup with olive oil and almond milk or lite coconut milk. Simply warm either of the almond or coconut milk and do not heat or boil them. With coconut milk, the lovely flavors of coconut will be felt in the soup. Use plant based milk like oats milk or cashew milk as a substitute for dairy milk.
  7. Adding potatoes: For a creamier and more thicker soup, consider adding 1 small to medium-sized potato that have been chopped in small cubes. First add the potato cubes after the flour has been cooked well. Add water just about covering the potatoes. Once the potato cubes are almost tender add the broccoli florets and cook further.

FAQs

What do you serve with cream of broccoli soup?

This creamy broccoli soup can be served plain or with a toasted buttered bread or baguette.

What type of onions should I use?

You can use red, white or yellow onions.

How do I thicken this broccoli soup?

To adjust the consistency, you can either add cream or add a little extra flour. Both of these methods will help to thicken the consistency in the soup.

Can I freeze cream of broccoli soup?

Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead meal that can be made and frozen ahead of time for up to 1 to 2 weeks.

More Soup Recipes to Try!

Please be sure to rate the recipe in the recipe card or leave a comment below if you have made it. For more vegetarian inspirations, Sign Up for my emails or follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter.

top shot of soup in black rimmed white bowl topped with three small broccoli florets

Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe (20 Minutes)

Cream of Broccoli Soup is the perfect comfort food on cold winter days. Ready in about thirty minutes (including the prep time) and made almost entirely in one pot, this classic soup recipe is easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner.
4.88 from 49 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Cuisine World
Course Side Dish, Starters
Diet Vegetarian
Difficulty Level Moderate
Servings 2
Units

Ingredients

For blanching broccoli

  • 3 to 3.5 cups water
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 200 to 250 grams broccoli – 1 medium broccoli head, chopped

Other ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Butter or olive oil
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon chopped garlic or 1 to 2 garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup chopped onions or 1 small onion
  • 1 to 1.5 tablespoon all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
  • 1.5 cups water or vegetable stock
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • ¼ teaspoon dry oregano or any of your favorite dried or fresh herbs
  • 1 pinch grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg
  • salt as required
  • crushed black pepper as required

Instructions
 

Blanching broccoli florets

  • First break the broccoli into small or medium-sized florets or you can chop them.
  • Heat water with salt in a pot. Let the water vigorously boil.
  • Switch off the heat and add the broccoli florets.
  • Blanch for about 15 to 20 seconds and then drain the florets. Reserve a few broccoli florets for garnish.
  • The above blanching method is to get rid of the insects in the broccoli.

Sautéing

  • Heat butter in a sauce pan. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until they soften.
  • Add the flour. Stirring often sauté for 2 minutes on a low heat.

Cooking broccoli

  • Then add the drained broccoli. Mix well.
  • Add water or vegetable stock.
  • Mix again thoroughly and cover the pan with its lid.
  • Simmer until the broccoli is cooked well and tender. Cooking broccoli takes about 6 to 7 minutes.
  • Do check while the broccoli cooks a couple of times

Heating milk

  • In the meantime heat milk on a stovetop or in the microwave.
  • No need to boil, simply heat the milk.

Pureeing broccoli soup mixture

  • When the soup mixture is still slightly hot or warm, using an immersion hand blender, blend the soup until smooth in the same sauce pan. You can also blend in a regular blender.

Making cream of broccoli soup

  • Add hot milk to the pureed soup and combine well.
  • Keep the soup pan on the stovetop and begin to simmer on a low heat.
  • Season with oregano or any dried or fresh herbs of your choice. You can include about 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh herbs.

Gently heating soup

  • Simply gently heat through the soup. No need to bring it to a boil. Stir occasionally.
  • Lastly season with salt, freshly crushed black pepper and ground or grated nutmeg.
  • Pour soup into soup bowls and garnish with broccoli florets.
  • Serve cream of broccoli soup hot, as it is or with toasted buttered bread or baguette.

Serving suggestions

  • Instead of garnishing with blanched broccoli florets, you can garnish the soup with bread croutons, cream, cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley, basil or cilantro.

Storage

  • Store any leftover or make-ahead broccoli soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • If properly stored, your soup will last for 2 to 3 days in the fridge or up to 1 to 2 months in the freezer.

Video

Notes

  • Use fresh broccoli. While frozen broccoli florets will work well for this recipe, I always try to use fresh produce whenever possible. It’s important to make sure your broccoli is cut into small pieces so that it is easier to puree. If you’re using frozen broccoli, you will need to allow it to thaw or put it in an Instant Pot to thaw before pureeing with the soup ingredients.
  • Make ahead of time. This creamy broccoli soup is the perfect meal to freeze and eat later (you can also store your leftovers this way). Simply thaw your soup and use your hand immersion blender to remix the soup before serving. This soup will last up to 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
  • Make it vegan: Prepare the soup with almond milk or lite coconut milk. Simply warm either of the almond or coconut milk and do not heat or boil them. With coconut milk, the lovely flavors of coconut will be felt in the soup.

Nutrition Info (Approximate Values)

Nutrition Facts
Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe (20 Minutes)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 281 Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 48mg16%
Sodium 1603mg70%
Potassium 683mg20%
Carbohydrates 23g8%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 12g13%
Protein 10g20%
Vitamin A 1432IU29%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 1mg67%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1mg59%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 1mg5%
Vitamin B6 1mg50%
Vitamin B12 1µg17%
Vitamin C 113mg137%
Vitamin D 3µg20%
Vitamin E 1mg7%
Vitamin K 131µg125%
Calcium 298mg30%
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 100µg25%
Iron 1mg6%
Magnesium 55mg14%
Phosphorus 252mg25%
Zinc 1mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Like what you see?

Stay up to date with new recipes and ideas.

This Cream Of Broccoli Soup recipe from the archives was first published in February 2014. It has been updated and republished in February 2024.

Share This Recipe:

PinWhatsAppPrintShare1.2k

Meet Dassana

Welcome to Dassana's Veg Recipes. I share vegetarian recipes from India & around the World. Having been cooking for decades and with a professional background in cooking & baking, I help you to make your cooking journey easier with my tried and tested recipes showcased with step by step photos & plenty of tips & suggestions.

Get My Secrets to Great Indian Food
Sign up for my FREE Beginners Guide to Delicious Indian Cooking

Comments are closed.

38 Comments

  1. Hey Dassana!
    Your recipes are amazing.. Do you have any app? Please make one if you don’t have it..else share the details if you already have one😊
    Thanks!
    Neha5 stars

  2. Dassana,
    You are god sent. I ran out of pav bhaji masala(store bought) and my daughter wanted some. I looked up pav bhaji masala on your site and made my own. I’m never going back to store bought masala. Your masala recipe is on the point. So flavorful and no fillers.
    Also tried the tomato pie. So good.
    You are Annapurna, for real.
    Thanks for all your great work and best wishes

    1. Thank you so much Ashima for this lovely heartfelt comment. I am so grateful for your kind words and it has made my day. In fact I am a devotee of Annapurna Maa (and the Mother Goddess in her various forms like Dasamahavidya) and I have a small statue of Annapurna Maa in my kitchen. I have also visited Her shakitpeetha temple next to Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi twice. Thanks again for all your kind wishes. Take care.

  3. Thank you so much Dassana!
    I couldnt find any recipe where they added wheat flour, and i was looking for the same. This was really helpful. (:

  4. very tasty soup. we can replace Maida with boiled mashed sweet corn.

  5. Hi the soup came out yummy ; my two year old son loved it ; didn’t have nutmeg powder ; thank you ?5 stars

    1. thats nice to know sneha. thanks for sharing. nutmeg powder can be given a miss.

    1. shrutika, some recipes do use milk and salt together. moreover here, there are other ingredients also. the amount of salt that we add is also not too much.

  6. I tried this and it came out well. I liked it very much.
    I have tried a few of your recipes and everything turned out to be a super duper hit till now.

    Hats off to you for lucid explanations and beautiful pictures.

  7. Thank you for this recipe. I tried and it came out very well. My baby liked it a lot 🙂5 stars

  8. hi, vegan here; should I sub full day coconut milk for the dairy? Or combine 1 cup soya milk with 1/2 cup soya cream? Thanks!

    1. welcome nikki. coconut milk will taste better. use a thick coconut milk.

  9. Hi Dassana,
    I tried the broccoli soup yesterday. Everyone at home loved it. Thanks for the recipe!5 stars

  10. Hi Dassana,

    I have been following ur blog for a while now.

    I tried the above recipe -Cream of Broccoli soup and it turned out to be so yummy. I cudn’t use nutmeg as I didn’t have it in my kitchen. However, it was amazing. Thanks a lot

    You really have a wonderful collection of recipes. Appreciate ur effort.5 stars

  11. Tasty and healthy soup. We loved it. I used olive oil instead of butter. Why do we add flour and can we make it without flour?

    1. thanks dhanya. flour is added to thicken the soup. for thickening soups, even mashed potatoes can be added if one does not want to use flour.

  12. Lovelt creamy soup. I love broccoli and i am sure going to love its soup.
    Btw, i tried your Chholiya Pulao and it turned out superb. 🙂