How to Make Cream of Broccoli Soup

This How to Make Cream of Broccoli Soup recipe shows you how to make an easy, healthy, old fashioned broccoli soup, with or without cheese.

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Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe

Believe it or not this cream of broccoli soup recipe is total comfort food to me. Maybe, now that I think about it, most soups are.

This soup is special though. The technique or method is terrific and super easy too.

I’m a huge broccoli fan so I know that is part of the reason why I LOVE this soup so much. 

The reality is that this broccoli soup recipe is even more versatile than I ever thought possible. That is what I think love about it most. 

So many options. All with the same amazing result.

Depending on what I want, or am in the mood for, this easy broccoli soup recipe can be different every time I make it and I make it a lot.

You can easily enjoy this soup with or without cream, with or without cheese, pureed or not and with additional vegetables or not.

All versions taste absolutely wonderful.

I’m telling you this soup is worth a try. I just can’t stress it enough.

Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup

For those of you that follow this blog you know that I am a HUGE fan of cheese. It is like every chance I get to add cheese to a recipe I do.  Am I the only one who does that?

Regardless, I can eat a big bowl of this cream of broccoli cheese soup at any time of the day or night and enjoy every spoonful.

Now I am going to say something that might just shock a few of you but this broccoli soup recipe doesn’t need cheese at all.

That is what’s important here. This soup does not need cheese to be AMAZING.

Don’t get me wrong I usually add cheese because I just can’t help myself. I also LOVE a great cream of broccoli cheese soup but this broccoli soup just doesn’t need it.

That is so important because depending on who is eating the soup you can easily make adjustments to accommodate special dietary needs.

There are even times when I don’t add any cheese myself to this cream of broccoli soup recipe.

When I do I usually add some cheddar or parmesan cheese when serving. There is nothing like a big bowl of cream of broccoli cheese soup on a cool day.

Talk about satisfying. 

Old Fashioned Cream of Broccoli Soup

This old fashioned cream of broccoli soup recipe makes it super easy to switch up the flavors by adding different vegetables into the mix.

At times I will add a carrot or two. Cook them with the broccoli and blend or leave them sliced if you’re not pureeing this cream of broccoli soup recipe.

Carrots add a nice sweetness to this soup and are definitely worth a try.

Cauliflower too. 

Add an equal amount of broccoli and cauliflower or a little less broccoli with some cauliflower and you have a sure fire hit on your hands too.

Adding some fresh or canned corn to the soup also adds a wonderful touch. Corn also adds sweetness and color when sprinkled on top when serving.

I hope you’ll consider trying one of these suggestions and let me know what you think of them.

As always I would love to hear.

Especially if you try something else with or in your old fashioned cream of broccoli soup recipe!

Healthy Cream of Broccoli Soup

I never imagined loving a healthy cream of broccoli soup but you can do it by making some simple adjustments to this cream of broccoli recipe.

As mentioned, you can simply make this recipe without cream and still enjoy every spoonful.

I realize what a huge statement that is but it’s absolutely true.

I didn’t even think enjoying a healthy broccoli soup without cream was even possible until I didn’t realize my cream was passed its expiry date and unuseable.

I didn’t have time to go to the store so I tasted the healthy broccoli soup and was so impressed that I don’t always add cream to this very day. 

Usually I make the decision based on my mood.

If you’re looking for a healthy cream of broccoli soup recipe I urge you to try this recipe without cream first.

If you’re not satisfied with this broccoli soup without cream you can simply add some before serving.

Simply add a little half and half or some milk and reduced fat sour cream.

Sometimes I add a little more and sometimes a little less.  You will have to add the right amount for you.

All taste great.

That’s why you’ll LOVE this broccoli soup recipe as much as I do!

Easy Cream of Broccoli Soup

To puree or not to puree this easy cream of broccoli soup recipe. That is the question.

Simply put, if desired you can puree this soup in batches until smooth or leave it just as is.

If you’re in the mood for a chunky soup you have to keep that in mind while you’re chopping up all of your vegetables. 

I find if I am going to be pureeing my soup I don’t take as much care when cutting everything up. I just don’t make sure that everything is bite sized and looks great.

Honestly, both ways taste terrific. It just depends on exactly what you’re looking for in your perfect, easy cream of broccoli soup recipe.

Ingredients for Cream of Broccoli Soup

• Butter
• Onion
• Flour
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth
• Broccoli
• Whipping Cream or Heavy Cream (optional)
• milk and reduced fat sour cream (optional)
• corn (optional)
• carrot, shredded (optional)
• cauliflower, (optional)
• parmesan or cheddar cheese (optional)

How to make Cream of Broccoli Soup

In a medium sized pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Clean and cut the broccoli into florets with the stems peeled and chopped. The pieces need to be small enough to fit in your blender.

Add flour and cook, stirring until combined.

Add broth and 1 cup water. Whisking constantly. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Whisk occasionally.

Add broccoli pieces and simmer until broccoli is very tender, about 20 minutes.

Let cool slightly. In small batches, fill a blender halfway with mixture and puree until smooth. Return soup to your pot as puree.

Place pot back on stove top. Add cream and heat over medium until hot. This soup is great with or without cream. Season with salt and pepper. You can thin with broth or water, if needed.

Can you Freeze Cream of Broccoli Soup?

Yes, you definitely can!  I highly recommend doing it before you add any cream, if at all possible.  I find creamy soups will separate when you try and reheat them.  

If you do freeze the soup with the cream in it just grab your blender and blend the soup again.  This should solve the separating problem.

Before you add your cream, decide if there is too much soup and set some aside to freeze at that point.  That is what I do!

Can I make Broccoli Soup without Cream?

You bet you can and this is the perfect recipe to do it!  All you have to do is not include it at the end of the recipe! 

Sometimes I do that myself and enjoy a flavorful bowl of this delicious soup without the extra calories and wonderful creaminess that the heavy or whipping cream adds!  Really. 

You won’t be disappointed!

I just LOVE soup.  Any time of year.  I have listed some of my favorites below.  I hope you give at least one a try!

Other Soups to Try

Thai Carrot Ginger Soup

The Easiest Steak Soup

Julie’s Slow Cooker Moroccan Tomato Soup

The Best Cream of Potato and Leek Soup

Slow Cooker Italian Hamburger Soup

Perfect Sweet Potato Soup

Butternut Squash, Pear, Leek, Carrot and Parsnip Soup

My Grandma’s Cream of Tomato Soup

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Marcel’s Lentil Soup

Copycat PF Changs Canada Green Veggie Soup

The Best Cream of Broccoli Soup Video

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How to make Cream of Broccoli Soup

This How to Make Cream of Broccoli Soup recipe shows you how to make an easy, healthy, old fashioned broccoli soup, with or without cheese.

Course Appetizer, brunch, lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword broccoli, cream, soup

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter, unsalted
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup flour
• 5 cups vegetable broth or, chicken broth
• 1 1/2 pounds broccoli - or 3 heads
• 1 - 2 carrots, chopped or shredded (optional)
• corn, frozen or canned optional for serving
• cauliflower optional with broccoli
• 1/3 cup whipping cream (35 %) to taste
• salt and pepper to taste
• pinch cheddar cheese, shredded (optional) -for serving
• pinch Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded (optional) -for serving

Option - Instead of Whipping Cream

• 1/2 cup milk, 2 %
• 1/4 cup sour cream, reduced fat

Instructions

1. In a medium sized pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Clean and cut the broccoli into florets with the stems peeled and chopped. The pieces need to be small enough to fit in your blender.
3. Add flour and cook, stirring until combined.
4. Add broth and 1 cup water. Whisking constantly. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Whisk occasionally.
5. Add broccoli pieces and simmer until broccoli is very tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Let cool slightly. In small batches, fill a blender halfway with mixture and puree until smooth. Return soup to your pot as puree.

7. Place pot back on stove top. Add cream and heat over medium until hot. This soup is great with or without cream. Season with salt and pepper. You can thin with broth or water, if needed. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

You can freeze this soup.  I highly recommend doing it before you add any cream, if at all possible.  I find creamy soups will separate when you try and reheat them.  

If you do freeze the soup with the cream in it just grab your blender and blend the soup again.  This should solve the separating problem.

Or, before you add your cream, decide if there is too much soup and set some aside to freeze at that point.  That is what I do!