Broccoli soup is one of those comforting dishes that warms the soul. With its rich, velvety texture and deep, earthy flavor, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal at home.
It’s simple to make and requires just a handful of ingredients that blend beautifully together. Below, I’ll walk you through the detailed recipe and share some helpful tips to elevate this soup.
1. Broccoli Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and the onions turn translucent. This process helps to release the natural sweetness from the onion and celery, laying a flavorful foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
While the vegetables are sautéing, prepare the broccoli florets. If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut them into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s thawed and drained. Once the onions and celery are soft, add the broccoli florets to the pot and stir everything together.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender. The chicken broth adds a savory base to the soup, infusing the broccoli with flavor as it simmers.
Step 4: Make the Roux
In a separate pan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t brown. This step is crucial because the roux will help thicken the soup and create its velvety, creamy texture.
Step 5: Combine the Roux and Soup
Slowly add the roux to the simmering broccoli and broth mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir well until the soup begins to thicken. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring that the flavors meld together and the texture becomes creamy.
Step 6: Add Milk and Season
Once the soup has thickened, slowly pour in the milk while stirring. This gives the soup its creamy consistency. Season with ground black pepper to taste. You can also adjust the seasoning with additional salt or more pepper if needed, but remember that the chicken broth may already add some saltiness to the soup.
Step 7: Blend the Soup
For a smooth, velvety texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and puree it.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once blended, taste the soup for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, rich goodness of your homemade cream of broccoli soup!
2. Tips for Perfect Broccoli Soup
Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli provides a brighter, fresher flavor than frozen. If you use frozen broccoli, be sure it’s fully thawed and drained to avoid extra water in your soup.
Sauté the Vegetables Well: Take the time to sauté the onions and celery until they’re soft and sweet. This creates a solid base of flavor for the soup and enhances its depth.
Don’t Skip the Roux: The roux (butter and flour mixture) is essential for thickening the soup and giving it its creamy texture. Be patient when making it to avoid clumping when you add it to the broth.
Customize the Creaminess: If you prefer an extra-creamy soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream along with the milk. It will add richness and make the soup even more indulgent.
Season to Taste: Be sure to taste your soup before serving. A little more pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a pinch of garlic powder can elevate the flavors.
3. What to Eat With Broccoli Soup
This creamy soup is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This classic pairing never gets old. The crispy, buttery bread and melted cheese add the perfect contrast to the creamy, savory soup. You could even experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or Gruyère for extra flavor.
Crusty Bread or Rolls: A thick slice of sourdough or baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup. You can also serve it alongside soft dinner rolls for a comforting meal.
Salad: Pairing the soup with a light salad can balance the richness. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a fresh Caesar salad to keep things fresh and bright.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts make a great side dish to complement the soup. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables adds contrast to the creamy broccoli flavor.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers of cream of broccoli soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the soup over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little extra milk or broth to loosen it up.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. Freezing may cause the soup to separate slightly, so be sure to stir it well when reheating.
Broccoli soup is a classic comfort dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The balance of creamy texture, earthy broccoli, and subtle onion and celery flavors makes it a go-to recipe in my kitchen. This recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. Try it out, make it your own, and enjoy a warm bowl of homemade goodness! 🍵✨
