I’ll never forget the first time I tried cream of broccoli soup. It wasn’t some grand moment at a five-star restaurant or a carefully crafted experience at home. Nope. It was at a potluck. You know, one of those gatherings where every dish tells a story, whether it’s a favorite family recipe or something thrown together last minute.

That day, amidst a sea of casseroles, dips, and desserts, I spotted an unassuming pot of green soup. I was skeptical at first. Cream of broccoli? It sounded… green. But being the ever-curious food lover that I am, I gave it a try. One spoonful in, and I was sold. Creamy, savory, with just enough freshness from the broccoli to keep it light—it was like a warm hug in a bowl.

Years later, when I finally had my own kitchen and a garden brimming with broccoli (because why not?), I decided it was time to recreate that memorable moment. But with a lighter, fresher spin. That’s how I came up with this version of cream of broccoli soup—easy, delicious, and something I now make regularly for my family.

Why Cream of Broccoli Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Menu

Let’s face it: broccoli isn’t always everyone’s favorite vegetable, especially if you’ve been scarred by overcooked, mushy versions from childhood. But this cream of broccoli soup is different. It transforms simple, humble broccoli into something luxurious without weighing you down like some cream-based soups can.

This version strikes the perfect balance between being creamy and fresh. You get the richness from the butter and milk, but it’s not too heavy, thanks to the light broth and generous amount of broccoli. It’s a dish that can easily stand on its own as a light lunch or make a great starter for a more elaborate dinner.

What I love most about cream of broccoli soup, though, is how versatile it is. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick and satisfying or want to make use of fresh, seasonal produce (hello, garden broccoli!), this soup always delivers.

Cream of Broccoli Soup

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A lighter version of a classic that’s just as satisfying, this cream of broccoli soup is easy to make. If you’ve never made this soup with broccoli from your garden, now’s the time. You won’t believe how fresh it tastes. Serve as a main course for lunch with a salad or half sandwich or as a satisfying starter at dinner.

• Author: Norann Oleson
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Category: Soups

Ingredients

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• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 8 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium-sized stock pot, and sauté onion and celery until tender. Add broccoli and broth, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Pour the soup into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth, and pour into a clean pot. Alternately, you can use an immersion blender and puree the soup right in the cooking pot.
3. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter, stir in flour, and add milk. Stir until thick and bubbly then add to soup. Whisk to combine. Season with pepper and serve.

The Ingredients: What Makes This Soup So Special

1. Broccoli: The star of the show. Using fresh broccoli, especially if it’s from your garden or a local farmer’s market, makes a world of difference in the flavor. You’ll need about 8 cups of florets, which might seem like a lot, but trust me—it cooks down and adds so much flavor.
2. Butter: Five tablespoons of butter might sound indulgent, but it’s spread out over the whole pot of soup. It adds that velvety richness you expect from cream of broccoli soup without making it overly heavy.
3. Onion and Celery: These two vegetables form the aromatic base of the soup, giving it a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Don’t skip them—they’re the backbone of your broth.
4. Broth: You can use either chicken or vegetable broth here. I’ve tried both, and each adds its own character to the dish. Chicken broth makes it heartier, while vegetable broth keeps things light and vegetarian.
5. Milk: This is where the “cream” in cream of broccoli soup comes in. I use 2% milk, which keeps things light but still creamy. If you want something richer, you could go for whole milk or even a splash of cream, but I find this balance just right.
6. Flour: A little bit of flour mixed with the butter helps thicken the soup to the perfect consistency. It’s like creating a quick roux, which adds that smooth texture without needing actual cream.
7. Pepper: A good grind of black pepper adds just the right touch of warmth. You can be generous here—it complements the creaminess nicely.

One of the reasons I love this cream of broccoli soup is that it strikes a perfect balance between rich and light. The creamy base coats your tongue, but the fresh taste of the broccoli shines through. It’s not heavy, but it’s deeply satisfying. You get a hint of sweetness from the onions and a slight earthiness from the celery, all tied together with the smooth, buttery broth.

Compared to other cream-based soups, this one doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve just eaten a brick. It’s filling, sure, but in a way that makes you want another spoonful rather than a nap.

Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own

One of the great things about this cream of broccoli soup recipe is that it’s highly adaptable. Over the years, I’ve tried a few variations:

• Cheddar Broccoli Soup: Sometimes, I’ll add a cup or two of sharp cheddar cheese right at the end for a cheesy twist. It turns the soup into a gooey, comforting dish perfect for cold days.
• Vegan Version: Swap the butter for olive oil, use plant-based milk, and opt for vegetable broth. You can even add a little nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Potato-Broccoli Soup: Add a peeled, diced potato to the pot with the broccoli for an even heartier soup. It thickens naturally as it cooks, giving the soup extra body.

Tips for First-Timers: What I Wish I Knew

If it’s your first time making cream of broccoli soup, here are some tips to help you out. I have learned that pureeing hot soup is an extreme sport. If you’re using a blender, do not—I repeat, do not—overfill it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a green explosion on your hands (and kitchen walls). I found that blending in small batches was the way to go. Alternatively, an immersion blender works wonders and saves on cleanup.

Another lesson? The butter-flour-milk mixture, or roux, is key to getting that silky texture. The first time, I rushed through this step, and my soup was a little lumpy. But taking the time to cook the roux until it’s smooth and thick makes all the difference. Once you stir that creamy mixture into your pureed broccoli soup, it becomes this dreamy, smooth bowl of comfort. Here’s my full list of tips:

• Don’t overfill the blender. Hot soup expands, and you do not want a mess.
• Use an immersion blender if you have one. It’s a game-changer for soups.
• Sauté the onions and celery until they’re soft and translucent—it adds more flavor.
• If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out.
• Be generous with the pepper. It adds depth to the creamy soup.
• Taste as you go. Broccoli can vary in bitterness, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
• If using frozen broccoli, reduce the simmering time, as frozen broccoli cooks faster.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutions for Cream of Broccoli Soup

If you need to make this soup allergy-friendly, here are some ideas:

• For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
• For dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk in place of the regular milk.
• Nut allergies? Stick with a non-nut-based milk like soy or oat.

Try It, Love It, Share It

If you’ve never made cream of broccoli soup before, I highly recommend giving this version a try. It’s fresh, light, and just creamy enough to be comforting without feeling overly rich. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

Want to grow your own broccoli for these delicious recipes? Check out our Broccoli Gardening Guide for everything you need to know about planting, nurturing, and harvesting your own fresh broccoli right at home. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will help you grow the best-tasting broccoli for all your favorite dishes.

Let me know in the comments if you give it a try, or if you’ve made any fun variations! I love hearing how other people put their own spin on recipes.