Cream Of Broccoli Soup(12 Servings)
Cream of broccoli soup offers a comforting blend of tender broccoli, creamy richness, and aromatic herbs, perfect for cozy family meals or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb broccoli ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 c whipping cream ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 medium stalks celery ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 can clear chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 c milk ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp ground sage or freshly grated nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut broccoli flowerets from stems and set aside.
- Chop broccoli stems.
- Heat butter in a 4-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Saute garlic until fragrant.
- Add broccoli stems, cream, lemon juice, celery, bay leaves, and broth to the Dutch oven.
- Bring to a boil and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Stir in broccoli flowerets, milk, parsley, sage, and pepper.
- Cover and cook for 30 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves.
- Serve the soup topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, you can blend the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender in batches. If you're out of whipping cream, half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream can be used as a substitute. Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen can also work in a pinch. For added flavor, consider including a splash of white wine during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Cream of Broccoli Soup pairs beautifully with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting lunch. For an elegant touch, garnish each bowl with additional parsley or a drizzle of olive oil, enhancing the presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much upon cooling, add a little milk or broth while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Of Broccoli Soup(12 Servings) contains roughly 406 calories, with 18g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (133% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (125% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat it gently to avoid overcooking the broccoli. The flavors often deepen and improve after a day, making it a great option for meal prep.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works wonderfully in place of chicken broth. It will maintain the soup's richness while keeping it meat-free. Additionally, for a lighter flavor, you can use water combined with some added herbs.
Can I freeze this soup?
While freezing is possible, the texture may change upon thawing due to the cream and milk. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the dairy, then adding it back when reheating. This way, you can enjoy a smoother texture after thawing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).