Debbie'S Cream Of Broccoli Soup
Creamy and comforting broccoli soup with rich flavors, perfect for a cozy meal. Suitable for all seasons and ideal for serving with crusty bread or a salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean broccoli, remove stems, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Steam in 1/2 cup water until tender.
- Do not drain the broccoli and water; set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add sifted flour to the melted butter to make a paste (roux).
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring with a wire whip.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Stir in the steamed broccoli, half and half, salt, and pepper.
- Heat thoroughly but do not let it boil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the soup. If you're short on chicken broth, vegetable broth works well too. Fresh broccoli is preferred, but frozen can be used for convenience. You can also adjust the thickness by adding more or less half and half, or incorporate cheese for a creamy, cheesy variation similar to Double Cheese Broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup hot, garnished with croutons or a sprinkle of cheese for added texture. It pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or a slice of crusty bread. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken recipes like Ranch Chicken Breast or Maple Glazed Chicken to round out the dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to prevent separation of the cream. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup thickens too much. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Debbie'S Cream Of Broccoli Soup contains roughly 451 calories, with 4g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1752mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting any meat-based additions. It will still be delicious and satisfying with the rich flavors of broccoli and cream.
Can I freeze the cream of broccoli soup?
Freezing cream-based soups can sometimes lead to texture changes. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the half and half before freezing and adding it back in once reheating. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months for best results.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
For an extra depth of flavor, sauté onions or garlic in the butter before adding the flour. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or some grated Parmesan cheese at the end for a bright, savory finish. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also elevate the dish.
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).