5 from 36 votes
Cream of Broccoli Soup
Cream of Broccoli Soup combines chopped broccoli, onion, and celery sautéed in butter, thickened with flour, then simmered in chicken broth and finished with heated cream. The soup is pureed smooth, resulting in a velvety texture with subtle savory and vegetal flavors from the broccoli and aromatics. It can be garnished with crunchy croutons for contrast. This recipe yields multiple servings, suitable for a lunch main dish or dinner appetizer.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings:
8
servings (1 cup each)
Calories:
149 kcal
Course:
Soup
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cups broccoli chopped (about 24 ounces, see note 1)
- 3/4 cup onion minced (1/2 small)
- 1/2 cup celery chopped (2 ribs)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth divided (or vegetable broth, see note 2)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream hot
- salt
- ground white pepper
- croutons for garnish, optional (see note 3)
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat until foaming. Add broccoli, onion, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Whisk in 2 1/2 cups broth and bring to simmer.
- Simmer until veggies are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes longer. Transfer to blender and puree until smooth.
- Wipe out saucepan. Return pureed soup to pan. Add remaining 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and cream. Bring to simmer and stir until heated through. Season to taste with salt and white pepper. Garnish with croutons if desired.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use a mix of broccoli stems and florets to balance flavor and texture, aiming for about 24 ounces (4 cups chopped).
- Use chicken or vegetable broth depending on dietary preferences; vegetable broth offers a vegetarian option.
- Prepare homemade croutons by tossing bread pieces with olive oil and seasoning, then baking until golden, or use store-bought croutons as garnish.
- The soup stores refrigerated up to 4 days and freezes well when cooled and sealed properly, with recommended storage up to 3 months.
- Make ahead is possible up to 3 days; reheat gently and add croutons just before serving to maintain crunch.
- Additional toppings, such as crispy bacon or a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, add flavor and texture contrast.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1cup
Calories
149kcal
(7%)
Carbohydrates
10g
(3%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
36mg
(12%)
Sodium
507mg
(21%)
Potassium
295mg
(6%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
710IU
(14%)
Vitamin C
50mg
(56%)
Calcium
47mg
(5%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings (1 cup each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 149
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 149kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 507mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 295mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 710IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 50mg | 56% |
| Calcium | 47mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.