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Cream of Broccoli Soup

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Cream of Broccoli Soup is made with just a few simple ingredients. Chicken stock, heavy cream, chopped fresh broccoli florets, butter…there’s always got to be butter…and seasonings. It creates the most delicious Cream of Broccoli Soup you will ever taste. 

Bow of Cream of Broccoli soup

Years ago, if my memory serves me right…which at my age is always a bit like Russian Roulette…my parents went to a dinner at the home of some church friends.

When they came home my mom was raving about an absolutely amazing Cream of Broccoli Soup that Betty William served. She asked Betty for the recipe, and the rest as they say…is history.

I love this recipe. L.O.V.E. this recipe. It’s created with just a few ingredients. Perhaps that is what makes it even more impressive.

It goes along with my theory of cooking. You only need a few truly great ingredients to create amazing dishes. Too many ingredients, in my humble opinion, creates conflict within a dish. Usually the saying “Sometimes more is not better, it’s just more” is true. 

Bowl of Cream of Broccoli Soup

I usually make this recipe on Christmas Eve. It was my substitution for Grandpa’s Oyster Stew (Gag…choke…yuck! Do you love how I’m holding back my true feelings…lol) We are the branch of the family tree that doesn’t enjoy that particular family tradition. Sorry Grandpa.

A few weeks ago I was craving this soup! Craving it!!  It dawned on me, it is also the perfect “Springtime” soup and would be a great “starter” for your Easter meal.

We had ours for dinner with grilled cheese sandwiches and it was heavenly! Whether you use it as the beginning course to a big family dinner…or it is dinner…you’ll love this rich creamy soup.

List of Ingredients for Cream of Broccoli Soup

As I stated above, the ingredients for this dish are simple.

  • 3-4 hearty bunches of broccoli stalks – use flowers only
  • ½ cup of butter
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 2 cups of half-and-half
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for soup

How to Make Cream of Broccoli Soup

It seems a little redundant to say… but this dish begins with fresh broccoli. (You’d be really disappointed if I had said it starts with green beans) 

The original recipe doesn’t state how much broccoli to use…so I use about 3–4 stocks of broccoli. 

Broccoli Florets

Using a sharp knife cut flowers off of stems. Use the flowers only.  Start by chopping the tops off.

TIP: I try to avoid using the stocks, because they are a bit tough.

Set aside the florets.

chopped broccoli florets

Cooking the Broccoli and creating the soup

In a large pot, over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup, or one stick, of butter. Remember a good recipe has splendid “fat” elements. Don’t shun the butter. Embrace the butter. (It’s a little slippery…but embrace it anyway.)

butter in pan

Sauté broccoli florets in melted butter until semi-tender.

chopped broccoli sauteed with butter

Add 1/2 cup of flour on top of the broccoli…

Add flour to broccoli

Stir the flour and broccoli around to create a thick roux. It will look like a big ol’ clump of a mess…that’s okay. Just keep following along…

cut broccoli with flour

Slowly add two cups of chicken broth while stirring.

Adding chicken broth to soup

Continue to stir over medium-low heat until thick. (Yep, still a bit of a clumpy mess…just hang in there with me. I promise we are not making broccoli paste.)

Thickening cream of broccoli soup

Reduce heat to low. Add 2 cups half-and-half and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream.  Salt and Pepper to taste.  Give it another stir. 

Added cream of broccoli soup

Finishing and Serving Broccoli Soup

Simmer for about 1/2 hour stirring occasionally. The soup will thicken as it simmers. Be sure to stir it as the cream can tend to brown on the bottom of the pan. 

TIP: If you want the soup really thick, turn the heat off after the 1/2 hour and allow to cool then reheat. The soup thickens even more as it cools.

Stirring cream of broccoli soup

Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

Close up of cream of broccoli soup

This is a true “cream” soup and not a cheesy cream soup. Broccoli is the star of this show. The delicate richness of the cream allows that broccoli to shine.

The first spoonful will have you swooning! It’s hard to describe how just a few ingredients can come together to create such a wonderfully wickedly delicious soup. 

This soup practically melts in your mouth. The broccoli is tender, the soup extra creamy, and the chicken broth lends its rich flavors to its creaminess. Simple and uncomplicated. Just how I like it.

Bowl of Cream of Broccoli Soup

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

  • What are the main elements of a cream soup base? A cream soup is made using heavy whipping cream, half-and-half, and light cream.
  • Can you freeze Cream of Broccoli Soup? You can. You will need to allow the soup to cool to room temperature and then place in an airtight container, leaving at least a ½ inch from the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • How long will Cream Soups hold in the refrigerator? Up to 4 days.
  • How can I thin the soup when reheating? Add a little milk to the soup to achieve the desired consistency. This soup will thicken as it cools and will need to be thinned when reheated.

This beautiful Cream of Broccoli Soup would be a stunning beginning to your Easter meal or any family gathering you’re having.  It’s also fantastic for a soup bar or a great side with your favorite sandwich. 

Fantastic Soup Recipes

Betty has since passed away. Her son recently told me that this is one of his favorite recipes that his Mother made. I will always think of her when I make this soup.

That’s what I love about cooking. LOVE! 

The meals we make, the recipes we share, the tastes, flavors, joy, traditions, and memories made around the dinner table come down to one thing, an expression of our love for those we care about. It’s really what cooking is all about and I why I love sharing it with all of you. 

Have a Great Day and Happy Nesting!

Signature and photo for Norine
Yield: 4 servings

Cream of Broccoli Soup

Close up Cream of Broccoli Soup

Six simple ingredients combine to create a rich creamy base with fresh broccoli florets. It's splendidly delicious.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 - 4 hearty bunches of broccoli stalks
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and trim flowers off broccoli. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot, over medium-low heat melt 1/2 cup of butter. Add broccoli florets. Saute until tender.
  3. Sprinkle top of sauteed broccoli with flour. Stir until thick.
  4. Slowly Add chicken broth, stirring continually until mixture thickens. Reduce heat to low. Slowly add half-and-half and heavy whipping cream. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until base reduces slightly and soup thickens.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1 1/2 cups

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 622Total Fat: 58gSaturated Fat: 37gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 173mgSodium: 812mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 8g

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Denise

Monday 13th of May 2024

The BEST Cream of Broccoli soup there is…….and so easy to make. I ALWAYS make a double batch. Thank you Norine for this superb recipe. People have asked me for the recipe to this soup because it’s so darn tasty. Don’t hesitate, give it a go, you won’t be sorry.

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Thursday 16th of May 2024

Hi Denise! Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing with us. This is my favorite cream soup! I agree it is worthy of a double batch every single time. Please keep visiting me at my Nest. Norine

Dee

Friday 15th of March 2024

I’ll think about doubling the recipe next time. It seems like this doesn’t make a lot of soup. I’m tempted to add milk, but I’ll leave it this time and know better next time. Can’t wait to taste it!

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Thursday 28th of March 2024

Hi Dee! I always double this recipe because my family devours it! You can always add milk to thin it out or a little extra chicken stock. Hope you enjoyed this recipe. It's my favorite broccoli soup. Happy Easter Weekend! Norine

Sheila

Wednesday 3rd of January 2024

This is a excellent soup, I did add onions when I sautéed the broc. But followed the recipe with that exception. Will be making this again. Thank you for the recipe!!

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Friday 5th of January 2024

Hi Sheila! Thank you for stopping by and sharing with me. I feel this soup is the BEST Cream of Broccoli soup EVER! A true "cream" soup. I make it every year for the Holidays. Such wonderful memories tied to this soup! I hope you have a wonderful New Year and stop back by again. Happy Nesting! Norine

Ana

Thursday 27th of October 2022

Beautiful recipe. It shows the love you put into it. I'm making it now for the first time and mu mouth waters to the thought of how great and divinely will taste. Thank you Norine

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Thursday 27th of October 2022

Hi Ana! Thank you so much! This recipe holds a favorite spot in my heart...and tummy! I hope this met all your expectations. Thanks for stopping by and sharing with me. Norine

Rosann Fico

Sunday 4th of October 2020

I added diced onion and garlic....rated great definitely make again.

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Thursday 8th of October 2020

Hi Rosann! I love your additions to this soup. I have to try it with your suggestions. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting with me. I hope you'll come back again soon. Have a great weekend. Happy Nesting! Norine

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