Broccoli Soup Recipes

Broccoli is the star of these creamy, easy-to-make soup recipes. Lighten them up by substituting low-fat ingredients for full-fat ones. Both recipes pair well with a salad and crusty bread.

Cream of Broccoli Soup

Replace canned cream soup with a homemade version in your favorite casserole or just enjoy the creamy soup on a chilly day. This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings.

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon plus 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 to 5 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3/4 cup milk, cream, or half-and-half
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly chopped chives or parsley, optional

Instructions

1. In a large stockpot, cook onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter on medium-low heat until onion is soft and opaque.
2. Add broccoli and broth; bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. For a creamier soup, purée the broccoli mixture in a blender until smooth.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt the 3 additional tablespoons of butter; stir in flour and add milk or half-and-half. Whisk until mixture is thickened and smooth.
4. Add milk and flour mixture to broccoli mixture; season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley if desired.

Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup

The broccoli cheese soup makes a tasty topping for baked potatoes. The recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup milk, cream, or half-and-half
• 8 ounces shredded, extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• Freshly chopped chives, optional

Instructions

1. In a large stock pan, sauté onion and garlic in butter.
2. Add remaining ingredients except milk and cheese; bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender; whisk in milk.
4. Add cheese and stir until melted.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and freshly chopped chives if desired.

A Comfort Food Favorite

Most people enjoy broccoli soup, even picky eaters who aren't broccoli fans. There's just something comforting about the creamy combination of broccoli, cream, and cheese simmered on the stove. For an impressive presentation, serve broccoli soup in a sourdough bread bowl.