Creamed Broccoli Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something deliciously comforting yet packed with vibrant veggies, this Creamed Broccoli Soup is about to become your next obsession. Delicate yet hearty, this soup balances freshness from big, beautiful broccoli florets with a luscious creamy finish. Bright carrots, a kick of garlic, and a hint of soy sauce mingle together in a silky bowlful that’s as perfect for cozy weeknights as it is for impressing guests. Whether you serve it steaming hot on a chilly evening or chilled at a spring lunch, this is a soup you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe features a handful of everyday ingredients, each chosen for their essential role in flavor and texture. Simple doesn’t mean boring: each addition brings something special, and together they create a soup that’s both homey and just a little elegant.

• Butter: The rich base that gently softens the veggies and adds incredible flavor.
• Onion: Provides sweetness and depth in every spoonful.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and a pop of cheerful orange color.
• Garlic: Offers just the right hint of savory aroma and warmth.
• Water: The foundation of the broth, allowing all the other flavors to shine.
• Chicken bouillon powder: Packs an instant, savory punch without needing homemade stock.
• Fresh broccoli florets: The star of the show: tender, vibrant, and packed with nutrients.
• Half-and-half: The secret to that dreamy, creamy texture without going overboard.
• All-purpose flour: Used as a simple thickener for a velvety finish.
• Ice water: Mixing with flour for a smooth addition, avoiding lumps.
• Soy sauce: Adds depth and unexpected savoriness that makes the soup pop.
• Ground black pepper: Rounds out the flavors with a gentle, warming heat.
• Chopped parsley: The perfect fresh garnish, brightening up each bowl.

How to Make Creamed Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the chopped onions, carrots, and garlic. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring every so often, until the vegetables go soft and aromatic. This step makes the kitchen smell irresistible and builds a sweet, savory foundation that gives the Creamed Broccoli Soup its soul.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

In a medium cooking pot, bring 4 cups of water and the chicken bouillon powder to a gentle boil. Carefully scrape your sautéed veggies into this bubbling pot. Now, add almost all the broccoli florets, but keep a few aside for adding a fresh, green note later. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the broccoli is just fork-tender and vivid green.

Step 3: Puree for Creaminess

Once your veggies are tender, ladle the soup (in batches, if needed) into a blender or food processor. Blitz until smooth and creamy—just be cautious, as hot soup can create steam! Pour your bright green puree back into the pot and stir in the half-and-half, along with the reserved broccoli florets, which will keep things tasting and looking extra fresh.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

Mix the all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup ice water in a cup to create a smooth slurry. Slowly drizzle this into the pot as the soup returns to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. This step magically thickens the soup, turning it into that signature creamy texture you crave in any Creamed Broccoli Soup.

Step 5: Final Seasonings and Garnish

Stir in the soy sauce and black pepper for complexity and warmth. After a final stir, taste and tweak the seasoning if you like. When serving, top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—or go fancy with carrot curls—adding the perfect fresh, colorful touch.

How to Serve Creamed Broccoli Soup

Garnishes

This soup comes alive with the right finishing touches! A generous pinch of chopped fresh parsley instantly brightens both the flavor and appearance. Try delicate carrot curls for a bit of crunch and color, a swirl of cream for extra indulgence, or even a sprinkle of toasted seeds for added texture.

Side Dishes

Creamed Broccoli Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread—think a crunchy baguette or a warm, soft roll. If you want something a little lighter, a crisp green salad balances out the creamy richness. It’s also delightful with a simple cheese toast or classic crackers for dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your soup into a showstopper by serving it in mini mugs at a party, pouring it into bread bowls, or topping with fancy croutons for a satisfying crunch. For a striking presentation, drizzle a little olive oil or add a tiny dollop of sour cream and swirl it with a toothpick—guaranteed to impress your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamed Broccoli Soup can be stored easily in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Let the soup cool to room temperature before putting away, so you maintain great texture and prevent condensation from making it watery.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, perfect for planning ahead! Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to savor it again, defrost in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often to keep it smooth and creamy. If it looks a little thick after chilling or freezing, just add a splash of milk or water to loosen to your preferred consistency. A quick stir and it’ll be as velvety as new.

FAQs

Can I make Creamed Broccoli Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken bouillon for a vegetable bouillon or broth. The soup keeps all its velvety texture and savory flavor, minus the meat-based ingredients.

What if I don’t have half-and-half?

No worries—feel free to use whole milk for a lighter version or heavy cream for extra richness. Even a non-dairy alternative like unsweetened oat or soy milk will work if you need a dairy-free soup.

Do I need a blender to make Creamed Broccoli Soup?

For the silkiest results, a blender or food processor is best, but an immersion blender is even easier (and less messy). If you don’t mind a bit of texture, you can mash the soup by hand with a potato masher, too.

Can I add cheese to this soup?

Definitely! Stir in a handful of your favorite shredded cheese—cheddar and gruyere are both excellent options—just before serving to make it even more indulgent.

How do I keep the broccoli bright green?

Don’t overcook the broccoli and be sure to reserve a few florets to add at the end. This keeps both color and flavor extra fresh, making your Creamed Broccoli Soup beautiful and delicious every time.

Final Thoughts

If you love a good, from-scratch comforting meal that feels just a little special, you need to give this Creamed Broccoli Soup a try. It’s a wonderful way to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and gather everyone around the table for something truly nourishing. Give it a go—you just might find yourself making it on repeat!

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