Easy Cream of Broccoli Soup
🥦✨ Easy Cream of Broccoli Soup – The Hug-In-A-Bowl You Didn’t Know You Needed
You can make this as fast as you can get your order out of the window at McDonald’s! Don’t get me wrong, we make our fair share of trips for fast food, and there is a time and place for everything. Since we have started this journey with the blog, it’s pretty clear that homemade is the best!
Picture this: it’s chilly outside, the leaves are throwing a final golden party before winter, and you’re snuggled in your favorite sweater. The scent of buttery onions and garlic drifts from the kitchen, curling through the house like an invitation. Your hands are wrapped around a warm bowl, steam fogging your glasses, the first spoonful ready to hit your soul like yes… this is living.
That, my friends, is Easy Cream of Broccoli Soup in its purest form. Cozy. Comforting. The kind of meal that makes you want to slow down and just be.
And here’s the thing—this recipe delivers that same “made-from-scratch, been-simmering-all-day” flavor in under an hour. Yes, really. Perfect for weeknights when you still want dinner to feel special but don’t have time to play restaurant chef.
✨ Why We’re Obsessed With This Soup
- Fast & Fabulous – Ready in about 40 minutes, start to finish.
- Flavor-Packed – Garlic, onion, carrots, and fresh broccoli in a creamy, cheesy base.
- Kid-Friendly – Cheddar and parmesan make it taste like the veggie version of mac & cheese in a bowl.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Even better the next day for lunch.
- One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup, more couch time.
easy Cream of Broccoli Soup
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 3 cups fresh broccoli
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
- salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
- Aromatics first: In a stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, sauté until they begin to soften (about 2 minutes). Toss in garlic and cook another minute.
- Build the base: Pour in chicken broth, add broccoli, season with salt & pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until broccoli is tender—about 8 minutes.
- Reserve for texture: Scoop out 1 cup of veggies, coarsely chop, set aside.
- Blend it smooth: Use an immersion blender to puree remaining vegetables and broth until creamy. (No immersion blender? Ladle carefully into a regular blender in batches—cover loosely to avoid soup volcanos.)
- Creamy magic: In a small bowl, whisk flour with heavy cream until smooth. Bring blended soup to a gentle boil, whisk in cream mixture, and cook 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Cheese finale: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar, parmesan, and reserved chopped veggies. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
🔢 Calorie Count (per serving)
For one generous bowl: ~350–380 calories (And yes, that includes all the good stuff—cream, cheese, butter—because life’s too short for watery soup.)
🍳 Cooking Tips for Soup Perfection
- Fresh vs Frozen: Fresh broccoli wins for flavor, but frozen florets work in a pinch—just reduce simmer time slightly.
- The cheese rule: Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt. Pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents that make soup grainy.
- Thick or Thin: For thicker soup, use less broth; for a lighter consistency, add a splash more at the end.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for veggie broth.
- Soup storage: Keeps in the fridge for 3 days; reheat gently over low heat to prevent curdling.
🔄 Recipe Variations
| Variation | What to Do | Flavor Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon Bliss | Top bowls with crispy bacon crumbles before serving. | Smoky & indulgent |
| Broccoli Cheddar Potato | Add 1 diced potato with the carrots for a heartier soup. | Filling & rustic |
| Green Goddess | Add a handful of spinach before blending. | Extra nutrient boost |
| Spicy Kick | Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. | Cozy heat |
| Lighter Touch | Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. | Still creamy, fewer calories |
🧒 Kid Tips – Make It Fun
- Cheese sprinklers: Let kids add the shredded cheese to their own bowls.
- Color counters: Have them count carrot pieces or “broccoli trees” as you chop.
- Bread dunkers: Serve with soft rolls or grilled cheese soldiers for dipping.
- Renaming game: Call it “Cheesy Green Soup” or “Dinosaur Soup” to win over picky eaters.
🛒 Grocery Hacks
- Stock up on broccoli: Buy extra when it’s on sale—steam, chop, and freeze in portions.
- Broth budget: Keep bouillon cubes handy; mix with hot water for instant broth.
- Cheese saver: Freeze small bags of shredded cheddar for quick recipes.
- Cream substitute: If you’re out, blend ¾ cup milk with ¼ cup melted butter for 1 cup of cream.
💬 Reader Challenge – #BroccoliBowlClub
Make this soup, snap a photo, and post it with #BroccoliBowlClub. Bonus points if you share your favorite dunker—bread, crackers, or even pretzel sticks. The most creative combos will get a shout-out in next week’s Friday Favorites!
🍂 Seasonal Serving Ideas
- Fall: Pair with pumpkin muffins for a sweet-savory dinner.
- Winter: Serve in bread bowls for extra cozy vibes.
- Spring: Add fresh peas for a pop of sweetness.
- Summer: Serve warm with a side salad of ripe tomatoes & cucumbers.
💛 Final Thoughts
This Easy Cream of Broccoli Soup isn’t just food—it’s the moment you sit down after a long day, take a deep breath, and actually enjoy dinner. It’s the way the steam smells like home. It’s hearing “Mmm, can we have this again?” from across the table. It’s comfort, simplicity, and flavor all in one bowl.
🎉Spoon, Smile, Repeat
So the next time the week gets hectic and you’re craving something warm, creamy, and absolutely delicious—make this soup. Double the recipe if you love leftovers. Share it with neighbors, bring it to a potluck, or keep it all to yourself for cozy lunches. And remember—life’s better with cheese, butter, and broccoli in the same pot. Tag us on Instagram or leave us a comment below! We love hearing from you!
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This looks so good! It’s cold and raining here in Northern CA and this soup would warm and fill us up right now.
I hope so! Stay warm!