Broccoli Cream Cheese Soup Recipe – A Heart-Warming Meal

by Julia
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July 17, 2023

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Indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness of our Broccoli Cream Cheese Soup Recipe, a delightful fusion of fresh, vibrant broccoli and rich, velvety cream cheese. This luscious soup is a symphony of textures and flavors, with tender broccoli florets swimming in a silky-smooth broth that’s perfectly seasoned to enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables. The addition of garlic and onions adds a savory depth, creating a comforting, hearty bowl that’s guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. Pure bliss in every spoonful!

In a world where culinary comfort is king, one dish consistently steals the show – broccoli cream cheese soup recipe.

This heavenly blend of wholesome broccoli and velvety cream cheese dances on your palate, warming you from the inside out.

We’ve unraveled its secrets to bring you an easy-to-follow recipe to elevate your dinner table. Its comforting essence is perfect for those cold nights or when you crave a bowl of wholesome goodness.

Perfectly textured and delicately balanced, this is more than a dish – it’s a love letter to food lovers worldwide. Savor, delight, and indulge in every spoonful.

What Is Broccoli Cream Cheese Soup Recipe?

Broccoli cream cheese soup is a delectable comfort food made from simple, wholesome ingredients. The recipe begins by sautéing onions and garlic, then adding fresh broccoli.

The vegetables simmer in a rich broth until tender. Cream cheese is then melted into the soup, providing a luxuriously smooth texture and a tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the earthy broccoli. Often, it’s finished with a sprinkle of cheddar and served with a warm, crusty bread roll for a heart-warming meal that soothes the soul.

Can You Vary The Broccoli Cream Cheese Soup Recipe With Other Ingredients?

The broccoli cream cheese soup recipe is versatile and can be easily modified to accommodate various dietary requirements:

Keto The original recipe is already keto-friendly due to its low carbohydrate content. Ensure you use full-fat cream cheese and a high-quality, low-carb broth.
Paleo Replace cream cheese with paleo-friendly substitutes like cashew or coconut cream.
Gluten-Free This recipe should suit your needs perfectly if your broth is gluten-free.
Whole30 Omit the cream cheese and add a combination of coconut cream and nutritional yeast to get a cheesy flavor and creamy consistency.
Vegetarian The recipe is already vegetarian. Just make sure you’re using a vegetarian broth.
Vegan Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan or cashew cream alternative. Use a vegan-friendly broth as your soup base.

Recipe Directions

Melt butter, sauté onions, celery, and garlic until translucent.
Add broccoli stems, chicken stock, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer covered for 1 hour.
Blend soup, then stir in cream, salt, pepper, and cheese. Cook over low heat for 30 mins.
Add broccoli florets, cook 4-5 mins, adjust seasonings.
For slow cooker: Combine all except cream, cheese, and florets. Cook on HIGH 2 hrs. Blend, add cream, cheese, cook 45 mins. Add florets, cook 30 mins.
Garnish and serve hot with crusty bread or salad.

Variations, Add-Ons And Toppings

Variations

Vegan: Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock, the cream with a non-dairy alternative, and use vegan cream cheese. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Vegetarian: Ensure to use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Gluten-Free: Make sure your stock is gluten-free.

Add-Ons

Protein: Cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or crumbled bacon can add more substance to the soup.
Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or peas for nutrition and variety.
Spices: Enhance flavor with favorite spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or nutmeg.

Toppings

Cheese: Extra shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan adds another layer of flavor and creaminess.
Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons add a pleasant crunch.
Herbs: Freshly chopped parsley, dill, or chives make the soup look more appealing and add a burst of fresh flavor.
Nuts and Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds can add an interesting texture and nuttiness to the soup.
Drizzles: A drizzle of olive oil, cream, or even hot sauce for those who like it spicy.

Can I Make Broccoli Cream Cheese Soup Recipe In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

You can prepare the broccoli cream cheese soup in a slow cooker and an Instant Pot. Here’s a brief guide for each method:

Slow Cooker

Add the butter, celery, garlic, broccoli stems, broth, oregano, and thyme to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours.
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
Add the cream, cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring well. Cook on HIGH for another 30-45 minutes.
Finally, add the broccoli florets and cook for another 30 minutes or until tender. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Instant Pot

Use the sauté function to melt the butter. Add the celery, garlic, and onion, sautéing until the onions become translucent.
Add the chopped broccoli stems, broth, oregano, and thyme. Lock the lid in place and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick getaway.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup, then select the sauté mode again and stir in the cream, cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes until the soup is heated through.
Add the broccoli florets and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

You can certainly use either homemade or store-bought broth for your broccoli cream cheese soup, and the choice largely depends on your time, preferences, and dietary requirements.

Homemade Broth

If you have the time and ingredients on hand, homemade broth can greatly enhance the flavor of your soup. You can control the salt content, and it’s a good way to use leftover vegetable scraps or bones. However, making broth does require some extra effort and planning.

Store-Bought Broth

This is a convenient and quick option. It’s always ready to use and comes in a variety of flavors. When shopping for store-bought broth, look for low-sodium versions to control your soup’s saltiness better. Also, check the ingredient list to avoid broths with preservatives or additives.

How To Serve ?

Broccoli cream cheese soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are a few suggestions:

Bread Bowl: For a hearty meal, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. The bread soaks up the soup wonderfully and provides a delicious edible bowl.
With a Side: Pair the soup with a side salad or sandwich for a balanced meal. A classic grilled cheese or a fresh garden salad would complement the soup nicely.
Garnish: Top the soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh herbs, or a handful of croutons for added texture and flavor.
Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping and makes the meal more filling.
In a Mug: For a casual, cozy serving method, try serving the soup in a large, heat-proof mug. It’s the perfect hand warmer on a cold day.
Soup Course: If you’re hosting a multi-course meal, serve a small portion of the soup as a starter in an elegant soup bowl or a small ramekin.

Perfect Side Dishes To Complement Broccoli Cream Cheese Soup Recipe

The broccoli cream cheese soup is a creamy, comforting dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some suggestions:

Crusty Bread or Rolls: A piece of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls is perfect for dipping into the soup and provides a contrasting texture.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing, the crispy, cheesy sandwich pairs well with the soup’s creaminess.
Salads: A crisp, fresh salad can balance the soup’s creaminess. A simple green salad, Caesar salad, or even a tangy coleslaw could work well.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables or a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables could add a nice variety and balance to the meal.
Quiche or Savory Tart: A small slice of quiche or a savory tart could complement the soup for a more substantial meal.
Baked Potato: A light, fluffy baked potato served with a touch of butter, sour cream, or chives can be a great addition.
Charcuterie Board: A small board with a selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and artisanal crackers can turn the soup into a sophisticated light dinner.

Storage And Make Ahead

Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Make Ahead: To make ahead, prepare the soup as instructed but do not add the cream cheese. Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop, then add the cream cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
Reheating: When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Reheat and Serve: Simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, and serve as a comforting meal.
Add Protein: Enhance the soup by adding cooked chicken, turkey, or ham to create a heartier dish.
Make a Casserole: Mix the soup with cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake until bubbly for a creamy casserole.
Use as a Sauce: Use the soup as a creamy sauce for vegetables, chicken, or fish by thinning it out with a little broth or milk.
Make a Dip: Use the soup as a base for a creamy vegetable dip by blending it with some sour cream or Greek yogurt.

TIPS

Blanch for Brightness: Before adding broccoli to your soup, blanch it briefly in boiling water, then plunge it into ice water to lock in its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Boost the Flavor: Enhance the soup’s flavor by sautéing onions and garlic in butter until golden brown before adding the broccoli. This step adds depth and richness to the soup.
Add Some Spice: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. It will balance the creaminess and add a nice contrast of flavors.
Garnish with Crunch: Top your soup with toasted breadcrumbs, croutons, or chopped nuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the soup.