Broccoli Cream Cheese Soup Recipe – A Heart-Warming Meal

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

Broccoli Cream Cheese Soup Recipe – A Heart-Warming Meal

5 from 10 votes

Recipe by Hanna Barnes Course: Soup Recipes

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

35

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Indulge in the heartwarming, creamy delight of our Broccoli Cream Cheese Soup Recipe – a perfect blend of fresh broccoli, aromatic spices, and rich cheeses. 

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp 3 Butter

• 1 1 Medium Onion, Diced

• 1 1 Celery Stalk, Diced

• 1 1 Garlic Clove, Minced

• 1-1/2 to 2 lbs 1-1/2 to 2 Broccoli, Stems Peeled And Florets Trimmed

• 2 cups 2 Chicken Stock (Homemade or Store-Bought)

• 1/8 Tsp 1/8 Dried Oregano

• 1/8 Tsp 1/8 Dried Thyme

• 1 1 Bay Leaf

• 1 Cup 1 Heavy Cream

• 1/2 Cup 1/2 Grated Cheddar cheese

• 1/2 Cup 1/2 Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese

• Kosher Salt (To Taste)

• Fresh Black Pepper (To Taste)

Step-By-Step Directions

• Preparation Steps
  Gather all your ingredients: butter, onions, celery, garlic, broccoli, chicken stock, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, cream, salt, pepper, and cheese.
  Roughly chop the broccoli stems and florets, keeping them separate.
• Stovetop Cooking
  Melt the butter over low heat in a 3- or 4-quart Dutch oven or heavy stockpot.
  Add the onions, celery, and garlic, and cook until the onions are translucent, 3-4 minutes.
  Add the chopped broccoli stems, chicken stock, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 hour.
  Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
  Stir in the cream, salt, pepper, and cheese. Partially cover the pot, and cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
  Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, if needed.
• Slow Cooker Cooking
  In a 4-quart slow cooker, add the butter, celery, garlic, chopped broccoli stems, chicken stock, oregano, and thyme. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
  Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
  Add the cream, cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook on HIGH for 45 minutes.
  Add the broccoli florets, and cook for 30 minutes. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, if needed.
• Final Touches And Serving
  Garnish each serving with extra cheese, freshly ground pepper, and a sprig of fresh thyme, if desired. Serve hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread or salad.
• Additional Options
  For added protein, consider adding cooked chicken or bacon. For a vegan version, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock and the cream with a non-dairy alternative. Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for creaminess.
  
• EQUIPMENT LIST
• Dutch Oven Or Stockpot
• Knife And Cutting Board
• Immersion Blender Or Regular Blender
• Stirring Spoon
• Ladle
• Measuring Cups And Spoons

Notes

• Texture Preference: If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can set aside some broccoli florets before blending and add them back into the soup after pureeing.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock to make this recipe vegetarian.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese for a vegan variation.
• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Due to the dairy content, the texture might change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
• Reheating: When reheating, do so over low heat and stir occasionally to prevent the soup from burning at the bottom of the pot. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, you should add some water or broth.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you want to give the soup a little kick.

Nutrition Table

• Author
• Recent Posts

Hanna Barnes

Hanna is a writer at Soup Chick. Yulia's website reignited her passion for crafting affordable, veggie-packed soups. She is certified by the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and has expertise in healthy, baking, and vegan cuisine. With years of food blogging and collaborating with chefs, she offers a range of recipes on Soup Chick, from classic broths to the heavenly slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. Join her in creating flavorsome, wholesome soups in your kitchen!

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