This Cream of Broccoli Soup is made from a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients: fresh broccoli florets, chicken broth, butter, flour and a blend of half-and-half and heavy cream. The result is a silky, flavorful soup that highlights the broccoli with a gentle, creamy richness.

Years ago my parents came home from a dinner where a friend served an unforgettable cream of broccoli soup. My mother asked for the recipe, and after trying it, I made it many times. It’s a straightforward recipe that relies on fresh broccoli and a rich cream base. The simplicity is part of its charm.

List of Ingredients for Cream of Broccoli Soup

The ingredient list is short and focused on freshness and creaminess. Measure and prepare before you begin for a smooth cooking process.

• 3–4 hearty bunches of broccoli — use the florets (flowers) only, trimmed from the stems
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make Cream of Broccoli Soup

Fresh broccoli is the star. Trim the florets from the stems and discard the tougher stalks, or reserve them for another use if you prefer. I use about three to four bunches and remove the stems so the soup focuses on tender florets.

With a sharp knife, cut the tops from the stalks and chop the florets into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside while you prepare the base.

Tip: The stems can be fibrous and tough; this recipe uses the florets for the best texture.

Cooking the Broccoli and creating the soup

Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Use the full 1/2 cup — the butter enriches the flavor and helps form the roux that thickens the soup.

Add the broccoli florets and sauté them in the butter until they are just tender, a few minutes. You want them soft enough to eat but not falling apart.

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the broccoli and stir well to combine. This creates a roux that will thicken the broth. It may look lumpy at first — keep stirring and cooking for a minute so the flour loses its raw taste.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to smooth out the mixture. Continue to cook over medium-low heat until the base thickens slightly.

Turn the heat to low and stir in the half-and-half and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring to combine and avoid scorching.

Finishing and Serving Broccoli Soup

Let the soup simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture will thicken as it reduces; stir often and scrape the bottom of the pot so the cream does not brown.

Tip: For an even thicker texture, remove the soup from the heat after simmering and allow it to cool, then reheat. Soups made with a cream base often thicken as they cool.

Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately. This is a true cream soup — not a cheesy dish — so the broccoli should remain the primary flavor while the cream adds delicate richness.

The soup is tender and silky; the first spoonful often surprises people with how well a few simple ingredients come together. Serve it as a starter for a holiday meal, alongside sandwiches, or as part of a soup bar.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

• What makes a cream soup base? A cream soup base typically combines cream (heavy cream), half-and-half, or light cream with a roux (butter + flour) and stock.
• Can you freeze this soup? Yes. Cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container leaving about 1/2 inch headspace, and freeze for up to two months.
• How long will it keep in the refrigerator? Store in an airtight container for up to four days.
• How do I thin the soup when reheating? Add a little milk or more half-and-half while reheating to reach the desired consistency; cream-based soups thicken as they cool.

Fantastic Soup Recipes

• Hamburger Vegetable Pasta Soup
• Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup
• Italian Beefy Noodle Soup
• Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup
• Navy Bean and Ham Bone Soup
• Traditional Clam Chowder
• Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Betty, who originally shared this recipe, has passed away, but her family still treasures this soup. Cooking and sharing recipes keeps those memories alive; food connects us to people and moments we love.

Have a great day and happy nesting!

Printable Recipe

About the Author

The author shares simple, comforting recipes that highlight classic flavors and the memories they create. This cream of broccoli soup is one of those recipes that brings family and friends together around the table.