Why You’ll Love this Cozy Homemade Cream of Broccoli Soup
Every spoonful of this homemade cream of broccoli soup delivers pure comfort in a bowl.
I’m convinced it’s the perfect remedy for chilly evenings or when you need a bit of culinary self-care. The velvety texture, created by blending half the broccoli while leaving some pieces intact, gives you that perfect balance of smoothness and substance.
What makes it truly special? It’s the combination of butter-sautéed onions and that rich evaporated milk base.
Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep—faster than ordering takeout. Who doesn’t love a quick, cozy meal that tastes like it simmered all day?
What Ingredients are in Cozy Homemade Cream of Broccoli Soup?
This soup brings together simple, everyday ingredients that transform into something truly magical when combined. The star of the show is, of course, broccoli, which provides that earthy, slightly sweet flavor that makes this soup so satisfying. But it’s the supporting cast—the rich evaporated milk, savory chicken broth, and aromatic onions—that elevates this from just another vegetable soup to a creamy dream in a bowl. Ready to round up everything you’ll need?
- 16 ounces frozen chopped broccoli
- 3/4 cup water
- 14 1/2 ounces chicken broth (one can)
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 12 fluid ounces evaporated milk (one can)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, but don’t stress about perfection. Frozen broccoli works wonderfully here and saves precious prep time—no washing or chopping required! If you prefer to use fresh broccoli instead, about 4 cups of chopped florets should do the trick. And while the recipe calls for evaporated milk, which gives the soup its signature richness without being too heavy, you could substitute half-and-half or even whole milk in a pinch. Just know the texture might be slightly different, but still utterly delicious.
How to Make this Cozy Homemade Cream of Broccoli Soup
Making this velvety soup is surprisingly simple, and the process unfolds in a beautiful dance of cooking, blending, and combining. Start by bringing 3/4 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add your 16-ounce package of frozen chopped broccoli and bring it back to a boil. Once bubbling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the broccoli cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender. This gentle cooking preserves the broccoli’s vibrant flavor while softening it just enough.
When done, drain the broccoli—but don’t throw it away! We’re about to transform it.
Now for the magic of texture variation—take half of your cooked broccoli and place it in a food processor or blender along with the 14 1/2 ounce can of chicken broth. Process until smooth, creating that silky base while still keeping some texture for later.
In the same saucepan you used earlier (why dirty another pot?), melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup chopped onion and cook for just 1 to 2 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally. The aroma at this point is absolutely wonderful, filling your kitchen with that cozy soup-making smell.
Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to create a roux—this will be the thickening agent that gives your soup its luxurious body.
The final steps bring everything together in creamy harmony. Gradually stir in the 12-ounce can of evaporated milk into your butter-onion-flour mixture, stirring constantly. This constant attention prevents lumps and creates a smooth base. Keep stirring until the mixture comes to a boil, which activates the flour’s thickening properties.
Now, add both your pureed broccoli mixture and the remaining chopped broccoli pieces. The combination of smooth and chunky textures makes each spoonful interesting and satisfying.
For the best results, consider using a high-quality stainless steel cookware that provides even heat distribution throughout the cooking process.
Simply heat everything through until it reaches your desired temperature, and voilà—your homemade cream of broccoli soup is ready to warm both bowl and soul. Who needs canned soup when homemade is this easy?
Cozy Homemade Cream of Broccoli Soup Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore how to make this soup your own with some clever substitutions and creative variations.
Don’t have frozen broccoli? Fresh works beautifully—just use about 1 pound, chopped. Vegetarians can swap vegetable broth for chicken broth without missing a beat. If you’re dairy-free, coconut milk makes a surprisingly delicious alternative to evaporated milk.
Want to add some pizzazz? Try stirring in shredded cheddar cheese, a dash of nutmeg, or red pepper flakes for heat. I’m particularly fond of adding roasted garlic—it transforms the flavor profile completely. Bacon bits or croutons make perfect garnishes, don’t they?
What to Serve with Cozy Homemade Cream of Broccoli Soup
Every satisfying bowl of cream of broccoli soup deserves perfect companions to round out your meal.
I’m partial to a chunk of crusty sourdough bread for dipping—the way it soaks up that creamy broth is simply divine.
A simple side salad with vinaigrette adds brightness, cutting through the richness.
Think arugula with lemon dressing or mixed greens with cranberries.
For heartier appetites, grilled cheese sandwiches are the ultimate soup partner.
The crispy, buttery exterior and gooey cheese center? Perfection.
Want something lighter?
Garlic crostini or cheese straws offer that satisfying crunch without filling you up.
Final Thoughts
While we’ve explored delicious pairings for this creamy soup, this homemade cream of broccoli recipe stands perfectly well on its own as a comforting meal.
I love how the simple ingredients transform into something so satisfying – that magical moment when butter, flour, and milk create the perfect velvety base.
The blend of pureed and chopped broccoli gives you both smoothness and texture in every spoonful.
Isn’t there something special about a bowl of homemade soup on a chilly day?
This recipe, with its balance of creamy richness and vegetable goodness, might just become your go-to comfort food, no fancy accompaniments needed.
