Description
This Creamy Broccoli Soup is a smooth and comforting dish rich in flavor, crowned with crispy homemade garlic croutons. Using simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s a cozy classic perfect for lunch or dinner, blending tender broccoli, potatoes, and a touch of cream for a velvety texture.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For the Garlic Croutons
- 2 cups bread cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat the butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it releases its fragrant aroma, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped broccoli florets, diced potato, broth, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the pot.
- Simmer Vegetables: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the soup to a countertop blender carefully, and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Finish Soup: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and gently heat the soup through without boiling. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
- Prepare Garlic Croutons – Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the croutons.
- Prepare Croutons: In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated.
- Bake Croutons: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden and crispy, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy broccoli soup into bowls and top generously with the homemade garlic croutons. Serve hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- For added richness, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the soup just before serving.
- You can substitute cauliflower for some of the broccoli to vary the flavor and texture.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, replace the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Store any leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Keep croutons separate from the soup for best texture; they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
