Creamy Broccoli Soup with Croutons (Printable Version)
A smooth, creamy broccoli soup finished with golden croutons. Comforting, nourishing, and ready in just 40 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 large head broccoli (about 17.6 oz), cut into florets
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
→ Liquids
05 - 3.8 cups vegetable broth
06 - 3/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
→ Seasonings
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - Pinch of nutmeg, optional
→ Croutons
11 - 3 slices day-old bread, cubed
12 - 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
02 - Add broccoli florets and diced potato to the pot. Cook while stirring for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
03 - Pour vegetable broth into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until vegetables are completely tender.
04 - While soup simmers, heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread cubes and toss until golden and crisp, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and toss with fresh parsley if desired.
05 - Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until achieving a smooth consistency. Alternatively, work in batches with a countertop blender.
06 - Stir in milk or cream and return to low heat, warming gently. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls, top with prepared croutons, and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The potato adds a silky thickness without needing tons of cream, a little trick my neighbor taught me over a shared meal when I complained about my watery first attempt.
- Those homemade croutons transform what could be just another vegetable soup into something you actually crave, giving that perfect textural contrast that keeps you coming back for another spoonful.
02 -
- Never boil the soup after adding the milk or cream, or it might separate and give you a grainy texture instead of that perfect silkiness.
- Adding the potato creates a naturally creamy consistency without needing excessive dairy, a discovery that transformed my soup-making after several watery disappointments.
03 -
- Save time by using the same pot for the entire recipe, making the croutons first, setting them aside, then using the pot for the soup, which means one less dish to wash.
- For the smoothest possible texture, remove the fibrous outer layer of the broccoli stems rather than discarding them completely, doubling your broccoli yield and adding natural sweetness.