If you’re in the mood for a bowl of something seriously comforting, look no further than Broccoli Cauliflower Soup. It’s creamy, beautifully green, and packs serious veggie power, yet is mild and family-friendly with hints of cheddar and thyme. This is the kind of soup you’ll crave on chilly evenings, but it’s so fresh-tasting and easy you might find yourself making it year-round. Whether you serve it as a main with crusty bread or as a starter to a larger feast, this soup is a definite keeper—and it comes together in about half an hour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Broccoli Cauliflower Soup is that you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients—just honest, simple staples that come together for vibrant color and rich flavor. Each piece plays a role, from silky creaminess to a pop of savory green.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a classic, velvety base flavor to the sauté.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Blends with the butter for a balanced sauté, preventing it from burning while offering Mediterranean depth.
- Onion, diced (1 medium): Provides sweet, mellow undertones and a gentle body.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings that unmistakable aromatic kick and earthiness.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups): The star veggie, bringing gorgeous green color, tons of nutrition, and slight bitterness for balance.
- Cauliflower florets (4 cups): Lends creaminess and mild, nutty flavor that marries perfectly with broccoli.
- Low-sodium Vegetable or Chicken Broth (4 cups): Gives the soup its depth and body, while letting the veggies shine.
- Whole Milk or Heavy Cream (1 cup): For that irresistible creamy texture, plus it softens and smooths every bite.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Offers warm, comforting herbal notes without overwhelming the veggies.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and unifies all the flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and dimension.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, optional): For those who want a luscious, melty finish—it’s absolutely dreamy when stirred in.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Lively, green, and the perfect way to finish the soup on a bright note.
How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Soup
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by grabbing your largest pot and heating the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s melted and shimmering, toss in the diced onions. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and translucent—the onions lay down the aromatic foundation for your Broccoli Cauliflower Soup. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for a minute until it’s fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Step 2: Add Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Broth
With your kitchen already smelling amazing, add the broccoli and cauliflower florets to the pot. Pour in the broth, using either vegetable or chicken, depending on your taste. Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. This is where the veggies will become wonderfully tender and begin mingling flavors with the broth, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 3: Puree Until Smooth
Once the vegetables are melt-in-your-mouth soft, remove the pot from the heat. Now, here’s where Broccoli Cauliflower Soup gets its creamy texture—use an immersion blender right in the pot (safer and less cleanup!) until the mixture is silky smooth. If you prefer, carefully work in batches with a stand blender, always venting the lid for steam. Return the pureed soup to the pot.
Step 4: Finish with Cream, Seasonings, and Cheese
Set the soup over low heat and stir in your milk or heavy cream. Add the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, then give everything a gentle stir. If you’re going for that cheesy touch, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and let it melt completely—this takes just a couple of minutes. Taste and adjust for salt or pepper as needed. Your Broccoli Cauliflower Soup is nearly ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the warm, velvety soup into bowls, then top each with a generous pinch of fresh chopped parsley. That pop of green not only looks stunning but adds a fresh, herbal note that ties everything together. Enjoy immediately while it’s delightfully hot and creamy!
How to Serve Broccoli Cauliflower Soup
Garnishes
Garnishes make every bowl look special and amp up the flavors in Broccoli Cauliflower Soup. A scattering of chopped fresh parsley provides brightness, while a bit of extra cheddar or even a dollop of Greek yogurt adds more richness. Try toasted seeds or a swirl of olive oil for extra flair and crunch.
Side Dishes
This soup is a dream paired with crusty bread, a warm baguette, or even a simple grilled cheese for dunking. For a lighter pairing, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or raw vegetable sticks. It’s also fantastic with roasted potatoes or a handful of rustic crackers.
Creative Ways to Present
Broccoli Cauliflower Soup shines in everything from rustic mugs for cozy lunches to elegant bowls for dinner parties. You can pour it into shooter glasses for a fun appetizer at gatherings, or ladle it over a scoop of rice or cooked quinoa for a heartier twist. For kids, sprinkle goldfish crackers or crispy croutons on top for playful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Broccoli Cauliflower Soup, simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors will deepen even further as it rests. Stir well before serving, as ingredients may settle.
Freezing
Broccoli Cauliflower Soup freezes beautifully, especially if you leave out the dairy and cheese until reheating. Ladle thoroughly cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It should last up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour chilled or thawed soup into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you reserved the dairy and cheese, add them after the soup is hot. Avoid boiling, which can affect the texture—gentle heat is key for preserving the creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make Broccoli Cauliflower Soup vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for extra olive oil, use non-dairy milk like coconut or almond, and skip the cheese (or stir in a vegan alternative). The soup stays creamy and delicious while remaining completely plant-based.
How do I get my soup ultra-smooth?
For the silkiest texture, use a high-powered blender and blend the soup in batches until completely smooth, then strain it through a fine mesh sieve. If you’re using an immersion blender, just blend for an extra minute or two, moving it around the pot for even consistency.
What vegetables can I add or substitute?
If you want to change things up, try tossing in a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens, a diced potato for more body, or even leeks instead of onion. The basic Broccoli Cauliflower Soup recipe is flexible—let your fridge inspire you!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, Broccoli Cauliflower Soup is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, refrigerate, and then reheat gently before serving. Be sure to add any fresh garnishes or extra cheese just before serving for best results.
Is this soup suitable for gluten-free diets?
Definitely! As written, Broccoli Cauliflower Soup contains no gluten ingredients, provided your broth is certified gluten-free. It’s hearty and satisfying for nearly any dietary need.
Final Thoughts
As comforting as a hug in a bowl, Broccoli Cauliflower Soup brings together nourishing veggies and creamy flavor with so little effort. Whether you’re new to homemade soup or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is bound to earn a spot in your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and let this vibrant, cozy classic become your family’s new favorite!
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Broccoli Cauliflower Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy soup that combines the goodness of broccoli and cauliflower, enriched with a touch of cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Broccoli Cauliflower Soup Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add broccoli and cauliflower to the pot, pour in broth, and simmer until tender.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Finish Soup: Return to low heat, stir in milk or cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add cheese if using.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk and skip the cheese.
- Serve with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
