Name: Creamy Broccoli Soup with Garlic Croutons Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter or olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups fresh broccoli florets; 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional); 2 cups cubed day-old bread; 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter; 1 clove garlic, minced; ¼ tsp salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 69 reviews

If you’ve ever longed for a soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Creamy Broccoli Soup with Garlic Croutons Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s that velvety, luscious bowl brimming with tender, bright green broccoli, blended into a rich, creamy base that dances with subtle notes of garlic and onion. Topped with crispy, golden homemade garlic croutons, it adds an irresistible crunchy texture that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual lunch or serving it as an elegant starter, this soup has a way of turning simple ingredients into something unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cutting board holds several fresh broccoli florets arranged in a cluster at the center, their bright green color and textured small buds clearly visible. To the upper right, there is a small onion with a light brown skin. At the top center, a silver grinder jar stands behind a glass bowl filled with white cream. To the left, two slices of whole wheat bread rest side by side. At the bottom right, three peeled cloves of garlic and a single yellow potato sit next to the broccoli, all positioned on a clean white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Preparing this creamy broccoli soup is delightfully straightforward, and each ingredient plays an essential role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. You don’t need a pantry full of fancy items, just fresh, wholesome basics that come together brilliantly.

Butter or olive oil: These add richness and help soften the onions for that perfect flavor base.
Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation to build your soup’s depth.
Garlic: Offers a fragrant punch that brightens the creamy, earthy broccoli.
Fresh broccoli florets: The star of the show, bringing vibrant green color and a hearty, vegetal taste.
Vegetable or chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and helps meld all the flavors beautifully.
Heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates that irresistibly smooth, silky texture.
Salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (optional): Seasoning essentials that enhance and round out the flavor profile.
Day-old bread cubes: For the garlic croutons, bringing crunch and a toasty aroma to each bite.
Olive oil or melted butter (for croutons): Coats the bread cubes to crisp them nicely while infusing a buttery garlic flavor.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Soup with Garlic Croutons Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter or warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, releasing a sweet, comforting scent. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds to let its fragrance unfold without burning.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot with the sautéed aromatics, then pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes until the broccoli turns tender and vibrant green, primed for blending.

Step 3: Blend Until Silky Smooth

Using an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transferring the mixture to a countertop blender, puree the soup until it’s beautifully smooth. This step transforms chunky broccoli and onions into that signature creamy base that feels so indulgent yet comforting.

Step 4: Finish the Soup

Return the blended soup to the pot if needed, then stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like a subtle warm spice note. Let the soup simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes to marry the flavors perfectly.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Croutons

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the cubed day-old bread with olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they’re crisp and golden brown — the ideal crunchy topping to contrast the creamy soup.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Soup with Garlic Croutons Recipe

A white bowl filled with smooth, pale green soup, topped in the center with small, golden-brown crunchy bread cubes and a light drizzle of olive oil around them. The bowl sits on a white cloth with a red stripe, placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. In the blurred background, there are two pieces of crusty bread and a shiny spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation and added flavor bursts, sprinkle a handful of the garlic croutons on top just before serving. You can also add a drizzle of extra cream or a few fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives. A little shredded cheddar cheese makes a dreamy, melty finish if you’re craving extra richness.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a warm crusty baguette for dipping. If you want to turn it into a heartier meal, a grilled cheese sandwich alongside creates that perfect comfort combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Creamy Broccoli Soup with Garlic Croutons Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe, or opt for elegant white soup cups at a dinner party to impress your guests. Adding a swirl of pesto or a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top also adds a delightful textural and flavor contrast that keeps things exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it a great make-ahead meal. Keep the garlic croutons separate to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

This Creamy Broccoli Soup with Garlic Croutons Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Croutons should never be frozen as they lose their texture and crispiness.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick, and always add your garlic croutons fresh for that irresistible crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh for this Creamy Broccoli Soup with Garlic Croutons Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and is super convenient. Just make sure to thaw it slightly and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid a watery soup.

Is it possible to make this soup vegan?

Yes, swap butter with olive oil and use a plant-based cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Also, make sure to use vegetable broth and vegan bread for the croutons.

How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, add less broth or simmer the soup a bit longer to reduce liquid. For a thinner soup, simply add extra broth or milk until you reach your desired texture.

Can I prepare the garlic croutons ahead of time?

Yes, garlic croutons can be baked up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container. Just re-crisp them briefly in the oven before serving for the best crunch.

What’s the best way to blend the soup if I don’t have an immersion blender?

No worries if you don’t own an immersion blender. Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular countertop blender. Just make sure to vent the lid slightly to avoid pressure build-up from the hot liquid.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Soup with Garlic Croutons Recipe is a true gem in any home cook’s repertoire. It delivers comfort and sophistication in every spoonful, combining velvety texture with a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re new to making soups or looking to impress friends and family, this recipe is approachable yet impressive. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to dish on cooler days!