If you’re looking for a soul-warming dish that perfectly balances vibrant greens and rich, tangy cheese, this Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine the deep, velvety broccoli base mingling with the bold yet creamy Stilton, creating an irresistibly satisfying, luscious soup that comforts from the very first spoonful. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh vegetables with a touch of indulgence, and trust me, once you make it, this recipe will become one of your favorites too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is straightforward but essential, building layers of flavor, texture, and color that complement each other beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness while giving the vegetables a gentle sautéed glow.
- Large onion: Offers a sweet, aromatic foundation when softened.
- Garlic cloves: Give a hint of warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Medium potato: Creates body and creaminess when blended into the soup.
- Vegetable broth (or chicken broth): Provides the savory liquid base essential for simmering and flavor infusion.
- Broccoli florets: Main star of the soup with their vibrant green color and fresh, slightly bitter taste.
- Stilton cheese: The pièce de résistance, crumbled to melt in beautifully, adding bold tang and creaminess.
- Whole milk or cream (optional): For those who love ultra-smooth and rich soup textures, this addition is perfect.
- Salt and pepper: To taste—vital for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.
- Fresh parsley or chives: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, herbal note and bright color.
How to Make Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; this gentle heating releases its fruity flavor without burning. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step builds the flavorful base your soup needs before you add the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Potato and Broccoli
Next, toss in the diced potato and cook it alongside the aromatics for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot. Stir everything together so it starts to combine, setting the scene for a perfectly balanced texture once blended.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture up to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and allow the soup to cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until both the broccoli and potato become tender enough for blending. This simmer lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Blend to Creamy Perfection
Once your veggies are tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer in batches to a blender if you prefer. Aim for a smooth, creamy texture that embraces every spoonful with warmth and richness.
Step 5: Add the Stilton Cheese
Return the soup to the heat and gently stir in the crumbled Stilton cheese. As it melts, it transforms the soup into a velvety indulgence packed with distinctive tangy flavor. If you want a creamier soup, this is the perfect time to stir in some whole milk or cream to adjust consistency.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Finally, taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed to balance all the layers of flavor. Once seasoned perfectly, your Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe is ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley or finely chopped chives on top brings bright, herby freshness and a pop of green that makes the soup visually inviting and enhances the overall taste experience.
Side Dishes
This soup is wonderfully versatile when served alongside crusty bread or crunchy sourdough for dipping, a crisp side salad, or even a warm cheese toastie if you’re feeling extra indulgent. These accompaniments make the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few crumbles of Stilton on top. You can also swirl in a little cream for an elegant touch. Sending your guests home with such a bowl feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor, making it easy to enjoy again without any compromise on quality.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup for up to two months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or milk to restore its perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Stilton?
Absolutely! While Stilton offers a unique tangy richness, strong blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Roquefort can work well too. Just keep in mind their flavors may vary slightly.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as you choose vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe is vegetarian-friendly and packed with wholesome goodness.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can omit the milk or cream and use a non-dairy alternative if you want, but the Stilton cheese is a dairy product. For a dairy-free version, consider using a plant-based blue cheese alternative or leave the cheese out entirely.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
For a thicker soup, use less broth or add more potato. To thin it out, simply stir in more broth or milk until you reach your desired texture.
What’s the best time to add the Stilton?
Adding Stilton after blending ensures it melts smoothly into the warm soup without clumping, creating that luscious cheesy goodness we’re after.
Final Thoughts
There really is nothing like the comforting hug of this Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe on a chilly day, and it’s so easy to prepare with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself, this soup delivers rich, fresh flavors and a creamy texture that’s bound to make it a staple in your recipe collection. Go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to love every delicious spoonful!
Print
Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy Broccoli and Stilton Soup that combines tender broccoli and potatoes with the sharp, tangy flavor of Stilton cheese. This comforting soup is perfect for a warm lunch or dinner, offering a smooth texture and vibrant taste, easily prepared on the stovetop in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
Liquids
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or cream (optional, for a creamier texture)
Cheese
- ½ cup (120g) Stilton cheese, crumbled (adjust to taste)
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing their aroma and building the soup’s flavor base.
- Add the Potato and Broccoli: Stir in the diced potato and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the potatoes to begin softening. Then add the broccoli florets, stirring to combine all the vegetables evenly in the pot.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook gently for 15-20 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the potato is fully cooked and soft.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until silky. This step creates the soup’s velvety texture.
- Add the Stilton: Return the pureed soup to low heat. Stir in the crumbled Stilton cheese gradually, stirring continuously until it melts fully into the soup. If the soup is too thick or rich, add whole milk or cream to reach your preferred consistency and creaminess.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to balance and enhance the flavors. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a bright herbal touch if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan or dairy-free version, omit the Stilton and milk, or substitute with a plant-based cheese and milk alternative.
- Adjust the amount of Stilton cheese according to your taste preference for cheese intensity.
- Carefully blend the soup in batches if using a blender to avoid hot liquid splashes.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 2 months and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Adding cream or milk is optional but recommended for a richer, creamier texture.
