If you’re craving a comforting bowl that perfectly balances freshness and bold flavor, this Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Silky smooth broccoli blended to creamy perfection, enriched with the rich, tangy bite of authentic Stilton cheese, makes every spoonful a cozy little celebration. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy vegetables with an indulgent twist, ideal for chilly days or whenever you need a quick yet satisfying meal. Trust me, once you try this soup, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it wonderfully simple, focusing on fresh and vibrant ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role in creating the soup’s inviting aroma and velvety consistency.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For gently sautéing the aromatics, bringing a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds a sweet and savory base that melts beautifully into the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a delicate punch of warmth without overpowering.
- 1 medium leek (sliced and rinsed): Offers a mild onion flavor and an extra layer of softness.
- 1 large head of broccoli (about 1½ lbs, chopped into florets and stalks): The star ingredient, providing vibrant color and earthy green goodness.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base that brings all the ingredients together.
- ½ cup whole milk or cream: Adds luscious creaminess and silky texture.
- 5 oz Stilton cheese (crumbled): The soulful, tangy touch that elevates the soup into something truly special.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Optional croutons or extra cheese for garnish: For crunch or an extra cheesy finish, making every bowl even more inviting.
How to Make Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced leek, cooking them gently for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant, which sets a beautiful flavor foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add Broccoli and Broth
Next, add the chopped broccoli florets and stalks to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring everything to a lively boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. The broccoli should become tender enough to blend smoothly, so test it with a fork toward the end.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Once the broccoli is tender, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully pour the soup in batches into a standard blender. Blend until the texture is silky and smooth—a creamy dream in every spoonful.
Step 4: Stir in Milk and Stilton Cheese
Return the blended soup to low heat, then stir in the milk or cream for added richness. Gently fold in the crumbled Stilton cheese, stirring until it melts completely and infuses the soup with its signature tangy creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
How to Serve Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving by sprinkling a handful of crunchy croutons or an extra crumble of Stilton cheese on top. These little touches introduce delightful texture contrasts and invite you to savor every spoonful with a smile.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with rustic crusty bread to soak up every drop, or a fresh green salad for a lighter balance. It also works beautifully alongside warm cheese toasties, turning your meal into a cozy feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the soup in elegant bowls garnished with a swirl of cream and a fresh herb like chives or parsley. You can also ladle it into small cups as a starter or appetizer—its vibrant green color and rich aroma will captivate your guests instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before reheating—its flavors only deepen with time.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, freeze the soup in portions for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave a little space at the top of your container as the soup may expand slightly. Remember, it’s best to add the Stilton cheese after reheating for the freshest flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling once the cheese is mixed in to keep the flavors smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine for this Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe. Just add it directly to the pot, and you might need to simmer a few minutes longer until it’s tender.
What can I substitute for Stilton cheese?
If Stilton is hard to find, try other blue cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola for that characteristic tang. For a milder option, a sharp cheddar will still provide great flavor, though the soup won’t have the same distinctive bite.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this soup is perfect for vegetarians since it uses vegetable broth and cheese without any meat products. Just double-check your broth to ensure it’s vegetable-based if you’re buying pre-made.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk or cream with a plant-based alternative such as oat or cashew milk. Stilton cheese is dairy-based, so if you want to keep it fully dairy-free, try using a flavorful vegan cheese or simply omit the cheese and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be smooth and creamy but not too thick—think something you can easily ladle. You can adjust thickness by adding more broth if it’s too thick or simmer a little longer if you want it thicker.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe is a hidden gem that deserves a place in your cooking rotation. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with such wonderful flavor that it never fails to brighten up any day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this soup brings warmth and joy with every spoonful. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite bowl of goodness.
Print
Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy British-style broccoli and Stilton soup that combines tender broccoli florets with the sharp, tangy flavor of crumbled Stilton cheese. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy meal, blending sautéed aromatics with a smooth, cheesy finish, garnished optionally with crunchy croutons.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium leek, sliced and rinsed
- 1 large head of broccoli (about 1½ lbs), chopped into florets and stalks
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup whole milk or cream
- 5 oz Stilton cheese, crumbled
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Croutons
- Extra Stilton cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced leek, sautéing for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli florets and stalks to the pot, then pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the broccoli is very tender.
- Blend Soup: Remove the pot from heat and blend the soup until smooth. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully blend in batches using a standard blender.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in the whole milk or cream and crumbled Stilton cheese. Continue stirring gently until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes creamy.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with optional croutons or extra Stilton cheese crumbles if desired.
Notes
- For a stronger, more intense cheese flavor, increase the amount of Stilton cheese.
- Frozen broccoli can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh broccoli.
- This soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months for longer storage.
