Creamy Broccoli Soup (Without Cream)

This creamy broccoli soup recipe is thick, comforting, and full of unexpected flavor. Blended with cauliflower, avocado, and fragrant herbs and spices, it’s nourishing, freezer-friendly, and completely satisfying without a drop of cream.

Puréed soups are my favorite, and this broccoli cauliflower soup is no exception. In less than 45 minutes, it blends simple vegetables and spices into a smooth, nourishing meal with balanced flavors. And unlike chunky soups, you don’t have to worry about splattering broth down your shirt—blended soups are just easier to eat (and digest). Although my Bone Broth Soup is a chunky soup worth trying.

I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower rice for convenience, avocado for healthy fat and dairy-free creaminess, and collagen peptides for a protein boost. Cumin, coriander, and thyme add a bright, savory flavor that works in every season.

Much like my cozy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, this broccoli soup disappears almost as quickly as I can make it.

Key Ingredients

Produce:

• BROCCOLI – Use a 16-ounce bag of frozen florets (or 1 pound fresh).  Frozen saves time without sacrificing nutrients.
• CAULIFLOWER – A 12-ounce bag of frozen riced cauliflower works well, but fresh or frozen florets are fine, too. Learn about the many Health Benefits of Cauliflower.
• AROMATICS – Yellow, onion, fresh garlic, and leeks add depth. Leek Tip: Leeks are sandy, so slice and chop first, then wash. Rinse your cutting board, too! Pre-trimmed leeks can save time.
• CARROT – Adds subtle sweetness. Use a white or yellow carrot for the best color (although any color works). There’s no need to peel it.
• AVOCADO – Half of a ripe avocado makes this broccoli soup recipe extra creamy and boosts its fiber and nutrient content. Use the whole thing if you want—I won’t judge. 😉

Pantry Staples:

• LOW-SODIUM CHICKEN or BEEF BROTH – Use one 32-ounce container (4 cups) for soup or 3 cups for a thicker, dip-like texture. Vegans can use veggie broth instead.
• UNFLAVORED COLLAGEN PEPTIDES – Add 4-5 scoops for ~40-50 grams of protein. I use Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides from Thrive Market [Enjoy 40% off your first box with my partner link]. Omit or a vegan version.
• HERBS & SPICES – Fresh thyme, ground cumin, and ground coriander are the secret ingredients that make this broccoli soup sing.

How to Make Broccoli Soup

1. Set the frozen bags of broccoli and cauliflower on the counter to thaw slightly while you prep the veggies.
2. In a 6.5-quart stock pot, warm the extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion, carrot, and ½ teaspoon sea salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the leeks and garlic and sauté for 2-3 more minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir often to prevent burning.
4. Add the chicken broth, cauliflower rice, broccoli, thyme, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce to medium and simmer until the broccoli is fork tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully purée the soup until mostly smooth. Start slow and gradually increase the speed as you go. Add the avocado, collagen, cumin, and coriander, and blend until smooth and creamy (about 10 minutes total).
6. Ladle the broccoli soup into bowls, season with fresh cracked pepper to taste, and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Broccoli Cauliflower Soup Toppings

Add crunch, color, and extra protein with these optional toppings:

• ¼ cup Savory Millet
• Oven-Baked Turkey Bacon bits
• Hemp seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Fresh thyme
• Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight glass jars or silicone containers for 3-4 days.
• Freezer (Glass Jars): Use freezer-safe, straight-sided mason jars. Leave headspace at the top for expansion and wait to tighten the lids until the soup is fully frozen; otherwise, the jar may shatter in your freezer.
• Freezer (Silicone Cups): Fill to the line, keeping upright until solid, as the seals can be a little unreliable.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the fridge or briefly on the counter. In a rush? Set the container in warm water until the soup releases.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally
• Never microwave frozen glass jars or place them in hot water.

FAQs

🥦 Save this broccoli soup recipe on Pinterest so it’s easy to find the next time you want to make a batch!

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This recipe was originally published on December 8, 2023. It was last updated September 15, 2025.