A Warm, Hearty Soup Packed with Goodness
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Wholesome Cauliflower and Broccoli Soup. The creamy texture, rich flavor, and nutritious ingredients make it the perfect meal for any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner, a cozy lunch, or a delicious way to eat more vegetables, this soup has got you covered.
Not only is this soup easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients from cauliflower, broccoli, and other fresh ingredients. The blend of vegetables, cheese, and sour cream creates a silky, savory broth that’s both light and satisfying. Best of all, it’s a versatile recipe—you can enjoy it smooth and creamy or with a chunkier texture, depending on your preference.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Healthy and nutritious – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
✔ Creamy and flavorful – A rich, cheesy broth with the perfect blend of vegetables.
✔ Easy to make – Simple steps with minimal prep time.
✔ Versatile – Blend it smooth or leave it chunky, add bacon, or try different cheeses.
✔ Great for meal prep – Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Wholesome Cauliflower and Broccoli Soup is made with fresh, simple ingredients that bring out a natural depth of flavor.
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cauliflower | 1 head, roughly chopped |
Broccoli | 1 head, roughly chopped |
Celery | 2 stalks, diced |
Carrot | 1 medium or several small, thinly sliced |
Green Onions | 3, chopped |
Garlic | 2 cloves, diced |
Bay Leaves | 2 |
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth | 6 cups |
Sour Cream | 1 cup |
Bacon Bits (Optional) | ½ cup |
Fresh Parsley or Dill | ½ cup, finely chopped |
Shredded Cheese (Six Cheese Italian Blend) | ½ cup |
Butter | 2 tablespoons |
Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the green onions, celery, and carrots, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
2. Add the Cauliflower and Broccoli
- Add the chopped cauliflower and broccoli, stirring to combine.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to absorb the flavors.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring all the vegetables are submerged.
- Add the bay leaves and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Blend the Soup
- Remove the bay leaves from the pot.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is.
5. Incorporate the Cream and Cheese
- Stir in the sour cream until fully combined.
- Add the shredded cheese and mix until completely melted into the soup.
6. Season and Garnish
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the fresh parsley (or dill) and bacon bits, if using.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, bacon bits, and fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy this wholesome, delicious meal!
Tips for Making the Best Cauliflower and Broccoli Soup
✔ Use fresh vegetables – Fresh broccoli and cauliflower provide the best texture and flavor.
✔ For a richer taste – Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and add a splash of heavy cream.
✔ Make it vegan – Use vegetable broth, dairy-free sour cream, and plant-based cheese.
✔ Thicken the soup naturally – Blend half the soup and leave some vegetables whole for a chunky texture.
✔ Add extra protein – Stir in grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Health Benefits of Cauliflower and Broccoli
This Wholesome Cauliflower and Broccoli Soup is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that benefit your overall health.
1. High in Fiber
Cauliflower and broccoli are rich in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
2. Loaded with Vitamins
These vegetables are packed with vitamins C and K, which help boost immunity and support bone health.
3. Powerful Antioxidants
Both cauliflower and broccoli contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation and fight off harmful free radicals.
4. Supports Heart Health
The ingredients in this soup help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with This Soup
This Wholesome Cauliflower and Broccoli Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – The ultimate comfort food pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables – Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerating Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen cauliflower and broccoli work well, but fresh vegetables provide the best texture.
2. How can I make this soup thicker?
Blend more of the soup, add a potato while cooking, or mix in a cornstarch slurry.
3. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap sour cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese.
4. What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or bone broth are great alternatives.
5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except cheese and sour cream to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Blend and add the dairy before serving.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Try adding spinach, potatoes, zucchini, or leeks for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts: Try This Wholesome Cauliflower and Broccoli Soup Today!
If you’re looking for a nutritious, flavorful, and comforting soup, this Wholesome Cauliflower and Broccoli Soup is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make, rich in vitamins, and completely customizable to suit your tastes.
Give this recipe a try today, and let your family enjoy the creamy goodness and nourishing benefits of this delicious soup!
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Wholesome Cauliflower and Broccoli Soup: A Nutritious and Comforting Meal
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Wholesome Cauliflower and Broccoli Soup is a creamy, hearty, and nutritious dish perfect for any season. Made with fresh vegetables, aromatic seasonings, and a rich cheese blend, this soup delivers the perfect balance of flavor and health benefits. Whether you prefer a smooth, velvety texture or a chunkier consistency, this versatile recipe is easy to customize.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, roughly chopped
- 1 head broccoli, roughly chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium carrot or several small ones, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup bacon bits (optional)
- ½ cup fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheese (Six Cheese Italian blend)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics – In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Vegetables – Stir in green onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add cauliflower and broccoli and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Simmer the Soup – Pour in chicken broth, ensuring the vegetables are covered. Add bay leaves, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Blend the Soup – Remove the bay leaves. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
- Add Cream and Cheese – Stir in sour cream and shredded cheese, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Season and Garnish – Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley or dill and bacon bits (if using).
- Serve and Enjoy – Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, bacon bits, and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon.
- For extra creaminess: Add ½ cup of heavy cream before serving.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American