Broccoli soup, especially when made like Olive Garden’s iconic recipe, offers a delightful blend of creaminess and rich flavors that comfort the soul.
This soup brings together the nutritional powerhouse of fresh broccoli with a medley of savory ingredients that create a harmonious and satisfying dish. Perfect for a starter or a light meal, the Olive Garden Broccoli Soup is loved for its smooth texture and gentle seasoning that makes broccoli feel special.
Whether you’re copying a favorite restaurant dish or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a loved part of your cooking collection. So without wasting any further time, let’s jump into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious soup at home
What Is Olive Garden Broccoli Soup and Why Is It So Special?
Olive Garden Broccoli Soup is a creamy and flavorful soup made with fresh broccoli, cream, cheese, and other aromatic ingredients. It’s Olive Garden’s signature soup dish that has become popular among people of all ages for its strong taste and thick feel. Served hot, this soup is great as a starter or even a light meal by itself.
But what sets the Olive Garden Broccoli Soup different from other similar dishes? The secret lies in using just the right ingredients and getting the cooking technique spot on. The use of fresh broccoli gives you the best flavors from the vegetable while creating a nutritious base for your soup. Plus, the combination of cream, cheese, and seasonings like garlic, onion, and nutmeg adds layers of creamy texture and savory depth to the soup.
The Broccoli Soup is also special because it’s a favorite dish from a popular Italian restaurant chain in America. By making this soup at home, you can enjoy a taste of Olive Garden without leaving your house. It’s a great way to bring the fun of eating out into your own kitchen.
Ingredients Needed for Olive Garden Broccoli Soup
Making the magic of Olive Garden’s broccoli soup requires a handful of simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started on this culinary adventure:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley and shredded cheddar cheese
Adding Parmesan cheese gives more flavor, while broccoli and carrots make it healthier. Garlic and onion add a nice smell that improves the taste.
For those with diet needs, swap dairy milk for almond or coconut milk and use vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian or vegan without losing taste.
Nutritional Information of this Broccoli Soup
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | Daily Value %* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280 | 14% |
| Total Fat | 18g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 50mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 720mg | 31% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugars | 6g | – |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | – | 60% |
| Vitamin C | – | 70% |
| Calcium | – | 25% |
| Iron | – | 8% |
Equipment Needed
Before you start making this lovely soup, make sure that you have the right equipment on hand. These kitchen tools will ensure that your cooking process is smooth and efficient:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Blender or immersion blender
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Whisk
If you like doing many things at once in the kitchen, an immersion blender is a good buy. It makes it easy to blend hot things right in the pot, saving time and making cleanup easier.
Recipe for Olive Garden Broccoli Soup
Now that you’re equipped and informed, it’s time to get cooking. Follow these simple steps to create your own Olive Garden-style broccoli soup:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by cleaning and prepping your fresh vegetables. Wash the broccoli florets under cold water to get rid of dirt or chemicals. Slice the carrots into thin strips so they cook evenly. Peel the onion and chop it finely. Smash the garlic cloves to add extra flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the broccoli and carrots to the pot, and stir to cover the vegetables with oil evenly.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Cream
Pour in your choice of chicken broth or vegetable broth and make sure it covers the vegetables adequately. Heat the mixture until it starts to boil gently, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are soft. When the vegetables are ready, mix in the milk and heavy cream to make the soup creamy.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
In a separate small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with a little bit of water to form a smooth paste. Slowly add this mixture to the simmering soup while stirring all the time. This will gently thicken the soup. Let it cook a few more minutes until it’s as thick as you like.
Step 5: Blend for Smoothness
Carefully use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. You can blend the whole batch or leave small chunks of broccoli for added texture as you like. Make sure to blend in batches if using a traditional blender to avoid spillage.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese allow it to melt, and blend seamlessly into your soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you desire extra garnish, sprinkle some chopped parsley and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the served soup bowls for a good presentation.
Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden-style broccoli soup warm with some crusty bread on the side.
Olive Garden Broccoli Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Blender or Immersion Blender
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots julienned
- 1 cup onion finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley and shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Start by cleaning and prepping your fresh vegetables. Wash the broccoli florets under cold water to get rid of dirt or chemicals. Slice the carrots into thin strips so they cook evenly. Peel the onion and chop it finely. Smash the garlic cloves to add extra flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the broccoli and carrots to the pot, and stir to cover the vegetables with oil evenly.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Cream
- Pour in your choice of chicken broth or vegetable broth and make sure it covers the vegetables adequately. Heat the mixture until it starts to boil gently, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are soft. When the vegetables are ready, mix in the milk and heavy cream to make the soup creamy.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with a little bit of water to form a smooth paste. Slowly add this mixture to the simmering soup while stirring all the time. This will gently thicken the soup. Let it cook a few more minutes until it’s as thick as you like.
Step 5: Blend for Smoothness
- Carefully use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. You can blend the whole batch or leave small chunks of broccoli for added texture as you like. Make sure to blend in batches if using a traditional blender to avoid spillage.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving
- Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese allow it to melt, and blend seamlessly into your soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you desire extra garnish, sprinkle some chopped parsley and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the served soup bowls for a good presentation.
Notes
Creative Ways to Serve Olive Garden Broccoli Soup
If you want to enhance your broccoli soup experience, here are some creative ways to serve it:
- Bread Bowl Presentation: Serve the soup in a round loaf of bread with the inside taken out for a cozy feel. The bread soaks up the soup and creates a tasty mix of flavors and textures.
- Pair with a Side Salad: Enjoy the broccoli soup with a simple arugula or spinach salad topped with our lemon vinaigrette for a nice refreshing touch.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: Give your dish some texture by adding crispy bacon pieces, croutons, or fried onions. These toppings add a nice crunch to every bite.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle a few drops of hot sauce over the soup before serving.
- Incorporate Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn before blending. This not only enhances the flavor profile but also boosts the nutritional value.
- Serve with a Cheese Platter: Enhance the dining experience by pairing the soup with a variety of cheeses and cured meats.
- Use as a Sauce: Utilize the soup as a flavorful sauce base for pasta dishes or as an accompaniment for grilled chicken or fish.
Storage Suggestions
Store your homemade Olive Garden broccoli soup properly to keep its taste fresh for later use. Here are some tips for storing and reheating your soup:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will remain fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To store for a longer period, divide the soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags and leave room for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy, defrost the soup in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen), then gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Tips for Making Perfect Olive Garden Broccoli Soup
Making a tasty and creamy Olive Garden broccoli soup can be simple and easy with a few handy tips:
- Uniform Slicing: Cut the vegetables into the same sizes to ensure they cook evenly. Consistent sizes allow for a better melding of flavors in the soup.
- Mind the Heat: Cook the vegetables initially on medium heat to prevent burning which allows them to soften and release their natural flavors gradually.
- Blending Techniques: When using a blender, remember to leave a small gap in the lid to let steam escape, reducing the risk of pressure build-up and spillage. If using an immersion blender, tilt the pot slightly for a smoother blend.
- Creaminess Balance: Change the amount of cream to get the creaminess you want. For a healthier option, try using half-and-half or a milk substitute without losing flavor.
- Enhanced Flavor: Add herbs like thyme or basil for a deeper flavor profile, while a dash of nutmeg can enrich the soup’s aromatic notes.
- Cheese Incorporation: Ensure the Parmesan cheese is finely grated to melt smoothly within the soup, providing an even distribution of flavor.
- Taste Adjustment: Always taste the soup before the final serving to adjust the seasoning. A touch of lemon juice can also brighten the flavor just before serving.
These tips will help you make a tasty, restaurant-quality soup that your family and guests will love every time. Have fun and try different ingredients to find the right taste for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making Olive Garden-style broccoli soup at home is a fun cooking project. It uses simple ingredients and good cooking methods. By following the steps, trying different ways to serve it, and using tips for storing and preparing, you can always make a tasty, restaurant-quality soup.
Whether you enjoy it as a comforting solo dish or pair it with others to enhance the meal, this soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
FAQ
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegan by substituting the chicken or vegetable broth with a rich vegetable broth, using non-dairy milk or cream, and replacing the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup is too thin, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water, then add it to the soup. Cook until it thickens.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Sure, you can also add other vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the soup. Try adding carrots, celery, or cauliflower for additional texture and taste. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure all vegetables are tender and well-integrated into the soup.
Is Olive Garden broccoli steamed?
Yes, at Olive Garden, the broccoli used in the soup is usually steamed to keep its bright color and nutrients, while being soft enough to mix well into the creamy soup.
Can I freeze the soup with cream?
It’s not a good idea to freeze soups with cream because they can split when you thaw them. If you want to freeze the soup, do it before adding the cream, and then mix it in when you heat it up.
How can I make the soup gluten-free?
To make the soup gluten-free, make sure that your broth is gluten-free and replace any flour used for thickening with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
What type of cheese works best for this soup?
Parmesan cheese is traditionally used for its rich and nutty flavor. However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or Asiago to create variations in taste.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by adding all ingredients except the cream and cheese, cooking on low for 6-8 hours, then blending and stirring in the cream and cheese before serving.
