Broccoli And Stilton Cheese Soup Recipe

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For many, it’s a rich, velvety soup that warms the body and soothes the soul. One such soup that checks all those boxes is Broccoli and Stilton Cheese Soup. This British classic has gained a loyal following thanks to its unique blend of earthy, nutritious broccoli and the sharp, creamy Stilton cheese. If you’ve never tried it before, let me tell you-it’s a flavor-packed bowl of warmth you’ll want to curl up with on a chilly day.

The beauty of this dish lies in its balance: the slight bitterness of the broccoli paired with the bold and tangy Stilton creates a harmony that is both satisfying and indulgent. It’s rich without feeling too heavy, making it the perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or even as a starter for a special meal. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!

In this post, I’m going to guide you through everything you need to know to create this delicious soup from scratch. From the ingredients and cooking instructions to ingredient insights and expert tips, you’ll have everything you need to make the perfect Broccoli and Stilton Cheese Soup. Let’s dive in!

Broccoli And Stilton Cheese Soup Recipe

Here’s a simple yet scrumptious recipe for making Broccoli and Stilton Cheese Soup that’s guaranteed to impress your taste buds:

Ingredients Needed

• Broccoli (fresh or frozen) – 1 large head or about 500g (roughly 4 cups of chopped broccoli florets)
• Stilton cheese – 150g, crumbled (or more for extra cheesiness!)
• Butter – 2 tbsp
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Vegetable stock – 4 cups (or chicken stock for a meatier flavor)
• Milk – 1 cup (whole milk or half-and-half works best for creaminess)
• Heavy cream – ½ cup (for a luscious finish)
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – to taste
• Fresh parsley – a small handful, chopped (for garnish)
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp (optional, for sautéing)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep The Ingredients

   • Wash the broccoli thoroughly, cut it into florets, and set aside.
   • Finely chop the onion and garlic, as these will form the base of the flavor for the soup.
   • Crumble the Stilton cheese and set it aside to melt smoothly later.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In a large pot, heat the butter (or olive oil) over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 4-5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic-nothing ruins a dish faster than overcooked garlic!

3. Add The Broccoli

   • Toss in the broccoli florets and stir them around with the onions and garlic for a couple of minutes to let them get acquainted with the flavors.
   • Pour in the vegetable stock, making sure the broccoli is mostly covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

4. Blend The Soup

   • Once the broccoli is cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer it to a countertop blender in batches.
   • If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend it for a few seconds, leaving some broccoli pieces intact.

5. Add The Cheese & Dairy

   • Stir in the crumbled Stilton cheese, milk, and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the cheese has fully melted into the soup, creating a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Finish And Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
   • Serve immediately with a slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping.

Ingredient Insights

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s not only great for your health but also provides a slightly earthy, slightly bitter flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of Stilton cheese. Plus, its texture holds up well when blended, making for a soup that’s hearty but not overly heavy.

Stilton Cheese

Stilton is a British blue cheese known for its bold, pungent flavor and crumbly texture. It adds a depth of creaminess and a sharp tang that contrasts wonderfully with the mellow broccoli. If you’re not familiar with blue cheese, Stilton might be a bit of a bold choice, but trust me-it’s what makes this soup unforgettable. For the best flavor, opt for a well-aged Stilton.

Butter & Olive Oil

You’ll find that butter is key in developing a rich, luxurious flavor base. If you prefer, you can swap it for olive oil, but butter gives the soup a creamier finish. A small drizzle of olive oil adds another layer of richness, though it’s optional.

Heavy Cream & Milk

These ingredients help balance out the sharpness of the Stilton, creating a beautifully silky texture. Whole milk or half-and-half is preferred, as it lends more creaminess than low-fat milk. The heavy cream adds that final indulgent touch.

Expert Tips

• Balance the Cheese: Stilton can be quite strong, so don’t go overboard if you’re not a huge fan of blue cheese. Start with a little, taste the soup as it simmers, and add more if you want a bolder flavor.
• Blend it Right: An immersion blender is your best friend here, as it makes blending much easier, especially when you’re trying to keep the broccoli in larger pieces. If you use a countertop blender, remember to let the soup cool slightly before transferring it in batches to avoid any splashing.
• Reheat with Caution: This soup rewarms well, but because of the dairy content, it can separate if you heat it too quickly. Reheat gently on low heat, stirring frequently.
• Garnish Creatively: If you want to add a little extra flair, consider topping the soup with roasted nuts (like toasted almonds or walnuts) or a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious touch.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Version: Swap the Stilton for a plant-based blue cheese (many are available now) or a vegan cream cheese. Use vegetable broth instead of stock and substitute plant-based milk and cream (such as coconut milk or oat milk).
• Add a Protein Boost: Stir in some cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits to make the soup heartier and more filling.
• Roasted Broccoli: For a deeper flavor, try roasting your broccoli before adding it to the soup. Toss it with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes before adding it to the pot.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne pepper for an unexpected twist. Fresh thyme or rosemary can also bring a nice, herby fragrance to the soup.

Final Words

Broccoli and Stilton Cheese Soup is more than just a simple soup-it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and comfort all in one bowl. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or preparing it as a starter for a special meal, this soup will not disappoint. It’s easy to make, full of heart, and just the right amount of indulgent.