There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of simple broccoli and Stilton soup on a chilly evening. This classic British dish is rich, creamy, and packed with flavour, making it the perfect meal for cosy nights in. Whether you’re a busy home cook looking for a quick dinner fix or someone who simply loves classic British flavours, this recipe will tick all the boxes.
In this post, I’ll show you how to create a creamy, indulgent soup using fresh ingredients and simple techniques. Plus, I’ll share tips for variations, serving suggestions, and ways to elevate your dish to restaurant-quality status—all while keeping the preparation fuss-free.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Simple Broccoli and Stilton Soup
Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation:
- ✅ Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes for those busy weeknights.
- ✅ Hearty and filling – The perfect combination of vegetables and creamy cheese.
- ✅ Versatile – Ideal as a starter for a dinner party or as a light main course.
- ✅ Vegetarian-friendly – Use vegetable stock for a fully vegetarian option.
- ✅ Freezer-friendly – Store for up to three months for future meals.
Recipe Highlights
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
This creamy soup is loaded with the natural sweetness of broccoli and the bold, savoury punch of Stilton cheese. The best part? You can cook it on the hob or let your slow cooker do the work while you relax.
Ingredients and Essential Preparations
The magic of this simple broccoli and Stilton soup lies in using quality ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make a rich, velvety bowl of goodness:
Ingredients
- 🥦 Broccoli – 650g (fresh or frozen)
- 🍲 Stock – 700ml (vegetable for vegetarians, or chicken for added depth)
- 🥛 Milk – 100ml (optional for extra creaminess)
- 🧄 Garlic – 2 cloves, crushed
- 🧅 Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- 🧂 Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
- 🧀 Stilton cheese – 150g, crumbled
- 🥄 Cream – 50ml (optional, for added richness)
🔍 Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: Which Should You Use?
Both fresh and frozen broccoli work well for this recipe:
- Fresh broccoli: Offers a vibrant colour and a crisp texture.
- Frozen broccoli: Convenient and retains most of its nutritional value—just ensure it’s thawed and drained before use.
🍵 Stock, Milk, and Cream Options
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock.
- Use chicken stock for a richer, more savoury depth.
- Want a creamier texture? Add milk or cream, adjusting the liquid quantities to suit your desired consistency.
How to Make Simple Broccoli and Stilton Soup
🔥 Method 1: On the Hob (Ready in 30 minutes)
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop the broccoli into small florets. Finely dice the onion and crush the garlic.
- Sauté: In a large saucepan, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Simmer: Add the broccoli and cook for another 2 minutes before pouring in the stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend: Stir in the milk and crumble in the Stilton cheese. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
- Finish: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Drizzle cream on top if desired.
🕰️ Method 2: Slow Cooker (3-7 hours)
- Add the broccoli, onion, garlic, and stock to your slow cooker.
- Set on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours.
- Once the vegetables are soft, blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in the milk and Stilton cheese just before serving to avoid curdling.
| Method | Time | Key Steps |
|---|---|---|
| On the Hob | 30 minutes | Sauté, simmer, blend |
| Slow Cooker | 3-7 hours | Set, forget, blend before serving |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This soup isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients too! Here’s the breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: 276 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 14g (6g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fibre: 5g
Broccoli is rich in Vitamin C, while Stilton cheese adds a good dose of calcium and protein.
Pro Tips for Success
- Blend for a smoother texture: Use an immersion blender for easy blending without the mess.
- Adjust consistency: Add a splash of stock if your soup is too thick.
- Serve immediately: This soup is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to put your own spin on this British classic? Here are some creative ways to adapt the recipe:
- 🧀 Cheese swaps: Try blue cheese, Gorgonzola, or sharp cheddar for a different twist.
- 🌿 Herbs and spices: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- 🥔 Add extra veggies: A diced potato or celery will make the soup heartier.
Serving Suggestions
A bowl of simple broccoli and Stilton soup pairs beautifully with:
- Rustic bread: Toasted and drizzled with olive oil.
- Garlic bread: For an indulgent twist, spread garlic butter on slices and bake until golden.
- Stilton croutons: Cube bread, top with cheese, and bake until crisp.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- ❄️ Freezing: Let the soup cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- 🔥 Reheating: Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat on the hob over low heat, stirring regularly.
- 🥄 Avoid curdling: Stir in extra cheese or cream only after reheating to maintain a smooth texture.
A British Classic You’ll Keep Coming Back To
This simple broccoli and Stilton soup is the definition of comfort food—creamy, rich, and bursting with flavour. Whether served as a starter or a main course, it’s an easy recipe you’ll find yourself returning to repeatedly.
Try out the variations, get creative with toppings, and don’t forget to pair it with a crusty loaf of bread. Looking for more comforting recipes? Check out my other British soup recipes 🔗
let me know how your version turns out in the comments below!
Happy cooking! 🍲
Simple Broccoli and Stilton Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large saucepan (for cooking on the hob)
- 1 Immersion blender (for blending until smooth)
- 1 Slow cooker (optional, for slow-cook method)
Materials
- Main Ingredients
- 650 g Broccoli fresh or frozen, cut into small florets
- 700 ml Vegetable stock or chicken stock for added depth
- 100 ml Milk optional, for extra creaminess
- 2 cloves Garlic crushed
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- A pinch of Nutmeg
- 150 g Stilton cheese crumbled
- 50 ml Cream optional, for added richness
Instructions
- Method 1: On the Hob
- Prepare vegetables: Chop broccoli into small florets. Dice the onion finely and crush the garlic.
- Sauté: In a large saucepan, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Simmer: Add broccoli and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in the stock, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
- Blend: Stir in milk and crumble the Stilton cheese. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Finish: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Drizzle cream on top if desired.
- Method 2: Slow Cooker
- Add broccoli, onion, garlic, and stock to the slow cooker.
- Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours.
- Blend until smooth with an immersion blender.
- Stir in milk and Stilton cheese before serving.
Notes
Add a splash of extra stock if the soup is too thick.
Serve fresh for the best flavour and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Broccoli and Stilton Soup
🥦 Is Stilton and Broccoli Soup Healthy?
Yes, broccoli and Stilton soup can be a healthy choice, depending on how it’s made. Broccoli is packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, fibre, and antioxidants. Stilton cheese adds a rich source of calcium and protein but also contains saturated fats, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
To make it healthier:
Use semi-skimmed milk instead of cream.
Add extra vegetables like spinach, peas, or leeks for added nutrients.
Opt for a smaller portion of Stilton if you’re watching fat intake.
👩‍🍳 How to Make Easy Broccoli and Stilton Soup Without Cream
Here’s a simple recipe without cream:
Ingredients:
1 large head of broccoli (cut into florets)
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 garlic clove (optional, minced)
750ml vegetable or chicken stock
100g Stilton cheese (crumbled)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pan, add the onion (and garlic if using), and cook until softened.
Add broccoli and stock, then bring to a boil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, and blend until smooth.
Stir in Stilton until melted, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
How to Make Broccoli Soup (Jamie Oliver Style)
Jamie Oliver’s style focuses on simplicity and natural flavours. Here’s a version inspired by his approach:
Ingredients:
2 heads of broccoli
1 large onion
2 cloves of garlic
1L vegetable stock
Olive oil
Optional: Grated Parmesan for serving
Method:
Fry onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.
Add chopped broccoli stalks first, cooking for a few minutes.
Add the florets, pour in the stock, and cook for 10-15 minutes.
Blend until smooth and serve with Parmesan sprinkled on top.
🥄 How to Thicken Broccoli and Stilton Soup
If your soup is too thin, here are easy ways to thicken it:
Add a potato: Dice and cook a potato with the broccoli, then blend.
Cornflour slurry: Mix 1 tbsp of cornflour with water and stir it into the hot soup until thickened.
Add more broccoli: Extra broccoli gives the soup a thicker texture naturally.
🌿 How to Add Flavour to Homemade Soup
To boost your soup’s flavour, try:
Adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves.
Using a richer vegetable or chicken stock.
Stirring in a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg for depth.
Topping with toasted seeds, crispy bacon bits, or croutons for texture and flavour.
🧀 What Can I Use to Thicken Broccoli Cheese Soup?
Aside from the methods mentioned earlier, you can also try:
Cheese: Add more grated cheese like cheddar to naturally thicken the soup.
Roux: Melt butter, stir in flour to form a paste, then whisk it into the soup.
Cream cheese: A small spoonful can thicken and add extra creaminess without using actual cream.