Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup

Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup is a rich, creamy, and beautifully comforting dish that brings together tender broccoli and sharp, salty Stilton cheese. This soup is perfect for cold evenings, quick lunches, or elegant starters when hosting guests.
The broccoli gives the soup a wholesome, earthy base, while the Stilton melts into a smooth, velvety finish that tastes luxurious without being heavy. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking method, this soup is ideal when you want something warm and flavourful without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Exactly Is Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup?

Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup is a blended vegetable soup made from cooked broccoli, onions, stock, and pieces of Stilton cheese. Once the broccoli softens, the mixture is blended until smooth, and the Stilton is added at the end to melt into a creamy, slightly tangy finish. Nigella’s style keeps the recipe simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying—perfect for blue cheese lovers and anyone who enjoys bold, warming flavours.

Other Popular Nigella Lawson Recipes

• Nigella Pea and Mint Soup
• Nigella Cauliflower Soup
• Nigella Beetroot, Rhubarb and Ginger Soup

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Full of rich flavour – The Stilton gives a sharp, creamy edge that pairs beautifully with broccoli.
• Ready in around 25 minutes – Quick enough for weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Naturally comforting – Warm, creamy, and satisfying with minimal effort.
• Great for using up leftovers – Stilton pieces or broccoli florets blend perfectly.
• Elegant enough for entertaining – A classic starter for dinner parties.

Key Ingredients Needed for Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup

• 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 750ml vegetable or chicken stock
• 100–150g Stilton cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup milk or cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg or chives (optional garnish)

Equipments

• Large saucepan
• Blender (immersion or jug)
• Knife and chopping board
• Ladle
• Wooden spoon

Instructions to Make Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup

• Soften the aromatics – Sauté onions (and garlic if using) in butter or oil until fragrant and translucent.
• Add the broccoli florets – Tip in the broccoli and stir to coat it in the aromatic base.
• Pour in the stock – Add vegetable or chicken stock and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
• Cook until tender – Let the broccoli soften for 10–12 minutes.
• Blend to a smooth texture – Use a stick or jug blender to puree until completely smooth.
• Melt in the Stilton – Add the Stilton cheese and stir until fully melted and creamy.
• Finish and serve – Adjust seasoning and garnish with chives or nutmeg if desired.

• Soup tasting too strong – I used less Stilton and added a splash of milk to balance the flavour.
• Broccoli turning dull – Keeping the simmer gentle preserved the bright green colour.
• Soup becoming too thick – I thinned it with extra hot stock until it reached the perfect consistency.
• Cheese clumping instead of melting – Adding Stilton off the heat helped it melt smoothly.
• Grainy texture – Blending a little longer created a creamier finish.

Healthier Version of Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup

• Use olive oil instead of butter – Reduces saturated fat.
• Skip the cream – The blended broccoli creates enough natural creaminess.
• Add spinach or kale – Boosts nutrients without altering flavour.
• Use reduced-fat blue cheese – Still gives flavour with fewer calories.
• Choose vegetable stock – Keeps the recipe lighter and vegetarian-friendly.

What to Pair With Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup

• Crusty bread slices – Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Cheese toasties – Melts beautifully with the rich Stilton flavour.
• Roasted potatoes – Makes the meal more filling.
• Simple green salad – Adds freshness and balance.
• Garlic croutons – Provide an excellent contrasting crunch.

Pro Tips to Get Perfect Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup Every Time

• Add Stilton gradually – Ensures even melting and balanced flavour.
• Blend thoroughly – A smooth soup tastes richer and more luxurious.
• Season at the end – Stilton is salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
• Use hot stock – Helps broccoli cook faster and blend better.
• Avoid boiling hard – Keeps the colour bright and flavour delicate.
• Use a good blender – Gives a restaurant-quality finish.
• Finish with cream – A small splash adds velvety richness.

Easy Variations of Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup

• Broccoli and cheddar twist – Swap Stilton for sharp mature cheddar.
• Add leeks – Gives a sweeter, aromatic depth.
• Broccoli and potato blend – Creates a thicker, heartier soup.
• Roasted broccoli version – Roast florets first for a deeper flavour.
• Add herbs – Thyme or parsley adds freshness.
• Coconut version – Swap cream for coconut milk for a unique twist.

How to Store Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup the Right Way

• Use airtight containers – Keeps the soup fresh for up to 3 days.
• Cool before refrigerating – Prevents excess moisture from forming.
• Avoid storing with cream – Add cream only when reheating for best texture.
• Freeze without Stilton – Add cheese after reheating for the smoothest result.
• Label and date leftovers – Helps maintain freshness.

The Best Ways to Reheat Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup

• Stovetop reheating – Warm on low heat to keep it creamy and smooth.
• Microwave on medium heat – Use short bursts and stir often.
• Reheat from frozen – Thaw overnight or heat gently from frozen.
• Add cheese after reheating – Keeps the soup velvety instead of grainy.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~230
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: Varies depending on cheese and stock

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FAQs

How do I stop Stilton from turning grainy in broccoli Stilton soup?

Stilton can turn grainy if added while the soup is boiling. Remove the pot from the heat before stirring in the cheese. The residual heat melts it gently, giving you a smooth, creamy finish instead of a gritty texture.

Why is my broccoli Stilton soup not thick enough?

If the soup turns out thinner than expected, blend a few extra broccoli florets or simmer the soup uncovered for a few minutes to let it reduce. You can also add a small boiled potato to the blender for natural thickness without altering flavour.

Can I use frozen broccoli to make this soup?

Yes, frozen broccoli works very well and cooks even faster than fresh broccoli. It blends smoothly and still gives excellent flavour and colour, making it a convenient option for quick preparation.

How do I balance the strong flavour of Stilton in the soup?

If the Stilton flavour becomes overpowering, add a splash of milk or cream to soften the sharpness. You can also mix in a bit of vegetable stock to dilute the intensity while keeping the texture creamy.

Final Thoughts

Nigella Broccoli Stilton Soup is a beautifully creamy and flavourful dish that transforms simple ingredients into something elegant and comforting. With its smooth blended texture, bold cheese flavour, and quick cooking time, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again—whether for weekday meals, cosy nights in, or impressive starters. It’s rich, warming, and effortlessly delicious.