I still remember the first time I tasted Jamie Oliver’s broccoli and Stilton soup. It was during a chilly evening in London while visiting my cousin, who is a huge Jamie Oliver fan. We had just returned from a long walk, our cheeks cold from the wind, and she served me a steaming bowl of this creamy, comforting soup. I was hooked after the first spoonful. The vibrant green of the broccoli, the bold creaminess of Stilton cheese, and the smooth texture all came together so beautifully, I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen.
Since then, this recipe has become a staple in my home, especially in the colder months. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. What I love most is that it turns simple ingredients into something luxurious. Even those who aren’t big fans of blue cheese are often surprised at how mellow and balanced the flavor becomes once it’s melted into the soup.
Over the years, I’ve adapted the method ever so slightly to suit my routine, but the essence of Jamie’s original recipe remains the same. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug. Whether I’m making it for a quick solo dinner or serving it as a starter when friends are over, it never fails to impress.
Now, let me walk you through what this soup is all about and how you can enjoy it in your own kitchen too.
What is Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton Soup?
Jamie Oliver’s broccoli and Stilton soup is a creamy, blended soup made with fresh broccoli and crumbled Stilton cheese. It’s a perfect balance of healthy greens and indulgent dairy, offering a rich yet fresh flavor that’s ideal for lunch or dinner. The soup is known for its vibrant color and deep savory taste, often finished with a drizzle of cream or a touch of nutmeg.
Why you should try this recipe?
You should try this recipe because it’s comforting, easy to make, and packs in both flavor and nutrients. Broccoli is rich in fiber and vitamins, while Stilton adds a punch of protein and bold taste. The soup is naturally gluten-free, can be made vegetarian, and takes less than an hour from start to finish. It’s also great for batch cooking and freezing.
Ingredients needed to make Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton Soup
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 knob of unsalted butter
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1 onion, peeled and chopped
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1 leek, cleaned and sliced
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2 garlic cloves, crushed
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500 grams broccoli, chopped (including stalks)
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1 potato, peeled and chopped
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1 liter vegetable or chicken stock
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150 grams Stilton cheese, crumbled
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Optional: double cream for drizzling
Instruction to make Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton Soup
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Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and leek, and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
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Add the garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
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Stir in the chopped broccoli and potato. Pour in the stock and bring to a gentle boil.
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Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender.
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Remove from the heat. Let it cool slightly before using a hand blender or regular blender to blend the soup until completely smooth.
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Return the soup to the pot. Stir in the crumbled Stilton cheese and heat gently until the cheese is fully melted.
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Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
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Serve hot, optionally drizzled with a bit of cream or a few extra crumbles of cheese on top.
Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 knob of unsalted butter
- 1 onion peeled and chopped
- 1 leek cleaned and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 500 grams broccoli chopped (including stalks)
- 1 potato peeled and chopped
- 1 liter vegetable or chicken stock
- 150 grams Stilton cheese crumbled
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: double cream for drizzling
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and leek, and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the chopped broccoli and potato. Pour in the stock and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender.
- Remove from the heat. Let it cool slightly before using a hand blender or regular blender to blend the soup until completely smooth.
- Return the soup to the pot. Stir in the crumbled Stilton cheese and heat gently until the cheese is fully melted.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, optionally drizzled with a bit of cream or a few extra crumbles of cheese on top.
Notes
- Use a good-quality vegetable stock to enhance the flavor base.
- Don’t skip the potato. It helps thicken the soup naturally without needing too much cream.
- If you prefer a stronger Stilton flavor, reserve a little extra to crumble on top before serving.
- Use a stick blender directly in the pot for convenience and less cleanup.
- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli or it may lose its vibrant color.
Nutritional value
Approximate values per serving (based on 4 servings):- Calories: 280
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Calcium and Vitamin C content are especially high thanks to the cheese and broccoli.
What goes well with Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a slice of garlic toast, or even a warm cheese scone. For a full meal, I often serve it with a fresh green salad or a grilled sandwich. It also makes a great starter before a roast dinner.
My tips to make the best Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton Soup
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Use a good-quality vegetable stock to enhance the flavor base.
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Don’t skip the potato. It helps thicken the soup naturally without needing too much cream.
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If you prefer a stronger Stilton flavor, reserve a little extra to crumble on top before serving.
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Use a stick blender directly in the pot for convenience and less cleanup.
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Be careful not to overcook the broccoli or it may lose its vibrant color.
Easy variations of Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton Soup
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Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter, skip the cheese, and substitute with a vegan blue cheese or nutritional yeast.
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Add other greens: Throw in some spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
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Boost the flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of lemon juice to brighten the taste.
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Add protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas or white beans before blending.
Best way to store Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton Soup
Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently over the stove while stirring to maintain its smooth texture.
Nutritional value
Approximate values per serving (based on 4 servings):
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Calories: 280
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Protein: 10g
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Fat: 19g
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Carbohydrates: 15g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 5g
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Calcium and Vitamin C content are especially high thanks to the cheese and broccoli.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the stock used is gluten-free.
Can I use a different cheese?
You can try Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or even a mild blue cheese if Stilton is too strong.
How do I prevent the soup from splitting?
Blend the soup before adding the cheese and avoid high heat when reheating.
Can I skip the potato?
Yes, but the soup will be thinner. You can use a bit of cream to compensate.
Conclusion
This broccoli and Stilton soup isn’t just a recipe for me. It brings back memories of warmth, laughter, and that lovely cozy evening when I first tasted it. Since then, I’ve made it countless times, and each time it has brought me that same comfort and joy. It’s proof that even a humble bowl of soup can feel gourmet with the right ingredients and a little love.
What I love most is how versatile and forgiving this dish is. It works for a quick weekday lunch, a dinner party starter, or a freezer-friendly meal prep. I’ve even made it when guests showed up unexpectedly, and they were always impressed. It’s rich, nutritious, and deeply satisfying without being too heavy.
The blend of broccoli and Stilton is surprisingly harmonious. The cheese melts in gently, transforming the soup into something creamy and luxurious. And the best part? It’s so easy to make. You don’t need fancy tools or advanced cooking skills. Just a good pot, a blender, and fresh ingredients.
So if you’re looking for a dish that’s wholesome, tasty, and comforting, I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a go. It might just become one of your cold-weather favorites too.
