Homey Ina Garten Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Creamy broccoli cheddar soup transforms ordinary vegetables into a luxurious culinary adventure that sings with comfort and flavor.

Emerald green florets nestle into a golden, cheese-laden broth that promises pure deliciousness.

Sharp cheddar melts into silky waves, creating a symphony of rich textures that tantalize hungry taste buds.

Hearty and wholesome, this soup delivers warmth in every spoonful, connecting you to home-cooked memories.

Robust vegetables mingle with velvety cheese, crafting a dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Each ingredient builds complexity, turning simple components into something extraordinary.

It’s time to fall in love with a soup that redefines comfort food and leaves you craving more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients in Ina Garten’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Onion: Select firm, bright-skinned onions without soft spots for maximum flavor punch.
• Celery: Choose crisp, bright green stalks with tight, unblemished leaves for fresh crunch.

• Broccoli: Pick vibrant green florets with tight, compact clusters and no yellow discoloration.
• Carrot: Look for smooth, firm carrots with bright orange color and no soft or wilted areas.

• All-Purpose Flour: Ensure fresh, clump-free flour for smooth thickening without lumps.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Select high-quality, clear broth with minimal sodium for controlled seasoning.
• Whole Milk: Choose fresh, cold milk for rich, velvety texture and smooth incorporation.
• Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp, aged cheddar to deliver robust, tangy cheese flavor.

• Butter: Select unsalted butter for precise flavor control and creamy consistency.
• Salt and Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and fine sea salt for enhanced taste depth.
• Baguette: Select crusty, artisan-style bread for perfect dipping companion.

Tools for a Smooth Broccoli Cheddar Soup Experience

• Large Pot: Your main cooking vessel, perfect for creating this creamy veggie soup.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending flour and preventing lumps in your roux.
• Cutting Board: Stable surface for chopping onions, celery, broccoli, and carrots.
• Sharp Knife: Precision tool for finely dicing and slicing vegetables.
• Cheese Grater: Helps create those perfect shreds of cheddar cheese.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Ladle: Helps serve the soup beautifully into bowls.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.

Step-by-Step: Make Ina’s Cheesy Broccoli Soup

• Sizzle Vegetable Base

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Swirl chopped onions and celery around the pan, letting them dance and soften for about 5 minutes until they release a tantalizing fragrance.

• Create Flavor Foundation

Dust flour over the cooked vegetables and whisk energetically for one minute, building a smooth base that will give the soup luxurious depth and richness.

• Build Liquid Layers

Stream chicken broth into the pot, stirring continuously to ensure a velvety smooth texture. Season with salt and pepper to awaken the flavors.

• Add Vegetable Powerhouses

Toss in finely chopped broccoli and grated carrots. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing vegetables to become supremely tender.

• Transform Into Creamy Dream

Pour whole milk into the soup, stirring gently. Sprinkle cheddar cheese gradually, mixing until it melts completely and creates a silky, luxurious consistency.

• Serve With Warmth

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and pair with crusty baguette slices for a comforting meal that hugs your soul.

Plating Ina’s Soup for Cozy Meals

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a fresh baguette and toast it lightly, creating the perfect crunchy companion to dip into the creamy soup. The contrast of crisp bread and smooth soup will elevate your dining experience.
• Top with Extra Cheese: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar on top just before serving to add an extra layer of cheesy goodness. The melting cheese creates a delightful golden surface that looks as amazing as it tastes.
• Add Protein Boost: Garnish with crispy bacon bits or diced cooked chicken to transform this vegetable soup into a more substantial meal. These protein additions will make the dish more filling and satisfying for hungry diners.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Chop some fresh chives or parsley and scatter them over the soup for a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor. The green herbs will provide a beautiful contrast to the creamy orange-tinted soup and add a subtle herbal note.

How to Store and Warm Up Ina’s Broccoli Soup

• Preserve Soup Freshness: Store leftover soup in airtight containers, keeping it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Future Comfort: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention when you're ready to enjoy again.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore its original creamy consistency if it thickens during storage.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Avoid freezing or refrigerating soup with baguette slices. Keep bread separate and crisp, adding fresh slices when reheating to maintain that perfect crunch and texture.

Ways to Enhance Ina’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Flavor

Personalize this veggie-packed soup with creative twists that make it uniquely yours.

Replace cheddar with different cheeses like gruyère, fontina, or pepper jack for unexpected flavor bursts.

Elevate the soup’s nutrition by adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham for extra heartiness.

Experiment with additional vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create exciting texture combinations.

Introduce heat and depth by sprinkling red pepper flakes, adding a dash of smoked paprika, or including a pinch of cayenne for those who love a little kick.

Hearty Ina Garten Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s broccoli cheddar soup brings classic comfort to your kitchen with rich, creamy goodness. Cheese and fresh broccoli combine perfectly, offering warm satisfaction that will comfort soul and palate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large head broccoli, finely chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 3 cups (340 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 4 tbsps (60 g) butter
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 baguette for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions and celery until translucent and fragrant, developing a delicate flavor base approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Roux Creation: Sprinkle flour over softened vegetables, whisking meticulously to form a golden, smooth mixture. Toast the roux for 60-90 seconds, eliminating raw flour notes and enhancing depth of flavor.
3. Liquid Integration: Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Season with salt and pepper, creating a harmonious liquid foundation for the soup.
4. Vegetable Infusion: Add broccoli florets and carrots to the simmering broth. Reduce heat and allow vegetables to tenderize and release their essence, melding flavors for 18-22 minutes until vegetables reach perfect consistency.
5. Creamy Transformation: Stream whole milk into the soup, stirring consistently. Gradually incorporate sharp cheddar cheese, folding until completely dissolved and creating a luxuriously smooth, velvety texture.
6. Serving Finale: Transfer the piping hot soup into serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs to elevate the visual and flavor profile. Serve alongside crusty artisan bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Control Flour Power: Whisk flour meticulously to prevent lumps and develop a rich, nutty base without raw flour taste.
• Temperature Timing: Maintain medium-low heat when adding milk and cheese to prevent separation and achieve a silky smooth texture.
• Vegetable Tenderness: Cook broccoli and carrots just until tender to preserve nutrients and prevent overcooking.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use high-quality sharp cheddar for maximum flavor depth and creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg