Description
Hearty Ina Garten broccoli cheddar soup combines rich cheese with tender vegetables for a comforting meal. Home cooks can savor this classic soup’s creamy texture and satisfying flavor profile in just under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese, about 2 heaping cups
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups whole milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 4 tbsps (60 ml) unsalted butter
- 1 large carrot, julienned or finely chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped (about 1 tbsp)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Homemade croutons, for serving, optional
Instructions
- Foundational Preparation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, seasoned with salt and pepper, and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly. Dust flour over the mixture, whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes until achieving a light golden-brown roux.
- Liquid Integration: Slowly pour milk into the pot, stirring consistently to create a smooth, lump-free base. Incorporate broccoli florets, carrots, and Dijon mustard.
- Vegetable Infusion: Reduce heat and allow vegetables to simmer, developing deep flavors and softening for 15-20 minutes. Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a velvety consistency.
- Final Refinement: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve hot, optionally topped with crisp croutons for an extra textural dimension.
Notes
- Cheese Melting Tip: Shred cheese at room temperature and add gradually to prevent clumping and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
- Vegetable Softening Strategy: Cut broccoli and carrots into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Flour Technique: Whisk flour thoroughly to eliminate raw flour taste and create a golden roux, which provides rich depth and thickening foundation.
- Serving Enhancement: Top with extra sharp cheddar or crispy bacon bits for additional flavor complexity and textural contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg