Easy Ina Garten Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Broccoli cheddar soup stands as a quintessential comfort food that wraps warmth around your soul like a cozy blanket.

Rich, velvety textures merge with deep, complex flavors that dance across your palate with irresistible charm.

Creamy ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a luxurious experience that transforms simple vegetables into a culinary masterpiece.

Hearty and satisfying, this classic soup offers nourishment that goes beyond mere sustenance.

Each spoonful promises a delightful combination of sharp cheese and tender vegetables, promising a truly memorable meal.

The magic happens when carefully selected ingredients mingle, developing layers of taste that surprise and delight.

Nutritious and indulgent, this soup represents comfort cooking at its finest: prepare to be amazed.

Why Ina Garten’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Bowl

• Creamy Comfort in a Bowl: Indulge in a velvety soup that wraps you in warmth with its rich, smooth texture and luxurious cheese blend that melts perfectly into every spoonful.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delightful soup in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal rescue for busy evenings when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
• Nutritious Veggie Powerhouse: Pack in a healthy dose of vegetables like broccoli and carrots while enjoying a decadent, cheesy experience that makes eating nutritious ingredients totally irresistible.
• Customizable Culinary Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, adding protein, or experimenting with different vegetable combinations to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Key Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Butter: Rich, creamy fat that starts the soup's flavor foundation and helps sauté vegetables.
• Onion, Celery: Aromatic vegetables that provide deep, savory base notes for the soup.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent that creates a smooth, velvety soup texture.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and savory background to the soup.
• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that provides the soup's primary vegetable flavor and texture.
• Carrot: Sweet vegetable that adds color and subtle sweetness to the soup.

• Whole Milk: Creamy liquid that contributes to the soup's rich, smooth consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, flavorful cheese that melts beautifully and gives the soup its signature tangy creaminess.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Baguette: Crusty bread perfect for dipping and complementing the soup's creamy texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ina Garten’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Kick Off The Veggie Sauté

• Chopped onion
• Thinly sliced celery

Stir these veggies occasionally until they turn soft and release a mouthwatering aroma, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Sprinkle In The Thickening Magic

Dust of all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables. Whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a rich roux that will give your soup incredible body and texture.

Step 3: Pour In The Liquid Gold

Slowly stream of low-sodium chicken broth into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent any lumpy surprises. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preference.

Step 4: Introduce The Green Heroes

• Finely chopped broccoli
• Grated carrot

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Create Creamy Perfection

Gently pour of whole milk into the soup, stirring continuously. Gradually sprinkle in of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese melts completely and transforms the soup into a silky, dreamy consistency.

Step 6: Serve With Love

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve alongside crispy baguette slices.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Blend Strategically: Create a velvety soup texture by partially or fully blending ingredients with an immersion blender. Smooth consistency means maximum flavor enjoyment without losing vegetable chunks.
• Layer Seasonings Carefully: Develop deep flavor profiles by adding salt and pepper at multiple cooking stages. Strategic seasoning prevents overwhelming taste and ensures balanced deliciousness.
• Customize Cheese Portions: Experiment with cheddar quantities to match personal preference and desired richness. More cheese creates decadent creaminess, while less maintains lighter soup characteristics.
• Grate Carrots Precisely: Ensure uniform cooking and seamless ingredient integration by finely grating carrots. Thin shreds melt effortlessly, adding subtle sweetness without disrupting soup's overall texture.
• Select Fresh Broccoli: Prioritize peak flavor and vibrant color by choosing fresh broccoli over frozen alternatives. Crisp, bright green florets elevate soup's visual appeal and taste dramatically.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Vacuum-Seal Method: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for long-term storage. Extract all air to prevent freezer burn and maintain the soup's rich flavor and creamy texture. Perfect for meal preppers who want to preserve the soup's quality for weeks.
• Mason Jar Technique: Transfer cooled soup into clean glass mason jars, leaving an inch of headspace for expansion. Mark each jar with the date and contents. These transparent containers make tracking and organizing your frozen meals a breeze, plus they're stackable and space-efficient.
• Portion-Freeze Approach: Pour soup into silicone muffin trays or ice cube molds for individual serving sizes. Once frozen, pop out the soup cubes and store in labeled freezer bags. This method allows quick defrosting of exactly the amount you need, reducing waste and providing convenient meal options.

Creative Twists for Ina Garten’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Harvest Medley Soup: Replace broccoli with a mix of seasonal vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, and butternut squash for a colorful autumn-inspired soup.
• Spicy Southwest Brew: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern version with extra kick.
• Protein-Packed Power Soup: Incorporate diced chicken or cooked bacon bits into the soup for added protein and a smoky flavor that elevates the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Green Comfort: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add nutritional yeast for a rich, cheesy flavor without dairy, making it perfect for plant-based diets.

Ina Garten’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A Creamy Classic You’ll Love

Comfort meets culinary magic in Ina Garten’s broccoli cheddar soup, a heartwarming classic that transforms simple ingredients into liquid gold.

Rich, velvety textures meld with sharp cheddar notes, creating a symphony of flavors guaranteed to warm souls.

Creamy consistency and balanced seasonings elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, making each spoonful a delightful experience.

Homemade goodness radiates through carefully selected ingredients, showcasing Garten’s culinary expertise.

Kitchen novices and seasoned chefs can master this recipe with confidence and ease.

Grab your ladle, share this delectable creation with loved ones, and watch as smiles bloom – you won’t regret diving into this cheesy, comforting masterpiece that begs to be liked, shared, and celebrated across social media platforms.

Ina Garten Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Ina Garten broccoli cheddar soup delivers rich comfort straight from her Barefoot Contessa kitchen. Melted sharp cheddar and tender broccoli florets combine in a silky blend that warms your soul with classic American culinary magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 1 large head of broccoli, finely chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, grated

Dairy and Cheese:

• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tablespoons butter

Other Ingredients:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 baguette for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by melting 4 tablespoons (57 grams) of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Introduce finely chopped onions and delicately sliced celery, gently sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant essence, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Dust the softened vegetables with 1/4 cup (30 grams) of all-purpose flour, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, golden roux. Continue stirring for 60-90 seconds to eliminate any raw flour taste and develop a rich, nutty undertone.
3. Gradually incorporate 3 cups (710 milliliters) of low-sodium chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lump formation. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tailoring the flavor profile to your preference.
4. Introduce meticulously chopped broccoli florets and freshly grated carrots into the simmering liquid. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, enabling the vegetables to tenderize and meld their flavors for 18-22 minutes.
5. Stream 2 cups (480 milliliters) of whole milk into the soup, maintaining a steady stirring motion. Progressively fold in 3 cups (340 grams) of sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese dissolves completely, creating a luxuriously smooth and velvety consistency.
6. Ladle the piping hot soup into waiting bowls, accompanied by crusty artisan bread for an indulgent dining experience. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Warm, crusty baguette slices add delightful textural contrast to the soup’s rich, cheesy profile.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, reheating gently on the stovetop to preserve creamy consistency.
• Prepare soup ahead of time, allowing flavors to develop and deepen during resting period.
• Gradually add cheese while stirring continuously to prevent separation and achieve a velvety smooth texture.
• Simmer broccoli and carrots for 20 minutes to soften vegetables perfectly while maintaining nutritional value and vibrant color.
• Gradually incorporate chicken broth to prevent clumping and create a silky, consistent soup base.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 444 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 68 mg