Ina Garten’s Elegant Broccoli Cream Soup Recipe for Beginners

Soup lovers rejoice as this velvety Ina Garten cream of broccoli soup recipe promises pure comfort in every spoonful.

Creamy, rich, and bursting with vibrant green goodness, this classic dish brings warmth to your table.

The legendary Barefoot Contessa’s approach turns simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Fresh broccoli combines with luxurious cream, creating a silky texture that melts on your tongue.

Fragrant herbs and a touch of seasoning elevate this soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a soothing blend of nutrients and incredible flavor.

Grab your favorite pot and get ready to savor this delightful soup that will quickly become a cherished mealtime favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 215 kcal

Servings: 6

All the Ingredients for Cream of Broccoli Soup

• Celery: Adds crisp, clean flavor foundation with subtle earthiness.
• Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic depth to develop rich soup profile.

• Broccoli Florets: Vibrant green vegetable packed with nutrients and creamy texture.
• Chicken Broth: Creates smooth liquid base with savory undertone.

• Butter: Delivers rich, velvety mouthfeel and enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Flour: Helps create silky, stable soup consistency without graininess.
• Milk: Introduces gentle creaminess and softens soup's texture.

• Ground Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and sophisticated spice accent.

Tools That Help with Cream of Broccoli Soup

• Stockpot: Medium-sized pot for sautéing and cooking vegetables and soup.
• Blender or Immersion Blender: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy soup texture.
• Small Saucepan: Used for preparing the thickening roux with butter and flour.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate butter and flour measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and sauté vegetables.
• Dish Towel: Needed when blending hot soup for secure lid handling.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly combining milk, flour, and creating roux.

How to Cook Cream of Broccoli Soup in No Time

Creamy Broccoli Comfort

• Vegetable Foundation Warm butter in a large pot and gently cook onions and celery until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their sweet aroma.
• Broccoli Bath Add fresh broccoli florets and chicken broth, letting everything simmer until the vegetables become tender and bright green.
• Smooth Transformation Carefully transfer the soup to a blender, working in batches to create a silky, velvety texture that feels luxurious on the tongue.
• Magical Thickening Whisk together butter, flour, and milk in a separate pan, creating a rich and creamy base that will transform the soup into a luscious experience.
• Final Flourish Blend the thickened mixture into the puréed soup, seasoning with a sprinkle of black pepper to elevate the flavors and bring warmth to each spoonful.

How to Customize Cream of Broccoli Soup Flavor

• Roast broccoli and onions before blending to intensify their natural sweetness and add a subtle caramelized note to the soup.
• Keep some broccoli florets whole and add back into the puréed soup for a chunky, rustic feel that provides delightful bite and visual interest.
• Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon bits for added protein and a savory twist that elevates the soup's complexity.
• Sprinkle sharp cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan cheese on top for a rich, melty finish that complements the creamy broccoli base.
• Substitute half the butter with olive oil and use low-fat milk to reduce calories without compromising the soup's luxurious texture.

Ideas for Serving Cream of Broccoli Soup

• Comfort Bowl Companion: Pair this creamy broccoli soup with a slice of crusty sourdough bread or warm garlic toast for a satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the soup with crispy bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crumbled goat cheese to add extra protein and create a more substantial dinner option.
• Temperature Twist: Serve this soup chilled during summer months for a refreshing lunch, or keep it steaming hot during winter for ultimate comfort and warmth.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle some fresh chopped chives, a drizzle of olive oil, or toasted pumpkin seeds on top to add texture and elevate the soup's visual appeal and flavor profile.

Storing Cream of Broccoli Soup Without Fuss

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Quick Freezing Strategy: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining soup's creamy texture.
• Reheating Mastery: Warm soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the consistency becomes too thick during reheating.
• Smart Portioning Tip: Divide soup into individual serving containers before refrigerating or freezing, allowing easy single-serving meals and reducing waste.

Silky Broccoli Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory cream of broccoli soup elevates classic comfort with Ina Garten’s signature elegance. Creamy, rich flavors blend perfectly, offering a luxurious experience you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 8 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 5 tablespoons (75 ml) butter, divided
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) all-purpose flour
• Ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a stockpot, melt butter and gently cook celery and onions until translucent and softened, releasing their aromatic essence.
2. Simmer Broccoli: Add chicken broth and broccoli florets, covering and simmering for 8-10 minutes until vegetables become tender while preserving their vibrant green hue.
3. Blend Soup: Transfer hot mixture to a blender, using a towel-covered lid for safety. Pulse and then blend thoroughly until achieving a silky, smooth consistency. For convenience, an immersion blender can be used directly in the pot.
4. Create Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt remaining butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and milk gradually, stirring consistently to develop a thick, creamy base without lumps.
5. Combine and Season: Integrate the roux into the puréed soup, whisking smoothly to ensure a velvety texture. Enhance with freshly ground black pepper, creating a harmonious and rich flavor profile.
6. Serve Immediately: Ladle the hot soup into warm serving bowls, preserving its comforting temperature and delivering a luxurious culinary experience.

Notes

• Prevent Blender Splatter: Cover the blender lid with a folded kitchen towel to avoid hot soup explosions and ensure safe, mess-free blending.
• Maintain Broccoli’s Vibrancy: Simmer broccoli for 8-10 minutes max to preserve its bright green color and prevent overcooking.
• Create Smooth Texture: Use low-and-slow whisking technique when combining roux with soup to eliminate lumps and achieve silky consistency.
• Temperature Matters: Serve soup immediately after preparation to enjoy its optimal rich, comforting warmth and creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg