Ina Garten’s Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Winter

Warm, velvety broccoli cheddar soup stands as a comforting classic that transforms humble ingredients into culinary magic.

Cold winter nights call for something substantial and rich with deep flavor profiles.

Memories of childhood kitchens emerge when this creamy blend hits your bowl.

Robust vegetables mingle seamlessly with sharp cheese, creating a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes.

Wholesome ingredients work together to craft a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through creamy, cheesy goodness that warms you from the inside out: savor every moment.

Why Broccoli Cheddar Soup Is So Loved

• Quick and Creamy Comfort: This broccoli cheddar soup delivers ultimate comfort food vibes with its velvety smooth texture and rich, cheesy flavor that hugs your taste buds like a warm blanket on a chilly day.
• Effortless Gourmet Cooking: Ina Garten's recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort, making home cooks feel like professional chefs without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Nutrition Packed with Flavor: Packed with fresh vegetables like broccoli and carrots, this soup sneaks in healthy ingredients while delivering an incredibly delicious taste that even veggie-skeptics will absolutely love, creating a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence.
• One-Pot Wonder Meal: The entire soup comes together in a single pot, reducing cleanup time and making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal kitchen hassle.

What Goes Into Ina’s Broccoli Cheddar Bowl

Main Ingredients:

• Broccoli: Fresh, green vegetable that gives the soup its hearty texture and nutritional boost.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.

• Butter: Helps create a rich, smooth foundation for the soup.
• Milk: Creates a creamy, silky liquid base for the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, flavorful cheese that gives the soup its signature tangy taste and creamy consistency.

• Garlic: Adds depth and robust flavor to the soup.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth texture.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle, tangy kick to enhance overall flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the soup's taste.

• Croutons: Crunchy bread cubes that add texture and extra flavor when serving.

How to Make Creamy, Comforting Broccoli Cheddar

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

• Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat
• Add onions with a sprinkle of salt and pepper
• Sauté until onions become translucent and soft, about 5 minutes

Step 2: Develop Aromatic Layers

• Introduce minced garlic and stir quickly
• Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously
• Cook until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells nutty, about 1-2 minutes

Step 3: Create a Silky Liquid Foundation

• Gradually pour in milk while stirring constantly
• Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken
• Ensure no lumps remain in the base

Step 4: Add Vegetable Goodness

• Fresh broccoli florets
• Sliced carrots
• Dijon mustard
• Reduce heat to low
• Simmer vegetables until tender, about 15-20 minutes
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking

Step 5: Incorporate Cheesy Richness

• Slowly add sharp cheddar cheese
• Stir after each cheese addition
• Continue until cheese melts completely and soup becomes smooth

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper
• Optional: Top with crispy croutons
• Serve hot in warm bowls

Tips for Smooth Cheese and Tender Broccoli

• Select Peak-Freshness Broccoli: Choose bright green, firm broccoli florets with tight clusters to guarantee maximum flavor and creamy soup texture.
• Grate Cheese Directly: Hand-grate sharp cheddar cheese moments before adding to the soup, ensuring superior melting and richer taste compared to packaged options.
• Toast Flour Carefully: Stir flour in the butter mixture thoroughly for 1-2 minutes, eliminating raw wheat flavor and creating a robust base for thickening the soup.
• Stream Milk Gradually: Pour milk slowly while continuously whisking to prevent clumping and achieve silky, luxurious soup consistency.
• Control Soup Temperature: Maintain a gentle simmer when adding dairy to prevent separation and maintain smooth, velvety soup texture.

Storage Tips to Keep Soup Velvety

• Freeze Wisely: Divide soup into individual portions using freezer-safe glass containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and label each container with the date and contents. Flat-packed bags save significant freezer space and thaw faster.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep soup in a tightly sealed glass or ceramic container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from the door to ensure consistent temperature.
• Reheating Technique: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore original creamy consistency if the soup has thickened during storage. Avoid microwaving in large batches, which can create uneven heating and compromise texture.

Cheddar Soup Variants Worth Trying

• Spicy Kick Broccoli Cheddar: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during the onion sautéing stage for a zesty heat boost. Garnish with extra hot sauce for adventurous palates.
• Green Goddess Version: Replace half the broccoli with spinach or kale for extra nutrient density. Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for enhanced herbal notes.
• Protein Power Bowl: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits before serving. Top with roasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and protein complexity.
• Vegan Friendly Adaptation: Swap butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk and nutritional yeast instead of cheddar. Include cashew cream for rich, creamy texture without dairy.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recap

Creamy comfort awaits in Ina Garten’s broccoli cheddar soup, a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary warmth.

Her signature recipe elevates simple vegetables with rich, melted cheese and aromatic seasonings.

Sharp cheddar and tender broccoli dance together in perfect harmony, creating a luxurious symphony of flavors.

Classic techniques merge with sophisticated ingredients, producing a soup that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Home kitchens will come alive with this delightful recipe, promising pure deliciousness in every spoonful.

Eager soup enthusiasts: dive into this recipe, share its magic across social platforms, and spread delectable joy with friends and family.