Ina Garten Broccoli Cheddar Soup

If you’re in the mood for a comforting and delicious soup, you can’t go wrong with Ina Garten’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

One key to making this soup perfect is to sauté the onions, carrots, and garlic until they’re tender, which brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.

And trust me, the combination of creamy cheddar and fresh broccoli creates a velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.

I love how versatile this soup is — you can pair it with a crusty baguette or a light salad for a complete meal.

How to Make Ina Garten Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp Butter
• 1 medium Onion (chopped)
• 2 Carrots (grated)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Half-and-Half
• 4 cups Broccoli Florets
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black Pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes, until it’s soft.

Step 2:

Add the minced garlic and grated carrots to the pot.

Cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3:

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables.

Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute or until the flour starts to turn golden.

Step 4:

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.

Add the bay leaves and nutmeg.

Step 5:

Stir in the half-and-half, then add the broccoli florets.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 6:

Remove the bay leaves.

Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely.

Step 7:

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot.

This recipe serves 6 people.

Preparation time: 15 minutes.

Cooking time: 30 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese add the best flavor to the soup.

You can use frozen broccoli in a pinch, but fresh is key for the right texture.

Control the Thickness

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more flour during the sautéing step.

Thicken further by simmering longer, or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water.

Customize the Salt

Taste your soup before adding all the salt, as the cheese can be quite salty on its own.

Always season gradually to avoid an overly salty soup.

Variations

Feel free to mix in other vegetables like cauliflower or potatoes.

For extra richness, substitute heavy cream for half-and-half.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Simple Olive Bread

You can serve olive bread alongside your broccoli cheddar soup for a classic pairing option.

The soft texture and slight salty taste of the olives complement the cheesiness beautifully.

Plus, it’s perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

Jalapeno cheddar cornbread can add a spicy kick to your meal, and it pairs well with the soup.

Its crumbly texture and cheese-packed bites enhance the overall experience.

If you like spicy flavors, it’s a great addition.

Bacon Twists

For a bit of crunch and savory flavor, try serving crispy bacon twists.

The salty bacon flavor contrasts nicely with the rich soup.

Plus, they add a different texture to the meal.

Vinegar Slaw

Vinegar slaw is a light and refreshing side that cuts through the creaminess of the soup.

The tangy dressing and crunchy cabbage create a nice balance.

It’s an out-of-the-box choice that works well.

Turkey Meatballs

To make your meal more filling, serve the soup with turkey meatballs.

They add some protein and a hearty element to the meal.

They’re flavorful and pair perfectly with the creamy soup.

Variations and Substitutions

Dairy Options

You can swap half-and-half for whole milk if you prefer a lighter version.

If you’re lactose intolerant, use lactose-free milk, almond milk, or coconut milk as a substitute.

Meat Alternatives

For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Add cubed tofu instead of chicken to increase the protein content without adding meat.

Cheese Choices

You can use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or Colby Jack for a unique flavor.

Gluten-Free Adjustments

Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for those avoiding gluten.

Add arrowroot or cornstarch as a thickening agent if you don’t have gluten-free flour on hand.

Vegetable Variations

Add more veggies like cauliflower, kale, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.

Use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available, though the texture might be a bit softer.

Spices and Herbs

Experiment with different spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or even curry powder.

Add fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil for a burst of freshness.

Soup Consistency

For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or increase the amount of flour.

Blend part of the soup if you prefer a creamier texture while keeping some chunks for contrast.

How to Store Leftover Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Use Airtight Containers

Transfer the leftover soup into airtight containers.

Make sure the soup is completely cool before sealing the containers.

This prevents condensation and extends freshness.

Refrigeration

Store the airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Leftover soup should stay good for up to 3-4 days.

Write the date on the container to keep track of its age.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup.

Portion the soup into smaller batches for easier thawing.

Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.

Frozen soup can last for up to 2-3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Broccoli

One common mistake is overcooking the broccoli.

If you cook it too long, it becomes mushy and loses its vibrant green color.

To keep it tender yet crisp, add the broccoli towards the end and simmer just until it’s tender.

Adding Cheese Too Early

Adding cheese too early in the process is another mistake to avoid.

When cheese is added too soon, it can separate and make the soup grainy.

Always add the cheese at the very end and stir it in slowly for a creamy texture.

Skipping the Roux

Skipping the roux (a mixture of flour and fat) can lead to a thinner soup.

Without the roux, the soup won’t have the same rich, thick consistency.

Make sure to cook the flour and butter mixture until it is golden before adding any liquid.