Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Introduction
This copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting classic that you can make right at home. Packed with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a touch of nutmeg, it delivers rich flavor and velvety texture that’s perfect for any day.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or grated
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the flour and remove any raw taste.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure the flour mixture dissolves completely without lumps. Pour in the half-and-half, then bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the soup to thicken.
- Step 4: Add the chopped broccoli and carrots to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still slightly firm. For a smoother soup, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Step 5: Remove the pot from the heat or lower to the lowest setting. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese to prevent graininess.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
- Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for a richer flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of flour in Step 2.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating; stirring occasionally helps maintain a creamy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a dairy-free milk such as oat or almond milk, and choose a dairy-free cheese substitute. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
To thicken, simmer the soup longer to reduce the liquid, or mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water and whisk it in gradually while heating until the desired thickness is reached.
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Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe offers a rich, creamy, and comforting homemade version of the beloved café classic. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety roux-thickened base, this soup balances cheesy indulgence with tender veggies and a hint of warming nutmeg. Ideal for cozy dinners, it delivers a luscious texture and deep flavors without preservatives or additives.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
Vegetables
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or grated
Cheese & Spices
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Forging the Soup’s Foundation: Heat 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add the finely diced onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more to build a savory aromatic base.
- Crafting the Velvety Thickener: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the cooked onion and garlic mixture. Cook and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the flour, eliminating any raw flour taste and creating a roux that will thicken your soup.
- Building the Liquid Base: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to the roux to avoid lumps. Once smooth, pour in 2 cups of half-and-half and bring to a gentle, low simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring periodically, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Introducing the Core Ingredients: Add 3 cups of chopped broccoli florets and 1 cup of julienned or grated carrots to the simmering soup. Reduce heat and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until broccoli is tender but still slightly firm. Optionally, use an immersion blender on a portion of the soup to achieve a silkier texture while keeping some chunks for contrast.
- The Rich Finishing Touch: Remove the soup from heat or reduce to the lowest setting. Gently stir in 2 cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Season with 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Avoid boiling after adding cheese to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- To achieve a thicker soup, blend more of the soup before adding cheese.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, giving a smoother texture.
- Adjust nutmeg and seasoning carefully; a little nutmeg goes a long way.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat to avoid separation of dairy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Copycat Panera Soup, Creamy Broccoli Soup, Cheddar Cheese Soup, Comfort Food Soup
