Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup

If you love creamy and cheesy soup, then you will enjoy making this Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup right at home! It’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor. You can serve it as a meal or a side dish.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is great because it brings the delicious taste of Panera Bread to your kitchen. It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients. Plus, it’s a good way to get some veggies into your meal.

How to Make Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups half-and-half or cream
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
• Croutons for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and shredded carrots, sautéing until softened.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is lightly browned.
3. Gradually add the vegetable broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the half-and-half or cream, and cook until the mixture is heated through.
5. Stir in the broccoli florets, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
6. Remove the pot from heat, and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
7. Serve hot, garnished with croutons if desired.

How to Serve Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup

Serve this soup hot in bowls or mugs. You can add croutons on top for some crunch if you like. It goes well with a piece of bread or a salad too!

How to Store Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to let it cool down before storing.

Tips to Make Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; it should be tender but still have some bite.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor.
• If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or water to thin it out.

Variation (If Any)

You can add cooked chicken to make it a heartier meal. You can also try adding other veggies like cauliflower or bell peppers for different flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it when you add the broth and cook until tender.

Can I replace half-and-half with milk?
Yes, you can use milk, but the soup might be less creamy.

How do I make this soup spicier?
You can add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give it a kick!

Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup

A warm and comforting creamy soup filled with broccoli and cheddar cheese, reminiscent of the famous Panera Bread recipe.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 1/4 cup butter Unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups half-and-half or cream Use half-and-half for a creamier texture.

Vegetables and Seasoning

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets Can use frozen broccoli.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg Optional for added flavor.

Cheese and Garnish

• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese Use sharp cheddar for more flavor.
• to taste croutons Optional for garnish.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and shredded carrots, sautéing until softened.
• Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is lightly browned.

Cooking

• Gradually add the vegetable broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
• Add the half-and-half or cream, and cook until the mixture is heated through.
• Stir in the broccoli florets, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
• Remove the pot from heat, and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

Serving

• Serve hot, garnished with croutons if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

Keyword Broccoli Cheese Soup, Comfort food, Creamy Soup, Panera Copycat, Vegetarian