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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Panera-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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A creamy, comforting soup that's budget-friendly and cooks hands-free in a slow cooker, using evaporated milk for a rich texture.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 1 tablespoon butter for sautéing
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup match-stick carrots (or diced carrots)
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli, roughly chopped (florets and some stems)
  • 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian swap)
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1.5 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust or omit for kids)
  • 0.25 cup butter for roux
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 10 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (sharp cheddar recommended)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Transfer the sautéed onion into your slow cooker.
  3. Add the match-stick carrots, chopped broccoli, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  4. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Stir again.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours. The vegetables should be tender but not completely broken down.
  2. After 4 hours, switch the slow cooker to HIGH. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  4. Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Pour the thickened milk mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  6. Add the grated cheese in batches, stirring until fully melted and the soup is smooth.
  7. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional hour.
Serving
  1. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g

Notes

For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and low-fat evaporated milk. Substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
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