Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves
minced
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
about 8 ounces
- 1 large carrot
finely chopped
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups half-and-half cream
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water or additional chicken stock
- 2-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 small round bread loaves
optional, about 8 ounces each
- Optional toppings: Crumbled cooked bacon
additional shredded cheddar cheese, ground nutmeg and pepper
Directions
- 1
In a 6-quart stockpot, heat butter over medium heat. Saute the onion and garlic until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- 2
Stir in the broccoli, carrot, stock, cream and seasonings and bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- 3
Mix the cornstarch and water until smooth and stir the slurry into the soup. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cook and stir until the soup is thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the cheese until melted. Editor's Tip: Avoid a gritty texture by allowing the soup to cool slightly before you add cheese. Stir in a little at a time until it melts in.
- 4
If using bread bowls, cut a slice off the top of each loaf. Hollow out the bottoms, leaving 1/4-inch thick shells. Fill with soup just before serving.
- 5
You can serve the soup as is, or add toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, freshly cracked pepper, ground nutmeg and crumbled bacon.
Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
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About this Recipe
Craving the comforting, creamy taste of Panera's beloved Broccoli Cheddar Soup without leaving home? This easy copycat recipe brings that familiar warmth and flavor right to your kitchen, yielding 6 generous servings for the whole family.
This recipe works by thoughtfully combining classic, wholesome ingredients to create a deeply satisfying soup. Fresh broccoli florets and finely chopped carrots offer a natural sweetness and tender texture, while a rich base of chicken stock and half-and-half cream ensures a luxuriously smooth, hearty consistency. The generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese melts seamlessly, infusing every spoonful with that signature cheesy goodness you're looking for.
Prepare for a spoonful of pure comfort. You'll savor a rich, creamy soup with tender pieces of broccoli and subtle sweetness from the carrots, all enveloped in a savory, cheesy broth. The touch of nutmeg and pepper adds a nuanced depth that elevates the overall flavor, making it incredibly satisfying. This is a hearty soup that feels both indulgent and wonderfully homemade.
Want to make it your own? Swap the shredded cheddar for a sharp white cheddar or even a Monterey Jack for a different cheesy profile. For a vegetarian option, simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of dried mustard powder for an extra layer of savory complexity to the cheese.
Serve this cozy soup as a satisfying main course, perhaps in classic small round bread loaves, or alongside a simple green salad for a lighter meal. It's perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch.