Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Warm up with this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup, a creamy and comforting dish that captures the essence of Panera’s beloved recipe. This soup is perfect for those craving a cozy, comforting meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare.

Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply need a soothing lunch, this broccoli cheese soup is sure to hit the spot, bringing the familiar and cherished flavors of Panera right into your kitchen. Let’s dive into making this delicious soup that is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a heartwarming weekend meal.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup diced onions (yellow or white)
• 1 cup shredded carrots (matchsticks cut into half-inch pieces work well)
• 2 ½-3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (skim or fat-free recommended)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and broccoli. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

2. Add Liquids and Seasonings:

• Gradually add the chicken broth, milk, and cream to the pot. Sprinkle in the flour while continuously stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. Add the kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

3. Thicken the Soup:

• Continue to stir and heat the mixture over medium heat. Allow the soup to thicken, which will take about 10-15 minutes. The soup should be creamy and slightly thickened by the end of this process.

4. Add Cheese:

• Once the soup has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Print Recipe

Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Author: Essy

Difficulty: Intermediate

Description

Warm up with this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup, a creamy and comforting dish that captures the essence of Panera’s beloved recipe. This soup is perfect for those craving a cozy, comforting meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Servings

• ¹⁄₄ cup unsalted butter

• ¹⁄₂ cup diced onions (yellow or white)

• 1 cup shredded carrots (matchsticks cut into half-inch pieces work well)

• 2 ½-3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups chicken broth

• 1 cup milk (skim or fat-free recommended)

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and broccoli. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

1. Add Liquids and Seasonings:

   Gradually add the chicken broth, milk, and cream to the pot. Sprinkle in the flour while continuously stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. Add the kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

1. Thicken the Soup:

   Continue to stir and heat the mixture over medium heat. Allow the soup to thicken, which will take about 10-15 minutes. The soup should be creamy and slightly thickened by the end of this process.

1. Add Cheese:

   Once the soup has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

1. Serve and Enjoy:

   Ladle the soup into bowls. Serve hot, with extra cheese on top if desired, along with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.