Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheese Soup is a beloved classic, known for its creamy texture, rich flavor, and comforting warmth. This copycat recipe brings the restaurant favorite into your kitchen, allowing you to recreate the magic at home. With a blend of fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory chicken stock, this soup is both satisfying and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup for its simplicity and the comforting, home-cooked meal it provides. It’s perfect for those chilly days when you need something to warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak some vegetables into your diet in a way that’s both tasty and indulgent.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and carrots make a difference in taste and texture.
- Cheese Selection: Opt for high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. It melts better and adds a depth to the soup.
- Thickening the Soup: For a thicker soup, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour or use a potato masher to partially mash the broccoli and carrots once they are cooked.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives.
- Add-Ins: Consider adding diced cooked chicken, ham, or bacon for extra protein.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this broccoli cheese soup with a crusty piece of bread for dipping or a light salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light beer.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot. If the soup is too thick upon reheating, add a little milk or stock to reach the desired consistency.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I freeze this soup? It’s not recommended to freeze this soup due to the dairy ingredients, which can separate and become grainy when thawed.
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but the texture and flavor will be best with fresh broccoli.
Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
Recreate the classic Panera Bread favorite at home with this Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe. Perfect for a cozy meal, it's creamy, cheesy, and filled with fresh vegetables. An easy, comforting soup ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring to combine. Cook for another minute to remove the flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken stock and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Soup: Add the broccoli and carrot to the pot. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 677Total Fat: 53gSaturated Fat: 29gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 194mgSodium: 715mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 34g
