Description
This Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. With tender broccoli, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of garlic and onion, this comforting soup will make you feel like you’re dining at Panera. It’s a perfect meal for colder days or when you want something satisfying and cozy!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 4 tablespoons butter (cut into chunks)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 large carrots (peeled and julienned, about 1 heaping cup)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced, about 1 heaping cup)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 16 ounces chicken stock or broth
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onions, julienned carrots, sliced celery, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. -
Add the Flour:
Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir until everything is evenly coated. -
Add the Liquids:
Gradually add the milk, stirring after each addition to prevent lumps. Then, add the chicken stock or broth and continue stirring. -
Simmer the Soup:
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a slight bubble. Once it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. -
Add the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the soup and continue simmering, covered, for an additional 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. -
Add the Cheese:
Remove the soup from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, optionally with a piece of crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Notes
- For a smoother soup consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture.
- For a chunkier consistency, serve the soup as is.
- To make the soup gluten-free, omit the flour and consider using cornstarch as a thickening agent.
- You can add cauliflower, mushrooms, or green peppers to change up the flavor profile.
- Substitute olive oil for butter if preferred.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Heavy cream can replace milk if you prefer a thicker and richer consistency.
- Bone broth can be used for added nutrients and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American