Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For many, it’s a warm, creamy bowl of soup that wraps you in its delicious embrace. Enter the Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup! This delightful dish is smooth, cheesy, and packed with nutritious broccoli, making it a family favorite. Did you know you can whip up this café classic in your own kitchen? What’s more, it’s quick to prepare and requires no culinary expertise—just wash, chop, and stir! Imagine cozying up on a weeknight with this hearty soup, enjoying the rich flavors and creamy texture that’s just as good as the original. If you love this recipe, you might also want to check out my version of creamy tomato basil soup; it’s another winner for quick weeknight dinners. So grab your pot, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of broccolis and cheeses!

What is Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

First things first: why is it called “Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup”? Well, the name tells you exactly what this dish is all about—a delicious version of the beloved soup you might have enjoyed at Panera. It’s like a food hug! Legend has it that this delightful concoction is a go-to for anyone seeking a quick fix for their comfort food cravings. After all, it’s been said, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Who wouldn’t fall in love after a creamy bowl of this soup? So don your apron and get ready to recreate this classic at home! Your taste buds will thank you.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything you could want in a bowl. First and foremost, the creamy texture is just divine, bringing together tender broccoli and rich cheddar cheese for an indulgent experience. Beyond its lusciousness, making it at home saves you a pretty penny compared to café prices—you can savor a bowl of this goodness anytime without worrying about breaking the bank. What’s more, the addition of fresh ingredients creates layers of flavor that will make your kitchen smell heavenly! If you enjoy hearty soups, you might want to check out my creamy potato leek soup; it offers a completely different flavor profile while still giving off those comforting vibes. Now, let’s dive in and get cooking!

How to Make Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

Quick Overview

This soup is not just easy to make; it’s also a culinary adventure that takes just about 30 minutes from prep to table. With a simple blend of fresh vegetables, cheese, and a few pantry staples, you’ll create a vibrant dish that your family will devour. Like a hug in a bowl, this soup is the kind of recipe that delivers warmth and smiles!

Key Ingredients for Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and carrots, and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Add the Broth: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to combine, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Incorporate the Milk: Once simmering, stir in the whole milk. Allow the soup to heat through, being careful not to boil.
5. Add the Broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
6. Cheese It Up: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hearty soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy it with a crusty piece of bread for a satisfying meal!

What to Serve Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup With

This soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments! Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad for some crunch or topping it with croutons for an additional textural contrast. You could also enjoy it with a slice of sourdough bread for a cozy dipping experience or a light sandwich like turkey and avocado to round out the meal. Whatever you choose, this soup is sure to satisfy!

Top Tips for Perfecting Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Cheese Choice: Opt for a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor, but you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack for added creaminess.
2. Broccoli Prep: Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a more luscious texture.
3. Don’t Rush the Roux: Allow the flour to cook for a minute or two to avoid a raw flour taste—it makes a big difference in the final flavor!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it—just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over low heat, stirring gently. If the soup thickens too much after refrigerating or freezing, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to reach your desired consistency.

Now that you’re empowered with this fantastic Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe, it’s time to turn on your stove and bring the delightful taste of your favorite café right into your home! Enjoy every warm, cheesy spoonful!

Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A creamy and cheesy soup packed with tender broccoli, perfect for a comforting meal at home.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Vegetables

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Base and Dairy

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Opt for a sharp cheddar for more flavor

Seasoning

• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• a pinch nutmeg (optional) For extra flavor

Method

 

Preparation

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and carrots, sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Cooking

1. Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables, stir, and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Slowly pour in vegetable broth while stirring to combine, then bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in whole milk once simmering, allowing soup to heat through without boiling.
4. Add broccoli florets and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to taste.
7. Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot.

Notes

Pair with a fresh salad, croutons, or a slice of bread for a satisfying meal. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.