Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Imae sitting down to a warm bowl of Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup, the rich aroma inviting you in for a taste. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with vibrant green broccoli, this soup is like a hug in a bowl. It’s one of those dishes that prove comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated; it’s simple, quick to prepare, and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. A fun fact about this dish is that it has become a fan favorite at Panera, with people often craving its creamy texture and savory flavor. Whether paired with a crusty bread bowl or enjoyed solo, it’s a dish that brings smiles to the dinner table.

If you’ve ever tried a classic potato soup, you’ll find similarities in the comforting nature of this broccoli and cheddar delight. However, there’s something wonderfully unique about the wholesome flavor of this soup that makes it worth the try. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret diving into this delicious recipe.

What is Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Now, let’s talk about the name: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Sounds fancy, right? But what’s in a name? It’s simply a delicious blend of fresh broccoli and gooey cheddar cheese, combined in a creamy broth. And here’s a bit of humor to tickle your fancy: were they trying to impress us with the word “Panera”? Well, they certainly caught our attention! This soup is essentially saying, “I’m cheesy, I’m hearty, and I am here to make your day!” As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this soup is certainly a pathway straight to deliciousness. So, why not give it a whirl? You’ll be glad you did!

Why You’ll Love This Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

What makes this Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup so special? First off, the creamy goodness is the star of the show! Imae sipping on a velvety soup that practically melts in your mouth, filled with tender broccoli pieces that add a pop of color and nutrition. Second, making this dish at home is cost-effective. Why pay for an overpriced takeout soup when you can whip it up in your kitchen for a fraction of the cost? Lastly, the flavorful combo of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs makes this soup a palate-pleaser. If you’re a fan of similar creamy soups, like potato leek or roasted tomato, you’ll definitely want to explore this broccoli marvel. There’s no better time to try out this recipe, so let’s get started!

How to Make Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Quick Overview

This Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not just delicious but also easy to make! With a preparation time of around 30 minutes, you’ll be indulg in a warm bowl of creamy goodness in no time. The standout element of this dish is its rich texture, thanks to the blend of heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Key Ingredients for Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup of chopped onion
• 1 cup of shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of garlic powder or nutmeg for added flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup of chopped onions and 1 cup of shredded carrots. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the carrots soften, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to avoid clumping.
3. Add the Broth: Gradually pour in 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth while continuously stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Incorporate the Broccoli: Add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
5. Blend it Up: For that creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can let it cool slightly and blend it in batches in a countertop blender.
6. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices to taste.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheddar if desired. Enjoy it warm!

What to Serve Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup With

To complement your delicious bowl of Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup, consider serving it with a crusty baguette or a side salad. A green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup beautifully. Alternatively, pairing it with your favorite sandwich creates a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Top Tips for Perfecting Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always use fresh broccoli and high-quality cheese. Cheddar cheese can be very impactful, so don’t skimp on its quality!
2. Cheese Bliss: For a creamier soup, add more cheese slowly while stirring, and let it melt completely before serving.
3. Avoid Clumping: When adding flour to the sautéed veggies, make sure to stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Spice it Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs! Adding a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to enjoy it even later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, be gentle; warm it slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to retain its creamy texture.

Now you’re equipped to whip up a delicious batch of Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup right in your own kitchen! Dive into flavors, feel the warmth, and share it with your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This creamy and cheesy soup is packed with vibrant green broccoli, making it a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Vegetables

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup shredded carrots

Base

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to make the roux
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Creaminess

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese use high-quality cheese for best flavor

Seasoning

• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• optional garlic powder or nutmeg for added flavor

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add 1 cup of chopped onions and 1 cup of shredded carrots. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the carrots soften, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to avoid clumping.
4. Gradually pour in 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth while continuously stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Cooking

1. Add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
2. For that creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency, or let it cool slightly and blend it in batches in a countertop blender.
3. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices to taste.

Serving

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheddar if desired. Enjoy it warm!

Notes

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to retain its creamy texture.