How to Make the Perfect Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup
American · Easy · 40 min · 6 servings
This copycat Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup is velvety, rich, and loaded with tender broccoli florets and sharp cheddar cheese in every spoonful. It is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in under 40 minutes and tastes indistinguishable from the bakery cafe original.
Why this recipe works
This Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets chopped small
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 3 cups half and half
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 large carrot grated
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute the Vegetables
Melt butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and grated carrot and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 more minute to form a light roux.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Slowly whisk in half and half and chicken broth, a little at a time, to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the base begins to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Simmer
Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot and simmer for 15 minutes until the broccoli is very tender. For a texture closer to Panera, use an immersion blender to partially blend about a third of the soup leaving chunky pieces throughout.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
Reduce heat to low and add shredded sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring constantly between each addition until fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Serve in bread bowls for the full Panera experience.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- half and half → whole milk for a slightly lighter but still creamy soup
- sharp cheddar cheese → Gruyere for a more sophisticated and nutty flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding all the cheese at once at high heat which causes the soup to become grainy and separated
- Cutting broccoli florets too large which results in uneven cooking and an unpleasant chunky texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 18g protein, 22g carbs, 36g fat, 4g fiber.
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