panera cheddar broccoli soup recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
panera cheddar broccoli soup recipe
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The Best panera cheddar broccoli soup recipe

I’m so excited to share my Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup recipe with you. This creamy and comforting soup has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too. The first time I had this soup was at Panera Bread, where it was served as a seasonal special.

I was immediately hooked on the rich and velvety texture, combined with the perfect balance of flavors from the cheddar cheese and steamed broccoli. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate this delicious soup at home, and I’m thrilled to say that my recipe is now a family favorite. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to make this soup in large batches, which can be stored in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 days.

It’s also a great way to get my kids to eat their veggies, as they love helping me add the steamed broccoli florets into the pot. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good excuse to indulge in some warm and cozy comfort food? The key to making this soup truly special is using high-quality ingredients, particularly the cheddar cheese.

I like to use a sharp cheddar that adds a nice tanginess to the soup, but you can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect blend. One thing’s for sure – once you take your first sip of this heavenly broth, you’ll be hooked. In terms of technique, the most important thing is to not overcook the broccoli.

You want it to retain its vibrant green color and slightly crunchy texture, which pairs perfectly with the silky smoothness of the cheese sauce. To achieve this, I recommend steaming the broccoli until it’s just tender before adding it to the pot. This way, you can control the cooking time and ensure that your broccoli stays nice and fresh.

As we head into colder months, there’s no better comfort food than a warm bowl of Panera-style Cheddar Broccoli Soup. So go ahead – give my recipe a try and see why this soup has become a staple in our household.

Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup

4.7 from 564 votes

A creamy and comforting soup featuring broccoli and cheddar cheese, inspired by Panera’s classic recipe. Perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
2 medium carrots, diced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup milk
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tbsp flour
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
3Cook until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
4Add 2 cups broccoli florets and 2 diced carrots to the pot.
5Stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
6Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
7Sprinkle 1 tbsp flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
8Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned.
9Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth and 1 cup milk.
10Stir well to combine.
11Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
12Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the broccoli and carrots are tender.
13Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
14Be careful when blending hot liquids.
15Return the soup to the pot if using a blender.
16Add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese to the pot.
17Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
18Season with salt and pepper to taste.
19Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
20If the soup is too thick, add a little more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
21Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
22Garnish with additional cheddar cheese or chopped broccoli if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Blender or immersion blender

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother soup, blend until completely smooth. For a chunkier soup, blend only partially or leave some vegetables unblended.

Watch Video Of How Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup Works

This Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or need something hearty for family gatherings.

Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly versatile: serve it as a main course or side dish at your next dinner party or enjoy as an easy lunch on-the-go.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Q1: What type of cheese should I use for this recipe?

For an authentic Panera taste, I recommend using a sharp cheddar cheese that’s aged at least 2 years. You can also experiment with other types of cheese like Gruyère or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Q2: Can I make this soup without steaming the broccoli?

While steaming the broccoli adds an extra step to your recipe, you can skip it if you’re short on time. Simply add chopped broccoli florets directly into the pot and cook until they’re tender.

Q3: How do I store leftover soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently over low heat until warmed through.

Q4: Can I make this soup vegan?

To make this soup vegan-friendly, simply substitute dairy-based cheese with plant-based alternatives like soy cheese or nutritional yeast.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftover soup?

Gently reheat leftover soup over low heat until warmed through. Avoid overheating, which can cause the cheese sauce to break down.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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