panera cream of broccoli soup recipe

4.6 from 966 votes

This Panera Bread-inspired recipe for Cream of Broccoli Soup is creamy, comforting, and packed with the flavor of broccoli. It is a healthier alternative to the soup you get at a restaurant.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups broccoli florets, chopped

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.

2Add the diced onion and minced garlic.

3Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.

4Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot and stir to coat in the butter and onion mixture.

5Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk.

7Stir well to combine.

8Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

9Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

10Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

11The soup should thicken slightly and the broccoli should be easily pierced with a fork.

12Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool for a few minutes.

13Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth.

14If you do not have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend in batches.

15Be cautious when blending hot liquids.

16If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

17Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

18Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

19If you want a cheesy version, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated.

20The cheese will add a rich, velvety texture to the soup.

21Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese or chopped broccoli if desired.

22Enjoy your homemade Panera Cream of Broccoli Soup.

🔧Equipment

Large pot

Wooden spoon

Blender or immersion blender

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 18g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 13g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition. To make this soup even healthier, you can use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese.

Watch Video Of How Panera Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe Works

This Panera Cream of Broccoli Soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion and always a crowd-pleaser. It is easy to make at home and can be customized to your liking.

It is also a healthier alternative to the soup you get at a restaurant. You can freeze individual portions for a quick and easy meal on busy weeknights.

This soup is a great option for a light lunch or a comforting dinner. It is also perfect for serving to guests during family gatherings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Panera Cream of Broccoli Soup

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this recipe. Frozen broccoli is convenient and works well in soups. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli may take a bit longer to cook than fresh broccoli.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients except the cream and milk in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once the broccoli is tender, blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the cream and milk, and season to taste.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk to reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this soup dairy-free by using plant-based milk and dairy-free butter instead of heavy cream, milk, and regular butter. You can also use a dairy-free cheese alternative if you want a cheesy version.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to this soup. Carrots, celery, and potatoes are great additions and will enhance the flavor and nutrition of the soup. Add them at the same time as the broccoli and adjust the cooking time as needed.

panera cream of broccoli soup recipe

The Best panera cream of broccoli soup recipe