Name: Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter (cut into chunks); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 2 large carrots, peeled and julienned (about 1 heaping cup); 2 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 heaping cup); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 16 ounces chicken stock or broth; 3 cups broccoli florets; 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Description

This creamy and savory Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup is packed with tender vegetables, melted sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich, comforting base. It’s the perfect homemade version of your favorite Panera soup that’s just as delicious!

Ingredients

Scale

4 tablespoons butter (cut into chunks)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and julienned (about 1 heaping cup)
2 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 heaping cup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
16 ounces chicken stock or broth
3 cups broccoli florets
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Cook Vegetables: Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, onions, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the veggies are soft and fragrant.
Add Flour and Liquids: Add the flour and stir until the vegetables are well-coated. Gradually add the milk, stirring after each addition, followed by the chicken stock or broth.
Simmer: Turn the heat to medium-high. Once the mixture begins to bubble, lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the soup and continue simmering, covered, over medium-low heat for an additional 10 minutes.
Melt Cheese: Remove the soup from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
For a chunkier texture, leave the soup as is.
To make this soup gluten-free, omit the flour.
Add cauliflower, mushrooms, or green peppers for a twist on the traditional recipe.
You can substitute olive oil for butter if preferred.
Add a dash of cayenne pepper for some extra heat.
For a thicker soup, substitute heavy cream for the milk.
Use bone broth for added nutrition and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American