Creamy, comforting, and packed with vegetables, this Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is a homemade take on the beloved restaurant classic. Rich cheddar cheese, tender broccoli, and perfectly seasoned broth come together to create a soup that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.

Whether you're enjoying it as a main dish or a starter, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prep for the week.

Why You’ll Love This Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup :

1. Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of milk, cream, and cheddar creates a luscious, velvety texture.
2. Packed with Vegetables: Loaded with broccoli, carrots, and onions, it’s as nutritious as it is comforting.
3. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients :

Vegetables:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup diced onions (yellow or white)
• 1 cup shredded carrots (cut into ½-inch pieces if using matchsticks)
• 2 ½ - 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small

Broth and Cream Base:

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (skim or fat-free)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Thickener and Seasoning:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for best results)

How to Make Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup :

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
2. Add diced onions, carrots, and chopped broccoli florets. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Adjust cooking time based on the size of your vegetable pieces.

Step 2: Create the Cream Base

1. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream while stirring.
2. Gradually sprinkle in the flour while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Continue to heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the soup thickens. This process takes about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

1. Once the soup has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pair it with crusty bread, a warm baguette, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup :

1. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the soup’s creaminess. Shredding your own cheese ensures a smoother texture.
2. Cut Vegetables Small: Small, uniform pieces of broccoli and carrots cook faster and make the soup easier to eat.
3. Adjust the Heat: Add more crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.
4. Double the Recipe: This soup reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply double the ingredients for a larger batch.

FAQs About Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup :

1. Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

2. Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Absolutely. Thaw the frozen broccoli before adding it to the soup, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

3. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating.

4. Can I Freeze This Soup?

Yes, but note that cream-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen. To minimize this, freeze the soup without the cheese and add it fresh when reheating.

5. Can I Use a Different Cheese?

Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a unique twist.

This Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy, comforting, and easy to make at home. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold day or add a hearty, delicious dish to your meal rotation. Customize it to suit your taste, and enjoy a restaurant-quality soup in the comfort of your own kitchen!

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📖 Recipe

Yield: 4

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Print

This Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy, comforting, and easy to make at home. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold day or add a hearty, delicious dish to your meal rotation. Customize it to suit your taste, and enjoy a restaurant-quality soup in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup diced onions
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 ½ - 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (skim or fat-free)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and broccoli for 5 minutes, or until softened.

Add chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream while stirring. Sprinkle in flour, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened (10-15 minutes).

Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Serve hot with bread or a side salad.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving):Calories: 350 | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 25g | Protein: 15g

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