There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s the iconic Broccoli Cheddar Soup from Panera Bread. The velvety texture, the rich cheddar flavor, and the tender broccoli florets come together in a perfect symphony of comfort and taste. In this detailed recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to recreate this beloved soup in the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that brings the essence of Panera Bread right to your dining table.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrot, shredded
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
For Garnish:
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
Preparing the Soup Base:
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and shredded carrot, sautéing until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to slightly soften.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously to create a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Pour in Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until the broccoli is tender.
Blending and Finishing the Soup:
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some broccoli florets for texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth before returning it to the pot.
- Add Seasonings: Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Incorporate Half-and-Half: Pour in the half-and-half, stirring well to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Melt in the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated. This creates the signature cheesy goodness of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Garnishing and Serving:
- Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions.
Cook Notes
- Broccoli Texture: Adjust the blending to your preference. If you enjoy a chunkier soup, blend only a small portion, leaving most of the broccoli intact.
- Cheese Selection: Opt for a sharp cheddar cheese for a robust flavor that closely mimics the Panera Bread version.
- Consistency Adjustments: If the soup is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
Variations
Broccoli and Bacon Bliss:
Enhance the soup by adding crispy bacon bits during the last few minutes of cooking. The smoky flavor complements the richness of the cheddar cheese.
Loaded Baked Potato Twist:
Top your bowl with sour cream, chives, and even a sprinkle of crumbled potato chips to mimic the flavors of a loaded baked potato.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto-Friendly:
Replace the Flour:
- Use 2 tablespoons of almond flour or coconut flour as a low-carb alternative to all-purpose flour.
Substitute Half-and-Half:
- Replace half-and-half with a mixture of heavy cream and unsweetened almond milk to reduce the carb content.
Adjust the Veggies:
- Increase the broccoli and carrot ratio while reducing onion for a lower-carb option.
Low-Carb Option:
Thicken with Xanthan Gum:
- Instead of using flour for the roux, use a small amount of xanthan gum to achieve a similar thickening effect without the carbs.
Modify Half-and-Half:
- Substitute half-and-half with a combination of heavy cream and water or unsweetened almond milk to decrease the carb count.
In conclusion, making Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup at home is not only achievable but immensely satisfying. With a few simple ingredients and careful attention to detail, you can recreate the creamy, cheesy goodness that Panera Bread enthusiasts adore. Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or exploring keto and low-carb variations, this soup is a versatile and comforting addition to your culinary repertoire. So, grab your ingredients and a soup pot – a delightful bowl of homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup awaits!
