Are you a fan of Panera Bread’s famous Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup? If so, you’re in luck! Today, we’re sharing a delicious Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup recipe that you can easily make at home. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy the rich and creamy goodness of this beloved soup right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients
Produce:
- 1 cup Broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup Carrots, diced
- 1/2 Onion, diced
Canned Goods:
- 2 cups Chicken broth
Baking & Spices:
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy:
- 5 tbsp Butter
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Half-and-half
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by chopping the broccoli into small florets, dicing the carrots, and finely dicing the onion.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the chopped broccoli and diced carrots to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make the Roux: Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the empty side. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown color.
- Add Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the soup thickens slightly.
- Season the Soup: Stir in the ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
- Add Half-and-Half: Slowly pour in the half-and-half while stirring constantly. Continue to cook the soup over medium heat until it is heated through, but do not let it come to a boil.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring until it melts and is well incorporated. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Serve: Ladle the Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with additional shredded cheese or chopped parsley, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Extra Creamy Texture: For an even creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender before adding the cheese.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as cauliflower, potatoes, or bell peppers.
- Protein Addition: Boost the protein content of the soup by adding cooked shredded chicken or crispy bacon pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli and carrots instead of fresh? A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and carrots in this recipe. Simply thaw them before adding them to the soup, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version? A: Absolutely! You can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to make a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup.
Q: How can I make this soup gluten-free? A: To make the soup gluten-free, you can substitute gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the all-purpose flour in the roux.
Keto-Friendly Version
For a keto-friendly version of this Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup, you can make the following substitutions:
- Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour to thicken the soup.
- Half-and-Half: Substitute the half-and-half with heavy cream or a combination of unsweetened almond milk and heavy cream to reduce the carb content.
- Carrots: Reduce the amount of carrots or omit them altogether to lower the carb count further.
In conclusion, our Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup recipe is a comforting and delicious option for any day of the week. With its creamy texture, flavorful vegetables, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or served at a special gathering, this soup is bound to impress. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
