Step into the warmth of homestyle comfort with our Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe. Recreate the iconic Panera experience in your own kitchen as you savor the rich and creamy goodness of this classic soup. From tender broccoli florets to the velvety embrace of cheddar cheese, each spoonful is a journey into a world of comfort and flavor. Join us as we unveil the ingredients, guide you through the step-by-step instructions, share cook notes and variations, and provide keto and low-carb versions. Let’s bring the cozy delight of Panera Bread right to your dining table with our homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a low-carb version)
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Croutons or additional shredded cheddar for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Create a Roux: Sprinkle the flour (or almond flour for a low-carb version) over the sautéed onions and butter. Stir continuously to create a roux, allowing it to cook for 1-2 minutes until it reaches a light golden color.
- Add Broccoli and Broth: Toss in the chopped broccoli florets and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend and Simmer: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired level of smoothness. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer portions of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot.
- Incorporate Half-and-Half and Cheese: Pour in the half-and-half and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.
- Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg to taste. Allow it to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup into bowls. Optionally, garnish with croutons or additional shredded cheddar for a delightful finishing touch.
Cook Notes
- Blending Consistency: The level of smoothness is a matter of personal preference. For a chunkier soup, blend less; for a smoother texture, blend more.
- Cheese Melting Tip: To ensure a smooth and velvety consistency, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
- Nutmeg Essence: The hint of ground nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth to the soup. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
Variations
1. Bacon Bliss:
Enhance the richness by adding crispy bacon bits to the soup just before serving. The smoky flavor complements the creamy texture beautifully.
2. Potato Pleasure:
Introduce diced potatoes during the simmering stage for a heartier version of the soup, reminiscent of a loaded baked potato.
3. Carrot and Cauliflower Twist:
Incorporate finely chopped carrots and cauliflower along with the broccoli for a colorful and nutrient-packed variation.
Keto Versions
For those on a keto journey, consider these modifications:
- Almond Flour for Thickening: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour to maintain a low-carb and keto-friendly thickening agent.
- Heavy Cream Substitution: Swap the half-and-half with heavy cream to reduce the carb content and increase the richness of the soup.
- Keto-friendly Garnish: Choose keto-friendly toppings such as crushed pork rinds instead of croutons for added crunch.
Low-Carb Version
To cater to low-carb preferences, make these adjustments:
- Vegetable Variety: Increase the vegetable variety by adding low-carb options like spinach or kale to the soup.
- Alternative Thickening Agent: Replace flour with a small amount of xanthan gum for thickening without the added carbs.
- Moderate Cheese Quantity: Adjust the amount of shredded cheddar to reduce the overall carb content.
Our Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup is more than a recipe; it’s a journey into the heart of comfort dining. Whether you stick to the classic rendition, explore variations, or embrace keto and low-carb adaptations, each spoonful promises the familiar warmth of Panera Bread’s signature dish. So, set the stage for culinary magic, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of this creamy delight fill your kitchen. Here’s to the joy of creating, savoring, and relishing the comfort of Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup in every nourishing bite!
