Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup: A Bowl of Comfort in Your Kitchen
Step into the world of restaurant-quality comfort food with our Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe. This hearty and flavorful soup is a beloved classic, and now you can recreate it in your own kitchen. From the velvety texture to the rich combination of broccoli and cheese, each spoonful is a comforting embrace. Join us on a culinary journey as we break down the ingredients, explore the cooking process, and offer variations to suit every taste. Get ready to transform your home into a cozy haven with the aroma of this delicious soup wafting through the air.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups half-and-half
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For Garnish:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring continuously to create a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Half-and-Half: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the pot and cook until they are tender yet still vibrant green. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Blend in Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and blends into the soup. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Consistency Matters: Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth or half-and-half, depending on your preference.
- Texture Variation: For a chunkier soup, reserve some broccoli florets before blending, then add them back into the soup before serving.
- Enhance Flavor: Experiment with a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Bread Bowl Option: Hollow out a bread bowl for a cozy presentation, creating the ultimate comfort food experience.
Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb Versions
Keto-Friendly Broccoli Cheese Soup:
- Cauliflower Substitute: Replace the carrots with cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative while maintaining a similar texture.
- Almond Flour Roux: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour in the roux to reduce the carb content.
- Heavy Cream: Substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for a keto-friendly, higher-fat option.
Low-Carb Broccoli Cheese Soup:
- Vegetable Swaps: Replace carrots with lower-carb vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Cheese Choices: Opt for a mix of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese for a lower-carb option with a unique flavor profile.
- Lean Protein: Add diced chicken or turkey for a protein boost without adding extra carbs.
As you revel in the creamy texture and rich flavors of this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup, you’ll discover the joy of bringing a beloved restaurant favorite into your own kitchen. Whether you choose the classic recipe or venture into keto or low-carb variations, the result is a bowl of comfort that transcends the seasons. As the soup simmers on your stove and the aroma fills your home, you’ll realize that this dish is more than food; it’s an experience that nourishes both body and soul.
So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the warmth of this soup embrace you. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or sharing it with loved ones, the Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is a testament to the simple pleasures of home cooking. Happy simmering
