Description
This creamy and comforting Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup features fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich, velvety broth. It recreates the beloved Panera Bread classic with simple ingredients and deep cheesy flavor, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Liquids
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Cheese and Seasoning
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until fully liquified and shimmering.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onion to the melted butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Make a Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a roux to thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the half-and-half and chicken broth, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Simmer Vegetables: Add the chopped broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Incorporate Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it has melted fully and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optional accompaniments include crusty bread or serving in a bread bowl for an authentic Panera experience.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, increase the amount of flour slightly when making the roux.
- For a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
- Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and creaminess.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
