Description

Creamy, rich, and loaded with tender broccoli and melted cheddar cheese, this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food for cozy dinners and easy lunch ideas. The velvety texture, savory flavor, and hearty vegetables make this homemade soup taste just like the café favorite while using simple pantry ingredients. Whether you are looking for a quick dinner, comforting soup recipe, easy family meal, or delicious food ideas for cold weather, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small

1 cup carrots, shredded

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups chicken broth

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1 cup mild cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 pinch nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the shredded carrots and chopped broccoli florets to the pot.

5. Cook the vegetables for several minutes while stirring occasionally.

6. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes.

7. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.

8. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until the broccoli becomes tender.

9. Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine.

10. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheeses one handful at a time while stirring constantly.

11. Continue stirring until all the cheese melts into a smooth and creamy soup.

12. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and nutmeg.

13. Blend part of the soup if you prefer a creamier texture while leaving some broccoli chunks intact.

14. Serve hot with crusty bread or inside a bread bowl.

Notes

Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and creates the creamiest texture.

Keep the heat low after adding the dairy and cheese to prevent curdling or separation.

Blend only part of the soup if you want a creamy texture while still keeping hearty vegetable chunks.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 420
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg