Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
Indulge in the comforting warmth and rich flavors of this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup. Perfectly creamy and packed with tender broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and a velvety cheese base, this homemade rendition captures all the beloved qualities of the classic Panera version.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can recreate this beloved soup right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with a soul-warming dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for hearty, homemade comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Creamy and Comforting: This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup offers a velvety, indulgent texture that wraps you in warmth and comfort with every spoonful.
Rich Flavor: Bursting with the savory goodness of melted cheddar cheese, sautéed onions, and tender broccoli, this soup delivers a rich and satisfying flavor profile that delights the taste buds.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. You can whip up a batch in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes. Plus, feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal taste.
Homemade Goodness: Enjoy all the goodness of Panera’s beloved broccoli cheese soup from the comfort of your own home. There’s something special about homemade soup that makes it taste even better.
Family Favorite: This soup is sure to become a family favorite, loved by both kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies while still satisfying everyone’s cravings for a hearty and delicious meal.
Versatile: Serve this soup as a comforting starter for dinner or make it the star of the show with some crusty bread on the side for a satisfying lunch. It’s versatile enough to fit any mealtime occasion.
Satisfyingly Cheesy: Who can resist the allure of gooey, melted cheese? This soup is loaded with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring each spoonful is filled with cheesy goodness that’s impossible to resist.
Homemade Comfort Food: There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s as delicious as this one. It’s the perfect remedy for chilly days or when you need a little pick-me-up.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality soup made right in your own kitchen. They’ll be amazed by your culinary skills and won’t believe it’s not straight from Panera!
Key Ingredients:
Butter: Provides richness and flavor to the soup base.
Onions: Enhance the savory taste and add depth of flavor.
Carrots: Bring sweetness and color to the soup, balancing the flavors of the broccoli and cheese.
Broccoli: The star ingredient, providing texture, nutrients, and a deliciously fresh flavor.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory notes to the soup base, enhancing the overall taste.
Milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the soup without being too heavy.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds extra creaminess and richness, making the soup luxurious and indulgent.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the soup, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes): Enhance the flavors of the soup, providing a perfect balance of seasoning.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, cheesy goodness to the soup, making it irresistibly delicious and comforting.
How to make Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients:
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup diced onions yellow or white
1 cup shredded carrots I used matchsticks that I cut into half inch pieces
2 1/2-3 cups broccoli florets chopped small
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup milk I use skim/fat free
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or more as desired
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1:
In a large pot over medium high heat, melt butter.
Add in onions, carrots and broccoli.
Cook to soften about 5 minutes (may be more or less depending on the size vegetables you cut).
Step 2:
Slowly add in broth, milk, and cream.
Sprinkle with flour and add salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
Continue stirring and heating over medium heat until thickened.
This will take about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3:
Once thick, add cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Serve soup and enjoy!
Notes:
Vegetable Preparation: Diced onions, shredded carrots, and chopped broccoli florets are the key vegetables in this recipe, providing flavor, texture, and nutrients to the soup.
Creamy Base: The combination of milk, heavy whipping cream, and shredded cheddar cheese creates a rich and creamy base for the soup, adding indulgent flavor and smooth consistency.
Thickening Agent: All-purpose flour is used to thicken the soup, creating a velvety texture and ensuring a hearty consistency.
Seasonings: Kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes provide a well-balanced seasoning profile, enhancing the flavors of the vegetables and cheese.
Cooking Process: Cooking the vegetables in butter allows them to soften and release their flavors. Slowly adding the broth, milk, and cream while stirring ensures a smooth incorporation of ingredients.
Melting Cheese: Adding the shredded cheddar cheese towards the end of the cooking process allows it to melt gradually, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture without clumps.
Customization: The recipe offers flexibility in adjusting the spiciness level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes according to personal preference.
Serving: The soup is best served hot, straight from the pot, providing comfort and warmth on chilly days. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 724kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 55g, Saturated Fat: 33g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 160mg, Sodium: 1374mg, Fiber: 11g, Sugar: 12g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different vegetables in this soup?
Yes, you can customize the vegetables to your preference.
While broccoli and carrots are traditional, you can also add cauliflower, potatoes, or peas for variation.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken broth without compromising the flavor of the soup.
What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream if I want a lighter version?
If you prefer a lighter soup, you can substitute the heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
This will result in a slightly less creamy texture but will still be delicious.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used as a convenient alternative.
Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the soup.
Is it necessary to use both milk and heavy whipping cream?
Using both milk and heavy whipping cream creates a rich and creamy texture in the soup.
However, if you prefer a lighter version, you can omit the heavy cream and use only milk.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar cheese adds a classic flavor to this soup, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping when adding it to the soup?
To prevent the cheese from clumping, make sure to gradually add it to the soup while stirring continuously.
This helps the cheese melt evenly and incorporate smoothly into the soup.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the soup gluten-free.
Alternatively, you can omit the flour altogether or use a thickening agent like cornstarch.
Can I add other seasonings to customize the flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor of the soup according to your taste preferences.
How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What are some serving suggestions for this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad.
You can also serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarian diets?
While this recipe contains chicken broth, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
Additionally, ensure that the cheese you use is vegetarian-friendly.