panera cheddar broccoli soup recipe

panera cheddar broccoli soup recipe

The Best panera cheddar broccoli soup recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup recipe. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The first time I had this soup was at a Panera Bread restaurant, and I was hooked from the very first spoonful. The creamy texture, the perfect balance of flavors, and the healthy ingredients all combined to make this soup a staple in my kitchen.

The history of this soup is fascinating. It originated in the 1990s as a limited-time offer at Panera Bread, but it quickly became a customer favorite and has remained on the menu ever since. The original recipe is still a closely guarded secret, but I’ve managed to reverse-engineer it to create a remarkably similar version at home. One of the things I love about this soup is its versatility.

It’s perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, and it’s also a great option for meal prep or when you need to feed a crowd. My kids adore it, and it’s one of the few soups that they will actually eat without complaining. From a health perspective, this soup is a winner too. It’s made with broccoli, which is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and it’s also low in calories and fat.

Plus, it’s easy to customize with your own favorite ingredients or dietary needs. So why do I love this recipe so much? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just throw all the ingredients into a pot, heat it up, and voilà!

You’ve got yourself a delicious and comforting meal. But beyond that, I think what really sets this recipe apart is its ability to transport me back to those cozy afternoons spent sipping soup at Panera Bread. It’s like a taste of nostalgia in every spoonful.

Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe

Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe

4.6 from 1948 votes

A rich and creamy soup packed with broccoli and cheddar cheese. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion and mince garlic.
3Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4Add the broccoli florets to the pot.
5Stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
6Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is slightly softened.
7Pour in the chicken broth and milk.
8Stir well to combine.
9Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
10Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
11Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
12Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
13Return the pureed soup to the pot if using a blender.
14Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
15If the soup is too thick, add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.
16Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
17Stir well to combine.
18Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
19Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional cheese or broccoli if desired.
20Enjoy your homemade Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Blender or immersion blender
Cheese grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 1100mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother soup, blend until very smooth. For a chunkier soup, blend only partially, or leave some broccoli pieces whole.

Watch Video Of How Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe Works

Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. It’s also a great way to get your family to eat more vegetables and can be easily customized to suit your family’s tastes.

The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, I like to add a little extra milk to restore its creamy texture. It’s a great way to have a quick, homemade meal ready to go on busy days.

I often make a big batch and freeze portions for later use. It’s a great way to have a quick, homemade meal ready to go on busy days. I often serve it with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Q: What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using a sharp cheddar cheese that melts well. You can also experiment with other types of cheese like Parmesan or Gruyère for a unique flavor profile.

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make this soup in advance by preparing all the ingredients ahead of time and then assembling them just before serving. This will save you time during the week when you’re busy.

Q: How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

To prevent the soup from becoming too thick, you can add more chicken broth or water as needed. You can also try adding some heavy cream or half-and-half for an extra-rich flavor.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw it first before using it in the recipe.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with this soup?

Serving this soup with some crusty bread or crackers is always a good idea. You can also try pairing it with some roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for added texture and flavor.

Q: Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

This soup is suitable for vegetarians as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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