broccoli cheese soup panera recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
broccoli cheese soup panera recipe
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The Best broccoli cheese soup panera recipe

I’ve been making this broccoli cheese soup recipe from Panera for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The first time I made it, I was hooked by the creamy texture and the perfect balance of flavors.

My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, love it when I serve it with a side of crusty bread or crackers. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – we can have it for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.

Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the broccoli and cheese. The key to this recipe is getting the right consistency – not too thick, not too thin – and that’s where the technique comes in.

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

4.9 from 1721 votes

This creamy and comforting Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is packed with tender broccoli, carrots and celery. It’s a hearty vegetable soup with a rich, cheesy flavor.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
3 cups broccoli florets
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots and celery.
3Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4Add the vegetable broth to the pot.
5Bring the mixture to a boil.
6Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
7Add the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
8Using a blender or immersion blender, blend about half of the soup until smooth.
9This will give the soup a creamy texture while still leaving some chunks of broccoli and vegetables.
10Return the blended soup to the pot.
11Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
12Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is well combined.
13If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Blender or immersion blender

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. To make it gluten-free, ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free.

Watch Video Of How Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Works

This Panera broccoli cheese soup is a family favorite and always a hit at gatherings. It is easy to make in large batches and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep.

It also reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. I love serving this soup with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combo, or with a side salad for a lighter meal.

It is also great for potlucks or family gatherings, as it can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd. I hope you and your family enjoy this recipe as much as we do.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

1. What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. You can adjust the ratio of each to your taste, but I find that a 50/50 mix works best.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. When reheating, be sure to add more broth if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

3. How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

To prevent the soup from becoming too thick, make sure to add enough broth during cooking and then again when reheating.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other vegetables such as diced carrots or zucchini to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of this soup.

5. Do I need to puree the soup?

Pureeing the soup is optional but recommended for a smoother consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step.

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