panera bread broccoli soup recipe

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

I’ve been making Panera Bread’s broccoli soup recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in our household. My kids love it, and it’s a great way to get them to eat their greens.

The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch. I’ve tried various versions of this soup over the years, but this one remains my go-to.

The key to this recipe is using fresh broccoli and a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream for added richness. This soup has a comforting, velvety texture that’s sure to become a staple in your household as well.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a side dish, add some crusty bread for a satisfying meal, or even use it as a base for other soups. The flavor profile is deep and satisfying, with just the right amount of bitterness from the broccoli balanced by the creaminess of the heavy cream.

My family raves about this soup every time I make it, and I’m sure yours will too. The recipe itself is quite simple: sauté some onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, then add in your broccoli florets and cook until they’re tender but still crisp.

Next, you’ll combine the cooked broccoli with chicken broth, heavy cream, and some seasonings before blending everything together until smooth. This process only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish – making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or special occasions when you need something quick yet impressive.

Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup

4.7 from 1194 votes

A rich and creamy soup featuring broccoli and cheddar cheese, inspired by the classic Panera Bread recipe. Perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day.

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

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
3Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
5Add the flour to the pot and stir to coat the vegetables.
6Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned.
7Gradually add the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream.
8Stir well to combine.
9Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
10Add the broccoli florets, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
11Stir well to combine.
12Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
13Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth.
14If you do not have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
15Return the soup to the pot if necessary.
16Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
17Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
18Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Immersion blender or blender

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother soup, blend it longer. For a healthier option, substitute low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

This Panera Bread Broccoli Soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in large batches for freezing, ensuring you have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it.

Serve it with crusty bread, a side salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s a versatile dish that everyone will enjoy, and it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Q: What type of broccoli should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using fresh broccoli florets. You can use either green or purple broccoli – whichever variety you prefer will work just fine.

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?

A: Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time by preparing the ingredients through step 3 (adding the chicken broth), then refrigerating or freezing it until you’re ready to finish cooking it.

Q: How do I reheat this soup safely?

A: To reheat this soup safely, ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). You can do this by transferring the cooled soup to an oven-safe container and heating it in your oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Q: Can I customize this recipe to suit my dietary needs?

A: Yes, you can easily modify this recipe to suit various dietary requirements by substituting dairy products with plant-based alternatives or using gluten-free seasonings.

Q: Is there any way to make this soup more substantial?

A: To make this soup more filling, consider adding some diced potatoes or extra vegetables like carrots or celery.

Q: What kind of seasonings should I use in place of salt?

A: If you prefer not to use salt in your cooking, consider substituting with other seasonings such as dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.

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