broccoli soup panera bread recipe

The Best broccoli soup panera bread recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite broccoli soup recipe, just like Panera Bread’s. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it, and it’s perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

The best part is that it’s packed with nutrients and is really good for you too! This recipe is a classic because it’s made with fresh broccoli, onions, garlic, and chicken broth, giving it a rich and creamy texture. It’s also super easy to make, which is a must for busy parents like me.

The key to this recipe is using fresh ingredients and cooking the broccoli until it’s tender but still retains some bite. This gives the soup a lovely texture and prevents it from becoming too mushy. I like to serve this soup with a swirl of cream and some crusty bread on the side – it’s the perfect comfort food on a chilly day.

And the best part? It’s actually really good for you too! Broccoli is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this soup a great way to get your daily dose of greens.

Plus, it’s so versatile – you can add in some cooked chicken or bacon for added protein or keep it vegetarian for a meat-free option. I’ve even served this soup at potlucks and family gatherings, where it always gets rave reviews.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Panera Bread Copycat

4.9 from 1205 votes

This copycat recipe of Panera Bread’s broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting and flavorful dish. It is perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 370 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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

For the Bread

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup milk
1 egg

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
3Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
4Stir frequently to prevent burning.
5Add broccoli florets to the pot.
6Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7Add vegetable broth, milk, flour, salt, black pepper and paprika.
8Stir well to combine.
9Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low.
10Simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broccoli to soften.
11Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
12Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
13Keep the soup warm over low heat while preparing the bread.
14In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
15Add softened butter, milk and egg.
16Mix until a dough forms.
17Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface.
18Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
19Cut into desired shapes, such as squares or rectangles.
20Place the dough pieces on a greased baking sheet.
21Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
22Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
23Serve the broccoli cheddar soup hot, with the freshly baked bread on the side.
24Enjoy your homemade copycat Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup and bread.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Whisk
Baking sheet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 370 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips: For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup before adding the cheese. For a healthier option, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.

This broccoli soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or want something easy to serve at your next family gathering.

And don’t worry about leftovers – this soup freezes beautifully so you can make extra batches ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you want.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Cheddar Soup Panera Bread Copycat

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

A: You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli florets for this recipe – just make sure to thaw them first if using frozen. Fresh broccoli works best if you have access to it, but frozen will do in a pinch.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use. Just be sure to reheat it until steaming hot before serving.

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

A: If you find that the soup is becoming too thick after refrigeration or freezing, simply add in some chicken broth or water to thin it out.

Q: Can I add in other vegetables besides broccoli?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add in any other vegetables you like – carrots, potatoes, or even some chopped kale would all work well in this recipe.

Q: Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yes, this soup is vegetarian-friendly – just omit the chicken broth if using store-bought and substitute with a vegetable broth instead.

Q: How long does the soup take to cook?

A: The soup should take about 20-25 minutes to cook on low heat – just be patient and let the flavors meld together.

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