The Best panera bread cream of broccoli soup recipe
Panera Bread’s Cream of Broccoli Soup is a classic dish that has always been a favorite in my household. The rich, creamy texture and the comforting warmth of the soup make it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner at home. My kids love it, and I often make it for them after school as a quick and nutritious snack.
The soup is packed with broccoli, which is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Broccoli is a great source of vitamins and fiber, making this soup a healthy option for the whole family. The key to this recipe is the perfect balance of flavors, the creaminess from the cheese, and the slight crunch from the broccoli florets.
It’s a comforting dish that brings back warm memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. I love how versatile this soup is it can be served as a light lunch or a hearty dinner. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, as it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and reheated easily.
The best part is that it’s easy to make at home, and you can customize it to your liking by adding more vegetables or spices. I often double the recipe so that we have leftovers for the week, and it always feels good to have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to go. I think that making this soup at home is a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish without the hassle of going out.
Plus, it’s always a hit with my family and friends, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and enjoy a comforting meal at the same time.
Panera Bread Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe
4.9 from 500 votes
This creamy and comforting Panera Bread Cream of Broccoli Soup is a perfect blend of rich flavors and hearty vegetables. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home, and it’s easy to make with simple ingredients.
1In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
4Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5Remove the mixture from the saucepan and set aside.
6You can keep this warm on the side while you continue to cook the broccoli.
7In the same saucepan, add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender and slightly browned.
8Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as it can become mushy.
9Remove the broccoli from the saucepan and set aside.
10This will be used to blend the soup.
11Keep the broccoli warm on the side.
12In the saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
13Add the flour and whisk until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes.
14Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
15Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
16This will help to thicken the soup and develop the flavors.
17Add the milk and heavy cream to the saucepan, stirring constantly to combine.
18Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
19Add the grated cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring until it is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
20Season with salt and pepper to taste.
21You can add more cheese if you like it extra cheesy.
22Add the cooked broccoli and onion mixture to the saucepan, stirring to combine.
23If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
24If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the saucepan.
25Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter and cause burns.
26Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is heated through and the soup is creamy and delicious.
27Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped broccoli florets and grated cheddar cheese.
28Serve immediately while hot.
29You can also garnish with chopped parsley or chives for added flavor and presentation.
30You can serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a salad for a complete meal.
31The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
32If the soup thickens upon reheating, you can thin it out with a little bit of milk or chicken broth.
Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. To make this soup dairy-free, you can use almond milk or coconut milk instead of heavy cream and milk. You can also add other vegetables such as carrots or celery to the soup for added flavor and nutrition. For a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also garnish the soup with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added flavor and presentation.
This Panera Bread Cream of Broccoli Soup is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting and nutritious meal at home, and it’s easy to make with simple ingredients. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and reheated easily, making it a great option for meal prepping.
You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months, making it a convenient meal to have on hand for busy weeknights. This soup is always a hit with my family and friends, and it’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch, and it’s packed with nutrients from the broccoli and cheese.
I often double the recipe so that we have leftovers for the week, and it always feels good to have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to go. Plus, it’s always a hit with my family and friends, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and enjoy a comforting meal at the same time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Panera Bread Cream of Broccoli Soup
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
You can use frozen broccoli for this recipe, but fresh broccoli will give you the best flavor and texture. If you use frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water before adding it to the soup. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli can take longer to cook.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. In fact, the flavors will intensify over time, making the soup even more delicious. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup thickens upon reheating, you can thin it out with a little bit of milk or chicken broth.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this soup dairy-free by substituting almond milk or coconut milk for the heavy cream and milk. You can also use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to this soup for added flavor and nutrition. Some great options include carrots, celery, and potatoes. Simply chop the vegetables and add them to the soup at the same time as the broccoli. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure that all the vegetables are cooked through. You can also add cooked chicken or turkey for added protein.
A thick, meaty chili sauce perfect for topping hot dogs. This recipe combines ground beef with tomatoes and spices for a hearty topping. It simmers to a rich co…
A delightful Japanese-style fruit pie featuring a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet, glossy filling made with seasonal fruits. This dessert balances natural frui…
This pumpkin pie uses sweetened condensed milk for a rich, creamy texture and deep caramelized flavor. It is a simple yet indulgent dessert perfect for fall gat…
A rich and creamy mushroom soup perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe combines fresh mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a velvety cream base for a satisfying d…
This slow cooker meatloaf is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. It cooks low and slow in a rich tomato glaze, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Serve wi…
This smoky and spicy chipotle brown rice is a perfect side dish for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. The brown rice is cooked with chipotle peppers in adobo s…
