copycat broccoli cheddar soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best copycat broccoli cheddar soup recipe

I’ve been making this copycat broccoli cheddar soup recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a perfect comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients.

The original recipe comes from a popular restaurant chain, but I’ve adapted it to make it even more delicious and convenient for home cooking. My kids love it when I serve it with a side of crusty bread or crackers, and it’s also a great option for a quick lunch or dinner.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients, such as extra cheese, vegetables, or spices. Plus, the leftovers are just as good reheated the next day, making it a great meal prep option.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to make this soup in large batches and freeze it for future meals. It’s also an excellent way to get my family to eat more greens and veggies, which can be a challenge sometimes.

The combination of tender broccoli, rich cheese, and savory broth is just irresistible, and I know my kids will be begging for more once they try it. This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m excited to share it with you so you can enjoy it too!

Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup

4.8 from 531 votes

A creamy and comforting copycat recipe of Panera’s famous Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This hearty soup is packed with broccoli, carrots, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce.

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 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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 diced onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots.
3Sauté until the onions are translucent and the carrots are slightly softened, approximately 5 minutes.
4Stir frequently to prevent burning.
5Add the broccoli florets to the pot and stir to combine with the onion, garlic, and carrot mixture.
6Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the broccoli turns bright green and begins to soften.
7Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir to coat evenly.
8Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
9Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
10Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
11The soup should thicken slightly during this time.
12Stir in the milk and heavy cream.
13Add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
14If the soup is too thick, add a little more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
15Season the soup with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
16Stir well to combine.
17Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
18For a smoother soup, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
19Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter and cause burns.
20Alternatively, you can leave the soup chunky for a more rustic texture.
21Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
22Garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or cracked black pepper, if desired.
23Enjoy your copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup immediately, while it’s hot and bubbly.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater
Blender or immersion blender

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 16g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein and flavor.

This copycat broccoli cheddar soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or planning a family gathering with friends.

Its ease of preparation and versatility make it perfect for busy households like mine.

Plus, its nutritional benefits are undeniable – with broccoli providing essential vitamins A and K while cheddar cheese adds protein and calcium.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Q: What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

A: For the most authentic flavor, I recommend using a combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The sharpness of the cheddar pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the Parmesan, creating a rich and creamy flavor profile. You can adjust the ratio of cheddar to Parmesan to suit your taste preferences.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Simply thaw the broccoli according to package instructions before adding it to the pot. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli may not retain its vibrant green color as well as fresh broccoli.

Q: How do I store leftover soup for later use?

A: To store leftover soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months by placing it in an ice cube tray or freezer-safe container. When reheating frozen soup, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with other vegetables?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like diced carrots, sliced bell peppers, or chopped kale to suit your taste preferences. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the added vegetables’ texture.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat this soup?

A: Reheating this soup is easy – simply place it on low heat on the stovetop or reheat in short increments in the microwave until warmed through.

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