Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup – A Comforting Delight
Posted September 21, 2023 by: Admin
If you’ve ever craved the comforting taste of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’re in for a treat. This recipe mirrors the rich and creamy flavors you love. It’s the perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP
While you may have come across this Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe before, I’m here to share something special – a recipe I truly adore.
I can confidently say this soup tastes just like the delicious Broccoli Cheddar soup served at Panera. During my last pregnancy, I enjoyed it at least once a week. It became the highlight of my meals, and I’m pretty sure the Panera staff knew me by name. They serve this Panera’s Broccoli Cheese Soup with a warm, crusty baguette – absolutely divine.
It almost makes me want to get pregnant again.
I once was in charge of making soup for 250 women. Guess which soup went first? Nope. Not the chicken noodle.
Yes, you guessed it. The Broccoli Cheddar soup. I mean who doesn’t like broccoli and cheese? Not only is it a healthy broccoli cheese soup recipe, it’s only 417 calories a serving.
For this recipe, you’ll need about 3 cups of bite-sized chopped broccoli and julienned carrots. However, I prefer to use “matchstick” carrots available in the produce section for convenience.
Using sharp cheese in this Panera’s Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe is essential. It imparts a robust flavor that milder cheeses can’t match.
Then savor a few bowls of this delightful broccoli cheddar soup. After all, it’s the first day of fall today.
Is this Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free?
This soup’s thickening agent includes flour in the roux. While there’s only 1/4 cup, you can omit it if desired, but your soup won’t be as thick. If needed, you can thicken it later by creating a cornstarch slurry.
Simply add a few tablespoons of cornstarch to a small bowl and mix with water until it forms a paste. Stir this mixture into the soup at the end to achieve the desired thickness.
HOW TO MAKE PANERA’S BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP
- Start by melting 1/4 cup of butter and sautéing the onions until they’re soft. Sprinkle in the flour and cook and stir over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Whisk in the half & half and chicken stock.
- Add the broccoli and carrots, then cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes or until they’re tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. You can leave the soup chunky or blend about 1 cup of it for a smoother texture. Return to low heat and add the cheese. Be cautious with the heat to prevent the soup from becoming grainy. Optionally, stir in the nutmeg.
- Serve your soup with crusty bread.
Creamy broccoli cheddar soup is comfort food at its best, and this Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is an easy dinner that hits the spot.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 medium chopped onion
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups half-and-half cream
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
- 1/2 lb broccoli, (about 3 cups), chopped into bite size pieces
- 1 cup carrot, julienned (can buy matchstick carrots in produce section)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, (optional but brings out the flavor)
- 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese, (2 cups)
- salt and pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Start by melting 1/4 cup of butter and sautéing the onions until they’re soft. Sprinkle in the flour and cook and stir over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Whisk in the half & half and chicken stock.
- Add the broccoli and carrots, then cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes or until they’re tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. You can leave the soup chunky or blend about 1 cup of it for a smoother texture. Return to low heat and add the cheese. Be cautious with the heat to prevent the soup from becoming grainy. Optionally, stir in the nutmeg.
- Serve your soup with crusty bread.
Serving: 1/6 of the recipe, Calories: 413kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 17g, Fat: 31g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 90mg, Sodium: 610mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 7g
