Do you love Panera Bread? Let’s make their famous Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This velvety delight combines tender broccoli florets and carrots in a rich, cheesy base, elevated with aromatic hints of garlic and nutmeg. Each spoonful offers a creamy texture that melts in your mouth, while the sharp cheddar cheese adds a satisfyingly bold flavor. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, this soup brings the beloved flavors of Panera Bread straight to your kitchen, promising a bowlful of pure comfort and satisfaction. Click “Read More” for the full recipe below!
Panera Bread Soup
Course Soup
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Ingredients
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 medium onion chopped
* 2 cloves garlic minced
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
* 2 cups half-and-half
* 1 bay leaf
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
* 2 carrots peeled and diced
* 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to make a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Then add the half-and-half, bay leaf, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the mixture is simmering, add the chopped broccoli and diced carrots. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
6. Return the soup to the pot if using a regular blender. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
7. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or half-and-half to reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve the creamy broccoli cheddar soup hot, garnished with extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade Panera Bread-inspired soup!
