Name: Delicious Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup for Cozy Nights
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 onion (diced); 1 stalk celery (sliced); 3 teaspoons minced garlic; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets (chopped); 1 cup carrots (shredded); 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded); 1 teaspoon paprika; salt & pepper (to taste)

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Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting classic that warms the soul. With its rich, velvety cheese base and tender bites of fresh broccoli, this creamy dish is perfect for chilly evenings. The combination of flavors creates a satisfying experience that will have you coming back for more. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with a fresh bread bowl, it’s a dish that evokes feelings of home and warmth. Let’s dive into how to recreate this beloved soup right in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make! Here are some reasons why you’ll fall in love with it:

Rich and creamy texture that satisfies the senses.
Perfect for cozy dinners or a comforting lunch.
Made with fresh ingredients, ensuring great taste and nutrition.
Simple steps make it an easy broccoli cheddar soup for beginners.
Versatile enough to serve with a broccoli cheddar soup with bread bowl.
Can be customized with gluten-free options for dietary needs.

This delicious soup fits perfectly into the American cuisine category and is suitable for a vegetarian diet.

Ingredients for Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Gather these items:

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 onion (diced)
1 stalk celery (sliced)
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups broccoli florets (chopped)
1 cup carrots (shredded)
2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
1 teaspoon paprika
salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Start by melting a tablespoon of butter in a saucepan. Once melted, add the onion and celery. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Add in minced garlic and cook until fragrant and just starting to turn light brown. Set aside.
Step 2: In a separate large pot or dutch oven, over medium-low heat, add melted butter then add flour. Use a whisk to constantly whisk the flour and butter together for at least 3 minutes. Turn the heat down if your flour starts to burn. The color of the flour when you’re done should be a nice golden brown.
Step 3: Add a little bit of milk at a time to the roux while still continuously whisking. Once all the milk has been added, gradually whisk in the chicken stock and worcestershire sauce until everything is combined. Lower the heat a bit and bring the soup base to simmer.
Step 4: Once simmering, cover and let it thicken for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally so the milk doesn’t burn. Once thick, add in the cooked celery, onion, broccoli and carrots along with paprika. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Once the veggies are tender to your liking, stir in the freshly shredded cheddar cheese gradually until it’s all combined. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve while hot, and top with extra cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Keep these in mind:

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
Adjust the thickness by adding more or less milk or broth.
For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper.

Best Ways to Serve Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Here are some ideas:

Serve in a crusty bread bowl for a classic experience.
Pair with a fresh salad for a light yet filling meal.
Add croutons for extra crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container for storage. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This soup is also freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

What is Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup?

Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy, savory dish that combines fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese in a velvety broth. It’s a favorite for its comforting flavor and is often served in a bread bowl.

Can I make Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this soup a day in advance. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure you don’t overcook the vegetables and always use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results.

Variations of Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup You Can Try

If you want to mix things up, consider these variations:

Add cooked chicken for a protein boost.
Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Use different cheeses like Gruyere for a unique flavor.