Irresistible Homemade Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of Homemade Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup. Picture this: creamy, velvety goodness swirling with vibrant green broccoli florets, all topped with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese that melts gloriously into the rich broth. instant pot corn chowder creamy cheddar corn chowder The aroma? Pure bliss! It invites everyone in the house to gather around and indulge in its warmth.

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This delightful soup isn’t just for chilly days; it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or when you need a pick-me-up after a long day. As you dip your crusty bread into its cheesy depths, you can almost hear the happy sighs of satisfaction from friends and family. cozy zucchini soup Trust me, the flavor experience is worth every spoonful!

I remember the first time I made this soup for my friends during a game night. Their delighted reactions were priceless, and we ended up devouring the entire pot! hearty meatball soup.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Broccoli Florets: Use fresh florets for maximum flavor; frozen broccoli works too if you’re in a pinch.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for block cheese over pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for best results.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic depth; avoid powdered garlic if possible. For more inspiration, check out this Sous Vide Ribeye Steak recipe.

• Vegetable Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control saltiness while letting flavors shine.

• Heavy Cream: For that luscious creaminess; half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative.

• Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the soup without compromising its creamy texture.

• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all other flavors—adjust to taste.

• Nutritional Yeast (optional): Adds extra cheesiness without additional dairy; great for vegan adaptations.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping your broccoli into bite-sized florets. Dice your onion finely so it cooks evenly, and mince the garlic to release maximum flavor.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. This helps create a roux that will thicken your soup beautifully.

Pour in Broth: Gradually whisk in vegetable broth while ensuring there are no lumps from the roux. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.

Add Broccoli: Toss in your chopped broccoli florets once the broth simmers merrily away. Let it cook until tender—about 10-12 minutes.

Add Cream & Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted completely into that glorious cheesy embrace we all love. Season with salt and pepper to taste!

Now you’ve got yourself an irresistibly creamy Homemade Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup ready to warm hearts! Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple salad on the side for a complete meal experience! Enjoy! For more inspiration, check out this Thai Coconut Curry Soup recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic for depth, then add broccoli and broth. Simmer until tender before stirring in cheese for that rich creaminess.

Add Your Touch

Try adding cooked chicken for protein, or swap in cheddar for gouda to change the flavor profile entirely. Spice it up with cayenne for a kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring gently to maintain creaminess.

It was a chilly Sunday afternoon when I decided to whip up this soup. My friends gathered around, and their delighted faces made every effort worthwhile!

FAQ

Can I make Homemade Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based cheese and vegetable broth instead of dairy products.

How do I prevent my soup from getting too thick?

Add additional broth or milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

What can I serve with Homemade Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup?

Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Homemade Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

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• Author: deleciouscorner
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in the creamy delight of Homemade Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup, a perfect blend of fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich, velvety broth. This comforting soup warms you from the inside out, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Nutritional yeast (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by washing and chopping the broccoli into bite-sized florets, dicing the onion finely, and mincing the garlic.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the onions until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in vegetable broth until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.
5. Add chopped broccoli and cook until tender (about 10-12 minutes).
6. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal experience!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 65mg