Ultimate Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Make this rich, creamy soup that tastes just like the restaurant favorite. This recipe delivers tender broccoli and sharp cheddar in a comforting, homemade bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the broccoli florets. Cook until the broccoli is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the soup is smooth.
- Serve immediately for a hearty soup experience.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the cheese.
- Use high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor in this rich cheddar recipe.
- This soup is excellent served in a bread bowl for a complete comfort food dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 14
- Cholesterol: 75