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Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A creamy bowl of Panera broccoli cheddar soup with visible florets of broccoli.
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A thick, cheesy, and comforting one-pot copycat recipe for Panera’s famous broccoli cheddar soup. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (from about 1 lb broccoli)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Add broccoli florets and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until broccoli is tender.
  4. Carefully transfer about half of the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot) and blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot.
  5. Stir in the half-and-half, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Heat gently, but do not boil.
  6. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheeses until melted and the soup is creamy.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, optionally in bread bowls.

Notes

  • For an extra creamy soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Using a combination of sharp and medium cheddar provides the best flavor and melt.
  • Serve with crusty bread or in hollowed-out bread bowls for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/panera-broccoli-cheddar-soup-one-pot/