EASY TO COOK

🥦 Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe 🧀🍲

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This Panera-inspired Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that tastes just like the version served at Panera Bread. With tender broccoli, carrots, and a rich cheddar cheese base, it’s the perfect soup for chilly days or when you’re craving something warm and hearty!

📋 Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped 🧅
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth 🍲
  • 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk 🥛
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped 🥦
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned or grated 🥕
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 🧀
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) 🌿
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) 🌿
  • Crusty bread for serving 🍞

📝 Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

  1. Melt the butter:
  • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
  1. Cook the onion and garlic:
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Make the Roux:

  1. Add flour:
  • Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the raw taste out of the flour.
  1. Add broth and milk:
  • Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and the half-and-half (or milk), stirring until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the Vegetables:

  1. Add broccoli and carrots:
  • Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and grated carrots. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the soup has thickened.

4. Add Cheese and Seasonings:

  1. Stir in the cheese:
  • Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
  1. Season:
  • Add the nutmeg (if using), and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve:

  1. Garnish:
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
  1. Serve with bread:
  • Serve this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup with a side of crusty bread or in a bread bowl for a true Panera experience.

⏱️ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 25 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 35 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4-6 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving

This Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a rich and creamy blend of cheese, vegetables, and savory goodness, making it perfect for any cozy lunch or dinner. It’s a family favorite that everyone will love! 🥦🧀🍲