Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A Delicious Homemade Twist

This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting version of the classic favorite. With a rich, velvety texture and chunks of tender vegetables, this homemade soup is just as delicious as the one from your favorite bakery café, but without the high price tag. Serve it topped with extra shredded cheddar for the ultimate cheesy experience!

Quick Benefits

• Affordable: Making this soup at home is a budget-friendly way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish.
• Customizable: You can adjust the cheese, vegetables, or seasoning to make it exactly how you like it.
• Packed with Veggies: The broccoli, carrots, and celery add fiber and nutrients, making this soup a hearty and healthy choice.
• Easy and Quick: Ready in just 45 minutes, this soup is a great option for a satisfying meal without hours of prep time.

Essential Ingredients

To make this creamy broccoli cheddar soup, you will need:

• 1 tablespoon butter: For sautéing the onion.
• ½ onion, chopped: Adds depth of flavor to the soup base.
• ¼ cup melted butter: Helps create a roux to thicken the soup.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Combines with butter to create the thickening base.
• 2 cups milk: Adds creaminess and helps to create a smooth, velvety texture.
• 2 cups chicken stock: Provides the savory base of the soup.
• 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets: The main veggie, full of nutrients.
• 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots: Adds color and sweetness to balance the soup.
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced: Contributes a mild flavor and crunch.
• 2 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that makes this soup creamy and cheesy.
• Salt and ground black pepper: To season and enhance the flavors.

Preparation Steps

1. Sauté the Onion: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent. Set it aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a large saucepan, whisk ¼ cup melted butter and flour together over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for 3 to 4 minutes, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk if necessary to prevent burning.
3. Add Liquids: Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly. Stir in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken.
4. Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped broccoli, matchstick carrots, celery, and sautéed onion to the pot. Let everything simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Melt the Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Health Benefits

This homemade broccoli cheddar soup has several health benefits:

• Broccoli: Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, broccoli supports immune function, bone health, and digestion.
• Carrots: Full of beta-carotene and vitamin A, carrots are great for vision health and immune support.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides calcium and protein, which help support bone health and muscle function.
• Celery: A low-calorie vegetable that adds a mild flavor, fiber, and a variety of essential nutrients.

Although this soup is indulgent, the addition of fresh vegetables makes it a balanced meal. Just be mindful of the calorie content due to the cheese and butter.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side of Bread: Serve your soup with a warm, crusty bread roll or a side of toasted sourdough for dipping.
• As a Main Meal: This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own for a light lunch or dinner.
• Top with Extra Cheese: For extra indulgence, top your bowl with more shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Salad Pairing: Serve alongside a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the soup.

Creative Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable stock in place of chicken stock to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.
• Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables such as cauliflower or spinach for added nutrition.
• Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a little heat and extra flavor.
• Bacon Topping: For a smoky flavor, top the soup with crumbled bacon or pancetta.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the milk and butter for dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk and dairy-free butter, and use a plant-based cheese substitute.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to prevent curdling.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If it thickens too much during storage, you can add a bit of milk or chicken stock to loosen it up.

Pro Tips

• Perfectly Melted Cheese: To avoid a gritty texture in your soup, add the shredded cheese gradually, stirring continuously to help it melt evenly.
• Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply add more flour to the roux or let the soup simmer longer to reduce.
• Taste Test: Be sure to taste the soup before serving, as you may want to adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
While sharp cheddar is ideal for flavor, you can substitute with other cheeses like mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a different taste. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat when ready to serve. The soup may thicken upon sitting, so add a little milk or chicken stock to thin it out as needed.

3. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can make this soup vegan by using plant-based butter, vegetable stock, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

4. Can I add protein to this soup?
Yes! You can add cooked chicken, turkey, or even beans for extra protein. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well as a quick protein addition.

This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a cozy, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Rich, cheesy, and loaded with veggies, it’s perfect for a hearty meal at home. Enjoy this delicious homemade version!

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