Description
This comforting copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli in every spoonful. It is an easy recipe for lunch or dinner, perfect for cozy food ideas, simple dinner ideas, and quick homemade comfort food when you want a warm bowl that tastes better than the café version.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half
4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
1 cup shredded carrots
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then cook the onion until soft.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
3. Add the flour and stir well to form a smooth roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, then add the half-and-half.
5. Stir in the broccoli, carrots, salt, pepper, paprika, and Dijon mustard.
6. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the soup thickens slightly.
7. Blend a small portion of the soup if you want a smoother texture, leaving plenty of chunks.
8. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
9. Serve hot with crusty bread or rolls.
Notes
Do not let the soup boil after adding the cheese, or the texture can turn grainy instead of silky and smooth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
Keywords: copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup, broccoli cheddar soup, easy soup recipe, creamy soup, comfort food, dinner ideas, lunch ideas, homemade soup