Description
This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, cheesy, restaurant-style comfort food you can make at home with simple ingredients. Tender broccoli, sweet carrots, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich velvety broth make it perfect for easy dinner, quick lunch, cozy soup night, family food ideas, and comforting homemade meals.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
1 cup shredded carrots
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the diced onion and cook until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
4. Slowly pour in the broth while stirring, then add the half-and-half and stir until smooth.
5. Add the broccoli and shredded carrots, then simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese a handful at a time until melted and creamy.
7. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and nutmeg, then adjust to taste.
8. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or a bread bowl.
Notes
Do not add the cheddar cheese while the soup is boiling. High heat can make the cheese separate or turn grainy, so keep the heat low and stir it in gradually for the smoothest texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup, broccoli cheddar soup, easy dinner, quick lunch, comfort food, homemade soup, cheesy soup