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Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
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Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is a warm, creamy, and comforting classic that combines tender broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese and a smooth, velvety broth. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a hearty, flavorful meal, this recipe is simple yet rich, with a perfect balance of freshness and indulgence. Customize it easily with different cheeses, spices, or extra veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped uniformly
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups milk or half-and-half

Pantry Items

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Create the roux base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring continuously to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes to develop a silky texture and avoid raw flour taste.
  3. Add broth and broccoli: Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the chopped broccoli florets. Let it cook until tender but not mushy, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Blend (optional) for texture: For a smoother soup, carefully blend half or all of the soup using an immersion blender or countertop blender. Otherwise, leave it chunky for extra bite.
  5. Stir in cheese and milk: Lower the heat and gradually stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and silky. Add milk or half-and-half to reach your desired creaminess, heating gently without boiling.
  6. Season and serve: Taste and season the soup with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or crispy bacon bits.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melty cheese flavor.
  • Don’t rush the roux to ensure a smooth soup without raw flour taste.
  • Simmer gently after adding cheese to avoid curdling or graininess.
  • Chop broccoli uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Adjust flour and milk quantities to customize soup thickness.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheese soup, creamy broccoli soup, Panera copycat soup, comfort food, cheesy soup

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/panera-broccoli-cheese-soup/