Broccoli And Cheese Soup From Panera Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever stepped into a Panera Bread, you’ve probably encountered the warm, comforting embrace of their iconic Broccoli and Cheese Soup. It’s a rich, velvety bowl of goodness that’s just as satisfying as it is soul-soothing. You know the kind of meal that makes you feel instantly cozy and full, like a soft blanket on a chilly day? That’s what this soup is. Its creamy texture, packed with broccoli, and the melted cheese offering both sharpness and creaminess, is exactly the kind of indulgence many of us crave on a busy day.

But what if you could recreate this Panera favorite right in your own kitchen? Lucky for you, this recipe is not only easy to follow but also yields that same velvety, cheesy perfection you love, without having to wait in line at the café. Plus, you get to tweak it to suit your taste, whether you like it extra cheesy or a bit more broccoli-heavy. Let’s break it down in detail, shall we?

Broccoli And Cheese Soup From Panera Bread Recipe

This homemade version of Panera’s Broccoli and Cheese Soup is a game-changer! It’s incredibly easy to make, yet brings all the heartiness and comfort you’re looking for, with a smooth, creamy base and plenty of fresh veggies. You can serve it as an entrée or pair it with a crusty bread bowl for that ultimate café-style experience.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need for this deliciously creamy soup. No surprises here-just fresh ingredients and a couple of pantry staples to bring this dish together.

• Broccoli florets (about 4 cups) – Fresh is best for texture, but frozen will work in a pinch.
• Butter (1/4 cup) – This helps give the soup its smooth, rich base.
• Onion (1 medium, diced) – Adds a sweet, savory foundation to the soup.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – A bit of aromatic flavor that will elevate the taste.
• Carrots (2 medium, peeled and diced) – Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
• All-purpose flour (1/4 cup) – This is your thickening agent for the soup base.
• Chicken broth (4 cups) – You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Whole milk (2 cups) – Gives the soup its creamy texture.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (3 cups) – The star of the show! Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
• Salt (to taste) – Enhances all the flavors in the soup.
• Black pepper (to taste) – A little kick of spice to balance out the creaminess.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup) – Optional, but adds extra richness.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get into the step-by-step process to make this soup as amazing as you imagine.

1. Prep The Vegetables

   • Start by washing and chopping the broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can trim the stems, but if you like extra texture, feel free to chop them up and add them in too.
   • Dice the onion and peel and chop the carrots into small pieces.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, add the diced onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and chopped carrots to the pot, cooking for another 2 minutes. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.

3. Make The Roux

   • Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes. This will help form the roux, the mixture that thickens the soup. You’re looking for it to just start turning golden, but don’t let it brown.

4. Add The Liquids

   • Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then, pour in the milk and stir to combine.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the liquid to thicken slightly (about 5-7 minutes).

5. Add The Broccoli

   • Once your soup has thickened, add the broccoli florets and cook for about 10-12 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant in color. You can adjust the cook time depending on how soft you like your broccoli.

6. Finish With Cheese And Cream

   • Lower the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, ensuring it melts evenly.
   • If you want a creamier texture, pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything is well combined.

7. Season And Serve

   • Taste your soup and add salt and black pepper to taste. You might want a pinch of cayenne or paprika for a bit of heat or extra flavor.
   • Serve hot with some crusty bread or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, in a bread bowl.

Ingredient Insights

• Broccoli: This vegetable is not only packed with vitamins like A, C, and K, but it also provides fiber, which helps make this soup more filling. Plus, the vibrant green of broccoli adds a fresh, earthy taste to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is used in this recipe for its strong flavor and meltability. It’s rich and tangy, and as it melts into the creamy base, it gives the soup that signature cheesy consistency everyone loves.
• Chicken Broth vs. Vegetable Broth: You can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the soup. Vegetable broth will add a lighter flavor, but chicken broth brings a savory depth to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: This ingredient is totally optional, but it’s the secret to that ultra-creamy texture you find in the Panera version. It makes the soup more indulgent without being overly heavy.

Expert Tips

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the smoothness of the melted cheese in the soup. Freshly shredded cheese will give you the best melt.
• Adjust Thickness: If the soup becomes too thick, simply add a bit more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. If you like it thicker, let it simmer a little longer, uncovered, to reduce the liquid.
• Customize the Broccoli: You can blend some of the broccoli into the soup for a smoother texture, or leave it chunky for a bit more bite. Some people even puree half the soup to get a creamy consistency while leaving some chunks of broccoli.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for a slight smoky kick. It complements the creamy cheese perfectly.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Version: Swap the cheddar for vegan cheese, and use coconut milk or oat milk instead of dairy. Use vegetable broth and make sure to skip the heavy cream or replace it with coconut cream for richness.
• Add Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon can add a savory crunch. Sprinkle some on top of the soup just before serving for that salty, crunchy contrast.
• Make it a Meal: Turn this soup into a full meal by adding cooked chicken or even some potatoes for a heartier version. You can also toss in some pasta for a fun twist.
• Spicy Broccoli and Cheese Soup: Stir in some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to give it a spicy flair. This is especially great if you love that combination of creamy cheese and a little heat.

Final Words

Making your own version of Panera’s Broccoli and Cheese Soup is a rewarding experience. Not only do you get the same comfort you crave, but you also have the flexibility to tweak it to your personal preferences. Whether you like it extra cheesy, with a little heat, or more veggie-packed, this recipe is all about making it yours. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the joy of sitting down with a bowl of homemade soup that you crafted from scratch.