Savor the iconic flavors of Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup in the comfort of your own home with this delightful homemade rendition. Renowned for its luscious creaminess and robust taste, this soup encapsulates the essence of comfort food, marrying the wholesome goodness of broccoli with the indulgent richness of sharp cheddar cheese.

At the heart of this culinary symphony lies a velvety base crafted from a harmonious blend of unsalted butter, finely chopped onions, and shredded carrots. The addition of a roux, made with all-purpose flour, contributes to the soup’s creamy texture, setting the stage for the star ingredients – fresh broccoli florets and sharp cheddar cheese.

As the soup simmers, the vibrant green broccoli transforms into tender morsels, infusing the broth with its distinctive flavor. The pièce de résistance, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, is then introduced, melting into the soup and imparting a rich, savory profile that defines the Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup experience.

The kitchen is filled with an aromatic bouquet as the soup comes to life. While optional, a hint of nutmeg can be added for a subtle enhancement of flavor, elevating the overall dining experience. This nuanced touch complements the robustness of the cheddar and the earthiness of the broccoli, creating a symphony of taste that dances on the palate.

What makes this homemade rendition special is its embodiment of homely simplicity and wholesome goodness. Free from unnecessary additives, this Panera-inspired soup invites you to embrace the comfort of a warm, hearty bowl, made with familiar ingredients that nourish the body and soul.

The soup reaches its pinnacle of creaminess as the cheddar fully melds with the liquid base, forming a velvety consistency that coats each spoonful. A balance of textures emerges, with the tender broccoli providing a delightful contrast to the smooth, cheesy backdrop.

Ladle by ladle, the Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is served, delivering comfort in a bowl. Each cup beckons with the promise of warmth and satisfaction, inviting you to indulge in the familiar taste of a cherished favorite, reimagined and recreated with love in your own kitchen.

In conclusion, this homemade Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup stands as a heartfelt homage to the culinary legacy of Panera Bread. With every spoonful, relish in the nostalgia of a beloved soup, capturing the essence of a comforting bowl that transcends the boundaries of a restaurant and finds its place as a cherished creation within your own home.

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for flavor enhancement)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Vegetables:
    • In a large pot, sauté finely chopped onions in butter until softened. Add shredded carrots and continue cooking until they are tender.
  2. Make Roux:
    • Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to create a roux. Cook for a few minutes until the raw flour taste is eliminated.
  3. Add Liquid Ingredients:
    • Gradually whisk in half-and-half or milk, followed by chicken or vegetable broth. Continue whisking to avoid lumps.
  4. Add Broccoli:
    • Add chopped broccoli to the pot. Allow the soup to simmer until the broccoli is tender, stirring occasionally.
  5. Cheese Addition:
    • Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
  6. Season and Finish:
    • Season the soup with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg for added flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Serve:
    • Ladle the Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup into bowls and serve hot.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Values):

  • Serving Size: 1 cup of soup
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 25g
    • Saturated Fat: 15g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 12g

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used. Adjustments may be needed based on personal dietary requirements.

This homemade version of Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup offers a comforting bowl of creamy goodness, perfect for warming up on chilly days. Enjoy the rich flavor and velvety texture of this classic soup, reminiscent of the Panera Bread favorite.