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Creamy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Easy and Delicious at Home

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A quick and easy creamy broccoli cheddar soup that mimics the rich, velvety soup from Panera. Perfect for cozy nights and last-minute gatherings, this recipe uses simple ingredients and delivers comforting, satisfying flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour can be substituted)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium; vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 2 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Optional: dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, finely dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Set the cheese aside.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and onion mixture, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to form a thick paste (roux).
  4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, smoothing out any lumps. Add the broccoli florets, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until broccoli is tender but not mushy.
  5. Using an immersion blender, puree about half of the soup directly in the pot until smooth but still chunky. If using a regular blender, blend half the soup in batches and return to the pot.
  6. Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream, warming gently over low heat. Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Avoid boiling.
  7. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste. Add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika if desired. Stir and keep warm until serving.

Notes

If soup is too thick, thin with broth or milk. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and texture. Avoid boiling after adding cheese to prevent separation. Blend only half the soup for a creamy yet chunky texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, Panera copycat soup, creamy soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, broccoli soup, cheddar cheese soup

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/creamy-copycat-panera-broccoli-cheddar-soup-recipe-easy-and-delicious-at-home/