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Creamy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Easy and Perfect for Winter

creamy copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup - featured image
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A quick and comforting creamy broccoli cheddar soup inspired by Panera, perfect for cozy winter nights. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and delivers a rich, velvety texture without heavy cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, finely grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 2 cups whole milk (2% milk can be used for lighter version)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Chop 1 medium onion finely, grate 1 carrot, mince 2 garlic cloves, and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups).
  2. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour constantly for about 2 minutes until pale golden and nutty smelling.
  3. Stir in chopped onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  4. Slowly whisk in 3 cups chicken broth, incorporating all roux bits. Bring to a gentle simmer until slightly thickened.
  5. Add broccoli florets and simmer for 10-12 minutes until bright green and tender but not mushy.
  6. Optional: Use an immersion blender to puree about half the soup for a creamier texture, or leave as is for chunkier soup.
  7. Lower heat and stir in 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard, a pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Warm through for about 5 minutes without boiling.
  8. Turn off heat and gradually fold in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. If too thick, loosen with a splash of milk or broth.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more mustard if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Keep cheese shredded fresh from the block for best melting. Do not boil soup after adding milk to avoid curdling. Whisk roux constantly to prevent lumps. Partially blending the soup with an immersion blender creates a creamy yet chunky texture. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Dairy-free adaptations can use almond or oat milk and vegan cheddar alternatives.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-copycat-panera-broccoli-cheddar-soup-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-winter/