Description
Panera broccoli cheese soup brings comfort to winter dining with creamy goodness straight from restaurant kitchens. Homemade flavors blend perfectly, delivering rich cheesy warmth that welcomes you to savor each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2.5 to 3 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
Vegetables:
- 0.5 cup diced onion (yellow or white)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (skim/fat-free preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot and melt butter over medium-high heat, creating a golden base for sautéing vegetables.
- Introduce diced onions, carrots, and broccoli to the melted butter, stirring periodically and allowing them to soften for approximately 5 minutes until onions become translucent without browning.
- Incorporate chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream into the vegetable mixture, ensuring thorough blending.
- Evenly distribute flour across the liquid surface to prevent potential clumping, then season with salt, pepper, and a hint of red pepper flakes.
- Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring and monitoring the gradual thickening of the soup’s consistency.
- Gradually fold shredded cheddar cheese into the heated mixture, continuously stirring to promote smooth melting and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Once the cheese has completely integrated and the soup reaches a rich, velvety consistency, remove from heat.
- Carefully ladle the soup into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with additional cheese or preferred toppings.
- Serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and flavor profile.
Notes
- Ensure vegetables are uniformly chopped for consistent cooking and texture, preventing uneven softening.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother melting and superior flavor development.
- Control heat carefully when adding dairy and cheese to prevent scorching or separating the soup base.
- Consider blending a portion of the soup for a creamier consistency while maintaining some vegetable chunks for texture variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg