Description
Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of Panera’s famous Broccoli Cheese Soup right at home! This comforting soup is packed with fresh vegetables, savory chicken broth, and loaded with sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into chunks
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and julienned (1 heaping cup total)
- 2 stalks celery, sliced (1 heaping cup total)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 16 ounces chicken stock or broth
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large skillet. Add garlic, onions, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until the veggies are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
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Add the flour and stir until the veggies are coated. Gradually add the milk, stirring after each addition. Then add the chicken stock or broth.
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Turn the heat to medium-high. When the mixture just begins to bubble, lower the heat to a simmer (medium-low) and cook for 15 minutes, covered. Stir a few times throughout.
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Add broccoli florets and simmer, still covered, over medium-low heat for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
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Notes
- For a smoother soup consistency: Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
- For a chunkier soup: Serve as is with the vegetables intact.
- Gluten-free option: Omit the flour to make this soup gluten-free.
- Flavor variations: Add cauliflower, mushrooms, or green peppers for a different twist.
- Dairy-free or lighter version: Use olive oil instead of butter, and substitute heavy cream for the milk to make it richer.
- Spicy kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Bone broth option: Swap out the chicken stock for bone broth to increase the nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Broccoli cheese soup, Panera copycat, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup, cheesy soup, homemade soup