Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

I know that familiar yearning for a warm, creamy bowl. This panera bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe delivers big flavor and warmth right to your table, filling your kitchen with its comforting aroma. Perfect for busy families on a weeknight, it’s a wholesome, cheesy bowl that comes together quicker than you think. Get ready to master your new favorite comfort food!

Ingredient Essentials & Benefits

Gathering quality ingredients is the first step to a truly delicious bowl of panera bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe. We’ll combine fresh produce with rich dairy and cheese for that signature taste. Choosing wisely can make this a healthy meal option for your family dinners.

• Broccoli florets: 4 cups (about 450g), fresh or frozen, chopped into small pieces (for texture and vibrant green color). For an easy dinner idea, using frozen broccoli can save prep time without sacrificing much flavor.
• Carrots: 1 cup (about 120g), shredded (adds natural sweetness and a pop of color).
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 4 cups (about 950ml) (the savory liquid base; opt for low-sodium for better control over seasoning, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian soup).
• Half-and-half: 2 cups (about 480ml) (for creamy richness; use whole milk for a lighter soup option if you prefer).
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (about 225g), freshly shredded (melts smoothly for that signature cheesy flavor). I find grating my own from a block yields the best melt and taste, avoiding anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded.
• Yellow Onion: 1 small (about 100g), finely diced (provides an aromatic base).
• Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (about 57g) (for sautéing the aromatics and building the roux).
• All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup (about 30g) (thickens the soup; for a gluten-free panera bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe, use a cornstarch slurry instead).
• Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; a pinch (about ¼ tsp) of ground nutmeg (enhances creamy, cheesy flavors). A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley brightens the finish.

Highlight premium/healthy options:

To elevate your panera bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe, consider organic broccoli and low-sodium broth. Freshly shredded cheese truly makes a difference in melt and flavor. For dietary needs, dairy-free half-and-half alternatives are available, making this a versatile meal prep recipe.

Smart substitutions for diets or availability:

You can easily swap sharp cheddar for Gruyere for a nuttier profile. For a lighter soup, milk can replace half-and-half. Adding cauliflower florets boosts vegetable content. If you need a gluten-free version, a cornstarch slurry works perfectly instead of flour.

Seasonal or freshness notes with culinary references:

Winter is prime for hearty soups like this. Look for firm, vibrant green broccoli heads at the market. Spring carrots offer a sweeter flavor. A dash of fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal note, while a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley brightens the finish of your panera bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe.

Prep & Cook Instructions (Clear and Simple)

Creating this delicious panera bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps for a rich, creamy, and flavorful soup that your family will adore. This can be a high-protein soup if you serve it with grilled chicken or chickpeas.

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat (about 2-3 minutes) until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent (about 5 minutes). The kitchen will smell amazing!
2. Add Carrots: Stir in the shredded carrots and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften. They should look slightly brighter in color.
3. Build Roux: Sprinkle in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute until it forms a thick paste and loses its raw flour smell. This is key for thickening the soup later.
4. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Slowly pour in 2 cups of half-and-half, continuing to whisk until fully combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, watching for small bubbles around the edges (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Cook Vegetables: Add 4 cups of broccoli florets. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the broccoli is tender (about 10-15 minutes). The florets should be bright green and easily pierced with a fork.
6. Melt Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 2 cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until it is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. If the cheese curdles, you likely added it to liquid that was too hot; remove the pot from the heat for a few minutes before adding cheese, or ensure your cheese is finely shredded.
7. Season and Serve: Taste the panera bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe and adjust salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Add a pinch of ground nutmeg. Your soup should be velvety smooth and rich.

Quick hacks (batch prep, faster cooking):

For convenience, pre-shredded carrots save precious minutes. Using frozen broccoli florets is another great time-saver for this easy dinner idea. You can also batch cook the soup base (steps 1-5) and add the cheese fresh right before serving for a quicker “finish” on busy weeknights.

Variations (kid-friendly, spicier, lighter):

To make this panera bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe kid-friendly, use less onion and blend a portion of the soup smoother with an immersion blender. For a spicier kick, add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper with the seasonings. To create a lighter version, opt for 1% milk instead of half-and-half and reduce the amount of cheese slightly for a satisfying, healthy meal.

Small troubleshooting tips:

If your soup is too thin after adding the cheese, you can simmer it gently for a few more minutes, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and simmer until thickened. If it gets too thick, simply add a splash more broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Ideal Serving Moments & Pairings

This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is perfect for so many occasions. It shines as a cozy family dinner on a chilly evening, makes a quick weeknight meal, and can even be a surprisingly easy dish for entertaining. It’s also a hearty component in your weekly meal prep boxes.

• Pairings: Serve this rich soup with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or classic grilled cheese sandwiches. A warm whole-wheat baguette is also wonderful for dipping.
• Toppings: Finish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar.
• Beverages: Enjoy with a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water.
• Storage: Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup base (before adding cheese) for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently, adding cheese after warming.

Wellness & Nutrition Advantages of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Choosing to make this comforting soup at home offers some great wellness benefits. It’s an excellent way to get more vegetables into your diet, making it a healthy meal choice. This recipe provides essential vitamins and minerals from the broccoli and carrots.

• Health Goals: A good source of vegetables, calcium, and protein from the cheese.
• Dietary Needs: Can be made lighter for weight balance by adjusting dairy. Naturally gluten-free if you opt for a cornstarch slurry instead of flour for thickening.
• Energy & Balance: Sustains energy with its balanced blend of macros. It’s a fantastic easy dinner idea for busy weeknights and has potential as a quick prep recipe.

Everyday Value (Budget, Time, Versatility)

Whipping up this classic soup at home offers significant value. It saves money compared to buying it out, and the active cooking time is quite reasonable, making it perfect for family dinners. It’s truly a versatile dish.

• Approximate Time: Prep time is around 15-20 minutes, with a cook time of 25-30 minutes.
• Cost Savings: Expect to pay approx. $2-3 per serving, which is much less than restaurant versions.
• Money-Saving Swaps: Buy store-brand ingredients, use frozen vegetables when fresh are pricey, and always shred your own block cheese – it costs less and melts better.
• Versatility: This Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe is family-friendly and easily adjustable for various dietary preferences, from lighter versions to gluten-free options.

Ingredient Sourcing & Shopping Tips

Finding quality ingredients is key to a delicious soup. While fresh is always wonderful, don’t shy away from convenient alternatives. Smart shopping can make a big difference in both taste and budget.

• Quality Items: Find fresh produce at local farmers’ markets or major grocery stores like Kroger or Safeway. For convenience, pre-packaged shredded carrots work well.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh broccoli provides the best texture and vibrant color, but high-quality frozen broccoli is a great budget-friendly and time-saving option.
• Cheese Matters: Always use a block of sharp cheddar for shredding yourself – it melts into a much smoother, creamier soup than pre-shredded varieties.
• Online Ordering: All ingredients are easily added to your online grocery cart for quick home delivery.

Expert Adjustments & Safety Notes

Small tweaks can elevate your soup to cafe quality. Adjusting texture and flavor to personal preference makes this dish your own, and ensures everyone enjoys it safely. I always taste and adjust my seasonings right at the end.

• Technique Upgrades: For an extra creamy soup, blend about 2 cups of the finished soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese. This creates a smoother base.
• Flavor Tuning: Add a dash of dry mustard for a deeper cheese flavor. A tiny pinch of white pepper can enhance taste without adding heat.
• Allergy/Intolerance: For a dairy-free soup, use plant-based milk (like oat or cashew) and a dairy-free cheddar alternative. For a gluten-free Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe, thicken with a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water) instead of flour.

FAQs

“Is this Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe good for weight management?”

Yes, it absolutely can be! To make this Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe lighter, use low-fat milk or broth, and reduce the amount of cheese. Focus on increasing the broccoli content for more fiber and nutrients.

“What’s the best way to store cooked broccoli cheddar soup?”

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results with meal prep, freeze the soup base before adding cheese, then add the cheese when reheating.

“Can I swap the cheddar with healthier alternatives in this soup?”

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can use a mix of Gruyere and a little Parmesan for a nuttier flavor. For a dairy-free option in your cheesy soup, look for plant-based cheddar shreds or nutritional yeast for a savory taste.

“Where can I buy high-quality ingredients for this Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe?”

For the best flavor in your Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe, source fresh broccoli and carrots from a local farmers’ market. For cheese, visit a cheese counter at a specialty grocery store or find good quality block cheddar at your regular supermarket. I always buy the best block cheddar I can find.

“How can I make this cafe-style soup vegetarian?”

To make this cafe-style soup vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients – butter, dairy, and vegetables – are already vegetarian-friendly.

“Can I make this broccoli cheddar soup recipe ahead of time?”

Yes, you can! Prepare the soup base (everything except the cheese) and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat and then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy for your broccoli cheddar soup recipe.

This homemade Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe is a true crowd-pleaser – rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make. It’s perfect for bringing that cafe coziness home for quick meals without the fuss. Don’t wait – pin this recipe now and plan it for your next family dinner!

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