Description
This Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food, made with tender vegetables, rich chicken stock, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s creamy, flavorful, and just like the beloved restaurant version! Perfect for chilly days or a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large skillet. Add garlic, onions, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the flour and stir until the vegetables are coated. Gradually add the milk, stirring after each addition. Add the chicken stock or broth.
- Turn the heat to medium-high. When the mixture just begins to bubble, lower it to a simmer (medium-low heat) and cook for 15 minutes, covered. Stir occasionally.
- Add broccoli florets and simmer, still covered, over medium-low heat for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoother soup consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture.
- For a chunkier consistency, serve as is.
- Transform this soup into a gluten-free option by omitting the flour.
- You can add cauliflower, mushrooms, or green peppers for a change in flavor.
- Olive oil can be used in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Heavy cream can replace milk for a thicker, creamier texture.
- Bone broth can be used for a healthy, nutrient-packed alternative to regular chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Broccoli Cheese Soup, Panera Bread Copycat, Comfort Food Soup, Cheddar Soup, Easy Soup, Broccoli Soup, Homemade Soup