Do you love Panera Bread? Let’s make their famous Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This velvety delight combines tender broccoli florets and carrots in a rich, cheesy base, elevated with aromatic hints of garlic and nutmeg. Each spoonful offers a creamy texture that melts in your mouth, while the sharp cheddar cheese adds a satisfyingly bold flavor. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, this soup brings the beloved flavors of Panera Bread straight to your kitchen, promising a bowlful of pure comfort and satisfaction.
Panera Bread Soup
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
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Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to make a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
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Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Then add the half-and-half, bay leaf, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
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Once the mixture is simmering, add the chopped broccoli and diced carrots. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
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Return the soup to the pot if using a regular blender. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
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Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or half-and-half to reach your desired consistency.
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Serve the creamy broccoli cheddar soup hot, garnished with extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade Panera Bread-inspired soup!
