Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Creamy, cheesy broccoli cheddar soup that tastes like your favorite café classic—rich, cozy, and ready on a weeknight. Perfect with crusty bread or a bread bowl.
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Servings:
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 0.33 cup all-purpose flour for thickening
- 4.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth vegetable broth works too
- 4.5 cup small broccoli florets, chopped peeled, diced stems are great too
- 1.75 cup half-and-half or use equal parts milk and cream
- 3 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar hand-shred for smoother melting
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 tsp dry mustard
- 0.13 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1.25 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 0.75 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Shred the cheddar and cut broccoli into small florets; peel and dice tender stems if using.
- Warm a large heavy pot over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Cook onion and carrots in the butter, stirring, until softened and lightly golden, 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to form a blond roux.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth and lump-free.
- Add broccoli, Worcestershire, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer gently until broccoli is tender, 12–15 minutes.
- For a creamier texture, briefly pulse with an immersion blender, leaving some small pieces.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the half-and-half and warm gently without boiling, 3–4 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Add cheddar by handfuls, stirring until melted and silky. Taste and adjust seasoning; thin with a splash of broth if needed.
Notes
Make it vegetarian by swapping in vegetable broth. For extra depth, add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of beer with the broth. Serve in a warm bread bowl or with toasted sourdough. Refrigerate up to 4 days; reheat gently over low heat and avoid boiling to keep the cheese smooth.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.