Description
Rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness, this Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a velvety broth, it’s a homemade classic that rivals the restaurant version!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons butter (cut into chunks)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 large carrots (peeled and julienned, about 1 heaping cup)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced, about 1 heaping cup)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 16 ounces chicken stock or broth
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Vegetables
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic, onions, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2. Add the Flour
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add the Liquids
- Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Pour in the chicken stock and turn the heat to medium-high.
- Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Cook the Broccoli
- Add the broccoli florets and continue simmering, covered, for another 10 minutes, until tender.
5. Add the Cheese
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
- Pair with crusty bread or serve in a bread bowl for the ultimate experience!
Notes
- For a smoother texture: Blend half the soup using an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
- For extra richness: Use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Vegetarian version: Swap chicken stock for vegetable broth.
- Thicker soup? Add an extra ½ cup shredded cheese or 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American