Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Panera Bread Copycat)
A warm, comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup that embodies the essence of comfort food with its rich and creamy texture, perfect for chilly afternoons.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, peeled & diced
- 1 large carrot, peeled & diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 4 tsp garlic paste
- 4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 6 1/2 cups chicken broth
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- 3 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-low heat.
- Add the onion, carrot, and celery, stirring until well mixed and slightly softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mix in the broccoli and chicken broth, stirring until fully combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Incorporate the nutmeg and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and cream in a separate bowl until well combined, then mix into the soup. Let it simmer on low until slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve warm in bowls and enjoy!
Notes
Pairs beautifully with crusty sourdough bread or a fresh garden salad. Consider adding crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg