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Creamy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup - featured image
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A thick, velvety homemade version of the popular restaurant soup, made with a classic roux, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 large heads fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Wash and cut the broccoli into small florets, slicing the stalks thinly. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. Melt the butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture resembles wet sand and is pale golden.
  3. Stir in the diced onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic in the last 30 seconds to prevent burning.
  4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. Add the broccoli florets and enough water or additional broth to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until broccoli is tender but bright green.
  6. Optional: Remove half the broccoli and set aside. Use an immersion blender to puree the remaining soup in the pot until smooth, then return the reserved broccoli to the pot.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted. Do not boil after adding cheese.
  8. Stir in the reserved broccoli florets. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer for one more minute to meld flavors.

Notes

Always shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that cause graininess. Do not boil the soup after adding cheese to prevent separation. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, copycat Panera, creamy soup, comfort food, quick dinner, homemade soup, cheddar cheese soup

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/creamy-copycat-panera-broccoli-cheddar-soup/