Description
This creamy, comforting broccoli cheese soup is a homemade version of the popular Panera Bread recipe. With tender broccoli, a rich cheese sauce, and just the right amount of seasoning, it’s a perfect soup for any day. Serve it with a crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons butter (cut into chunks)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 large carrots (peeled and julienned, 1 heaping cup total)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced, 1 heaping cup total)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 16 ounces chicken stock or broth
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
-
Cook the Vegetables:
- Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic, onions, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
-
Add the Flour:
- Add the flour and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
-
Add the Liquids:
- Gradually add the milk, stirring after each addition.
- Add the chicken stock or broth and turn the heat to medium-high.
- When the mixture just begins to bubble, lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, covered. Stir occasionally.
-
Cook the Broccoli:
- Add the broccoli florets and continue simmering, still covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
-
Add the Cheese:
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
-
Serve:
- Serve the soup hot, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoother soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until you reach your desired consistency.
- For a chunkier soup: Serve the soup as is, without blending.
- Make it gluten-free: Omit the flour to make this a gluten-free meal.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add cauliflower, mushrooms, or green peppers for variety.
- Substitute butter: Use olive oil for a lighter version of the soup.
- Add a kick: A dash of cayenne pepper will add some heat to the soup.
- Thicker soup: Replace the milk with heavy cream if you prefer a richer, thicker texture.
- Healthy option: Bone broth can be used to add additional nutrients to the soup while still enjoying that creamy, cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Broccoli cheese soup, Panera copycat recipe, creamy soup, homemade soup, comfort food, cheddar cheese soup, easy soup recipe