Creamy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Recipe
This Creamy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup perfectly replicates the beloved restaurant classic featuring tender broccoli, crisp carrots, and celery in a rich, cheesy broth made with sharp Cheddar. It’s a comforting, creamy soup ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner that you can easily make at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, matchstick-cut
- 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing onions)
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 ½ cups sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
Other
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring often, until the onions are tender and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large saucepan, combine ¼ cup melted butter and ¼ cup flour over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for 3 to 4 minutes to form a smooth and fragrant roux. Ensure the mixture doesn’t burn.
- Add Milk and Stock: Gradually whisk 2 cups of milk into the roux to prevent lumps. Then slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken stock while continuing to stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer to Thicken: Let the soup base cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the coarsely chopped broccoli, matchstick carrots, sliced celery, and the sautéed onions. Simmer together for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.
- Add Cheese and Season: Remove the pot from heat and fold in the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock.
- Use sharp Cheddar for best flavor; mild Cheddar will result in a less intense cheese taste.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the flour slightly for a thicker roux.
- To make the soup gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding vegetables back in.
Keywords: Panera, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Copycat, Creamy Soup, Comfort Food
