There’s somthing undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s rich, velvety, and packed with flavor. Enter Panera’s Broccoli Cheese Soup-a beloved classic that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many.Whether you’re craving a cozy lunch or a satisfying appetizer,this creamy,cheesy delight hits all the right notes. In this article,we’ll guide you through a delicious copycat recipe that brings the magic of Panera’s iconic soup right into your own kitchen,letting you savor every spoonful without ever leaving home. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and stir up comfort in a bowl!
Creamy Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup: Delicious Copycat Recipe
Embark on a comforting culinary journey with this Creamy Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup, a beloved classic that captures the heartwarming essence of panera’s iconic creation. Blending velvety cheese with tender broccoli florets, this soup evokes cozy afternoons and shared moments around the table. Whether you’re recreating a favorite café indulgence or discovering a new weeknight star, this recipe offers a luscious texture and balanced flavor that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Yield
Serves 6 generously-sized bowls
Difficulty Level
Easy to Medium – perfect for home cooks eager to master a creamy, rich soup without fuss
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated nutmeg, a pinch
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds subtle complexity)
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam the chopped broccoli until just tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
- Build the flavor base: In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté gently until translucent and fragrant,about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds to awaken the aromas without browning.
- make the roux: sprinkle in the sifted flour, whisking constantly to combine. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbling, creating a thick paste that will serve as the soup’s rich thickener. Avoid letting it burn by stirring frequently.
- Add liquids carefully: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking vigorously to dissolve the roux lumps. Follow with the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until smooth and uniformly thickened.
- Simmer and season: Bring the soup base to a gentle simmer, whisk occasionally, and allow it to thicken further, about 8 minutes. Add the smoked paprika, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Incorporate the cheese: off the heat, gradually fold in the sharp white cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. Stir vigorously to ensure the cheese melts seamlessly into a silky, luscious texture without clumping or greasiness.
- Combine broccoli and finish: Fold the steamed broccoli florets into the creamy cheese soup. Warm through gently on low heat-avoid boiling now to preserve the cheese’s smoothness and the broccoli’s tender bite.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with extra shredded cheddar or crispy croutons for delightful texture contrast.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Cream Cheese Addition: For an ultra-creamy finish,add 2 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese with the shredded cheeses to enhance richness and silkiness.
- Cheese Selection: Freshly grate your cheeses; pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can inhibit smooth melting.
- Broccoli Texture: Steaming broccoli just until fork-tender but not mushy retains the signature broccoli bite authentically reminiscent of Panera’s soup.
- Roux care: Cooking the flour and butter mixture thoroughly removes the raw flour taste but do not brown it excessively or your soup may take on a toasted, undesired flavor.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the soup up to the cheese stage, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently later, then add cheeses just before serving for optimal smoothness.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Homemade broccoli Cheese Soup
Transform your bowl into a gourmet experience by adding fresh garnishes like chopped chives or crispy shallots. Serve alongside warm crusty bread or sourdough baguette slices wrapped in a linen napkin for inviting rustic charm. For a crunchy contrast, top with homemade baked cheese crisps or toasted pumpkin seeds.A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly, balancing the palate beautifully.For impressively styled presentation, fill rustic bowls and drizzle a thin ribbon of olive oil atop just before serving – a subtle shine that beckons the first spoonful.
| Nutritional Info (Per Serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
Discover more comforting soup recipes in our Homemade Cheesy Soups collection. For deeper insight into cheese melting science, the Craftsy Cheese Melting Guide offers invaluable tips from professional cheese artisans to home cooks alike.
Q&A
Q&A: Creamy Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup – Delicious Copycat recipe
Q1: What makes Panera’s Broccoli Cheese Soup so irresistibly creamy and flavorful?
A1: the magic lies in the perfect marriage of sharp cheddar cheese and a rich, velvety base made from butter, flour, and milk or cream. This creates a smooth, thick texture that envelops tender broccoli florets, giving each spoonful a comforting, cheesy hug.
Q2: Can I use fresh broccoli, or is frozen better for this recipe?
A2: Both fresh and frozen broccoli work well! Fresh broccoli offers a radiant, crisp flavor and vibrant color, while frozen broccoli provides convenience and consistency. Just be sure to chop your fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.Q3: How do I achieve that signature soup thickness without it being gummy?
A3: The key is to make a roux-a cooked mixture of butter and flour-to gently thicken the soup base. incorporate the warm milk gradually and stir constantly to avoid lumps. Cooking the soup low and slow ensures a creamy texture that’s neither too runny nor overly gelatinous.
Q4: What type of cheese is best for the authentic panera flavor?
A4: Sharp cheddar cheese is the star here. It delivers the tangy, robust flavor characteristic of the original recipe. For an extra depth, some cooks add a blend of white cheddar or mild cheddar, but sticking to quality sharp cheddar keeps it fresh and true to Panera’s taste.
Q5: Can I make this soup dairy-free or vegan without losing the creamy texture?
A5: Absolutely! substitute dairy milk with unsweetened plant-based milks like cashew or oat milk, which have a naturally creamy mouthfeel. Use vegan butter and replace cheddar with nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative. Blending in cooked cauliflower with the broccoli can enhance creaminess without dairy.
Q6: How long does this soup keep in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
A6: Stored in an airtight container, this soup stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. It also freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to preserve texture and flavor.Q7: What’s the best way to reheat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup without separating or curdling the cheese?
A7: Warm the soup slowly over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating helps restore the silky consistency.
Q8: Can I add any extra veggies or spices to customize this soup?
A8: Definitely! While classic Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is a simple delight, feel free to experiment with sautéed onions, garlic, or a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth. Carrots or celery can add texture and subtle sweetness. Just keep the additions balanced so the broccoli and cheddar remain the stars.
Q9: Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
A9: Yes! With some prep,this soup comes together in about 30 minutes,making it a cozy and quick option for busy evenings. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Q10: Why make a copycat version instead of buying from Panera?
A10: Homemade means control over ingredients, freshness, and dietary preferences. Plus, making this soup yourself fills your kitchen with the tempting aroma of melting cheese and warm broccoli, turning an ordinary day into a comforting culinary experience!
In Summary
There you have it-a rich, velvety bowl of creamy Panera broccoli cheese soup that tastes just like the original, but made right in your own kitchen. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this copycat recipe invites you to enjoy restaurant-quality comfort without the wait. Whether you’re craving a cozy lunch or a hearty dinner accompaniment,this soup warms both the body and soul.So grab your spoon, dive in, and savor every cheesy, broccoli-packed bite-because sometimes, the best recipes are the ones you create yourself.
