Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup

ladle full of cheddar cheese soup with broccoli

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Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This delicious and easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is a homemade version of the popular Panera soup. Using pantry staples, cooked in one pot, it’s hearty, creamy, and boasts the most incredible flavor! Great for lunch or a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: broccoli cheddar soup, panera broccoli cheddar soup

Servings:

Ingredients

5 tbsp unsalted butter divided
1 small sweet onion diced small
¼ cup flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1½ cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets
1 large carrot cut into matchsticks (1 cup)
1 stalk celery thinly sliced (½ cup)
10 oz. sharp cheddar cheese* shredded (2½ cups)
¾ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp ground mustard
pinch cayenne pepper

Instructions

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp of the butter; add the onion and saute, stirring, until translucent, 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the remaining 4 tbsp of butter. Add the flour and whisk until dissolved and combined.
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until no lumps of flour remain, then whisk in the chicken broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle bubble, whisking occasionally for 5 minutes.
Add the broccoli, carrot, and celery; gently simmer until vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Reduce heat to low; stir in the cheese until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in the salt, pepper, ground mustard, and cayenne.
Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

*Use a high-quality cheddar cheese that you grate yourself. Pre-packaged shredded cheese is filled with additives that prevent it from melting properly and also don’t deliver the most flavor.

Nutrition