Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Creamy One-Pot Recipe)
This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting one-pot recipe that perfectly replicates the beloved Panera classic. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich half-and-half and chicken broth base, this soup is easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half cream
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1/2 lb broccoli (about 3 cups), chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup carrot, julienned (matchstick carrots can be used)
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Sauté onion: Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add flour: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and onions. Cook and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the soup.
- Incorporate liquids: Slowly whisk in the half-and-half cream and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium to simmer.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the chopped broccoli and julienned carrots. Let the soup cook on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Season and blend (optional): Add salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, blend about 1 cup of the soup and stir it back in.
- Add cheese and nutmeg: Return soup to low heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese carefully to avoid graininess. If using, add nutmeg for enhanced flavor.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Notes
- To achieve a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in your soup.
- Nutmeg is optional but enhances the flavor nicely.
- Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent the soup from becoming grainy.
- This soup freezes well; reheat gently on the stovetop.