Panera-Style Broccoli Cheese Soup

Panera-Style Broccoli Cheese Soup is a rich and comforting dish that brings the flavors of your favorite café to your kitchen. With a velvety smooth texture and the perfect blend of cheese and broccoli, this soup is ideal for cozy meals at home.

• Chicken or vegetable broth: 4 cups, for the soup base.
• Water: 1 cup, to thin the broth and balance the richness.
• Fresh broccoli florets: 3 cups, providing the main vegetable component.
• Shredded carrots: 1 cup, adding sweetness and color.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped, to enhance the soup's flavor.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for an aromatic base.
• Heavy cream: 1 cup, for a creamy and rich texture.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups, giving the soup its cheesy goodness.
• All-purpose flour: ¼ cup, to thicken the soup.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing the vegetables.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

Step 1:

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent.

Step 2:

Stir in broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.

Step 3:

Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until broccoli is tender (about 10-15 minutes).

Step 4:

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.

Step 5:

In a small bowl, whisk together flour and a little of the heavy cream to create a slurry. Stir this into the soup and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6:

Stir in the remaining heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7:

Ladle soup into bowls and enjoy hot!

• Serve this soup with a slice of crusty bread or in a bread bowl for an authentic Panera experience at home.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.

• If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest with the broccoli florets intact.
• For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Ina Garten recommends grating your own cheese for better melting and flavor.
• Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests adding a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the richness of the cheese.