Broccoli Cheddar Soup

We all have those comfort foods that we crave from our favorite restaurants, and for many, Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is at the top of the list. This creamy, cheesy delight is a top choice for both kids and adults alike, and if you’re a fan, you’re in for a treat.

Today, we’re diving into how to make this delicious soup at home, capturing all the goodness without the hefty price tag of dining out. Follow along to create a rich, velvety soup that your whole family will love.

Ingredients and Preparation

The Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this soup, you’ll need a few specific ingredients. Here’s a list to get started:

• Broccoli
• Onion
• Carrots (matchstick or julienned)
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Cheese (preferably grated cheddar)
• Chicken broth or stock
• Heavy cream
• Dijon mustard
• Hot sauce
• White pepper
• Salt

Prepping Your Vegetables

Start by preparing your vegetables. Finely chop an onion, as you want a smooth texture without large chunks. For the broccoli, cut it into small florets and don’t discard the stalks—trim them down and chop finely for a crunchy addition to a salad later. The use of matchstick carrots adds the iconic small pieces of carrot found in the Panera original, providing both texture and taste.

Making the Cheese Sauce

Sautéing the Onion

Begin by melting half a stick of butter in a pot. Sauté the finely chopped onion in the butter until it becomes translucent. This is the base flavor for your cheese sauce, so it’s important to get this step right.

Creating the Roux

Once the onion is ready, it’s time to create the roux. A roux is a mixture of equal parts fat and flour used to thicken sauces. Add a few tablespoons of flour to the pot and cook it with the butter and onion for at least a minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Adding Milk and Seasonings

Gradually whisk in milk to the roux to avoid any lumps. The flour in the roux stabilizes the milk mixture so it won’t curdle. Next, add about a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a splash of hot sauce, a pinch of white pepper, and some salt. These ingredients enhance the flavor profile, giving the soup its distinct taste.

Melting the Cheese

As your milk mixture simmers, start adding your grated cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy base for your soup. This step requires patience to ensure the mixture is smooth and free from clumps.

Turning Cheese Sauce into Soup

Adding Vegetables

With your cheese sauce ready, it’s time to add vegetables. Start with the matchstick carrots for that classic Panera look and feel, then add the broccoli florets. These components add texture and heartiness to the soup.

Thinning the Mixture

To make the soup less of a sauce and more of a soup, add chicken broth or stock. This addition thins out the cheese base while keeping it flavorful. The goal is to achieve a soup-like consistency that’s still rich and creamy.

Incorporating Heavy Cream

To maintain the richness of the dish, add a little heavy cream. This step ensures the final product is velvety and indulgent. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the broccoli to cook through and become tender.

Final Touches

Adjusting the Seasoning

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce to suit your preference. The key is to achieve a balanced flavor that matches the original as closely as possible.

Serving Suggestions

Traditionally, Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is served in a bread bowl. However, for a homier touch, you can serve it in regular bowls accompanied by crusty bread on the side. Top each serving with a little extra grated cheese and a sprinkle of pepper for garnish.

Enjoying Your Homemade Delight

Taste Test

Once your soup is ready, it’s time for the best part: the taste test. According to those who’ve followed this recipe, it nails the Panera taste perfectly. Some even claim that in a blind taste test, you’d likely prefer this homemade version over the restaurant one. The chunks of broccoli and the creamy cheese base offer a delightful texture and flavor that is hard to resist.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This soup isn’t just a cold-weather favorite; it’s perfect for any time of the year. It’s a quick and easy dinner option that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s exceptionally cost-effective. You can make a large pot for a fraction of the price of dining out, making it a great choice for budget-conscious families.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can double the batch and store leftovers for easy meals later in the week. Simply reheat gently on the stove to avoid separating the cheese from the broth. This way, you’ll have a comforting meal ready whenever the craving strikes.

Conclusion

Making Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup at home is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can replicate this fan-favorite dish in your own kitchen.

This version captures all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the original, with the added benefit of being made fresh by you. Whether you serve it in a bread bowl or with a side of crusty bread, this soup is sure to become a staple in your household. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality dish at home and savor every delicious bite.