Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Panera Bread knows how to do soup right and their ahhhh-mazing broccoli cheese soup is no exception. Every time we order it, we wonder how they create something so creamy and cheesy and rich in veggie flavor. Well, mystery finally solved. This recipe lets you create that signature Panera soup flavor in your very own home. And soup season or not, we just might be making this one every few days. It’s that good.

The nice thing about this soup is that it’s chock full of healthy broccoli and carrots, and they make the perfect contrast to the other indulgent creamy, cheesy qualities of this soup. It’s easy to put together, but letting it simmer for a while really lets the flavors develop. We think that’s what makes the Panera version taste so darn good.


You can puree the soup a lot, or just a little, or not at all depending on what texture you tend to like your soup. We like to puree about half, so there are still some toothsome chunks, but most of the soup is velvety-smooth.
All in all, it’s pretty hard to believe how easy it is to get that Panera Bread flavor at home. Add a tender, doughy bread bowl and you’re in soup heaven!

Ingredients :

1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 medium chopped onion
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half-and-half cream
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 lb fresh broccoli
1 cup carrot, julienned
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
salt and pepper

How to make it :

Sauté onion in butter. Set aside.
Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and add the half & half.
Add the chicken stock. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat 20-25 minutes.
dd salt and pepper. Can be puréed in a blender but I don’t. Return to heat and add cheese. Stir in nutmeg.

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