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copycat panera broccoli cheddar soup

Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg (optional)

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, cook the onion 4 to 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic for 30 seconds.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook 1 to 2 minutes, then slowly whisk in the broth and half and half and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the broccoli and carrots along with the salt and pepper, and simmer uncovered 15 to 18 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
  4. Lower the heat, mash some of the broccoli against the pot, then stir in the cheddar a handful at a time until melted.
  5. Ladle into bowls, top with extra cheddar and black pepper, and serve hot.

Notes

If the soup thickens too much as it sits, whether in the fridge or just sitting on the stove, a splash of broth or milk brings it right back to the texture you want. Freezing works better if you leave the cheese out of the batch you freeze and stir it in fresh after reheating.