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Ultra close-up macro of velvety Panera-style broccoli cheddar soup with tender broccoli florets, matchstick carrots, and melted cheese drizzle

Panera-Style Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This Panera copycat broccoli cheddar soup is velvety, rich, and loaded with tender broccoli florets and sweet matchstick carrots in a luxurious sharp cheddar cream broth. Made entirely in one pot in just 30 minutes, it tastes even better than the restaurant bakery original.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Base
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup matchstick julienned carrots
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Aromatics: Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Golden Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the softened aromatics and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, whisking constantly to cook out raw flour flavor.
  3. Silky Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth in a slow, steady stream while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Whisk in the half-and-half until silky smooth.
  4. Simmer Vegetables: Add chopped broccoli florets, matchstick carrots, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender.
  5. Melt Cheddar Off Heat: Reduce heat to the lowest setting (or remove pot from heat completely). Gradually add freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring constantly until completely melted before adding the next.
  6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper. Ladle into bowls or warm sourdough bread bowls, garnish with extra cheddar, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 14gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 4800IUVitamin C: 65mgCalcium: 450mgIron: 1.8mg

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