Devastatingly Delicious Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup

There’s just something about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? Especially on a chilly day when you need a little comfort. For me, Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup always hits the spot. It’s a classic! I remember grabbing it with my mom after school – total nostalgia. So, I figured, why not try making it at home? I’ve tweaked and tested, and I’m so excited to share my homemade version of Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup with you. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with broccoli and carrots – just like the original, maybe even better (don’t tell Panera!). Trust me, you’re gonna love it!

Why You’ll Love This Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Okay, so why make this at home instead of running to Panera? Well, for starters, you control *everything*. Plus, it’s seriously satisfying to whip up a batch of this creamy goodness yourself. And honestly? It tastes just as good, if not better! Here’s why you’ll be obsessed.

Creamy and Cheesy Goodness

Seriously, who can resist a soup that’s both creamy *and* cheesy? This recipe nails it! You get that velvety smooth texture with every spoonful, plus that sharp cheddar flavor that just makes you wanna close your eyes and savor it. Yum!

Easy to Make

Don’t let “homemade” scare you! This recipe is surprisingly simple. Seriously, if I can do it, anyone can. It’s mostly just chopping and stirring – no fancy cooking skills required. You got this!

Comfort in a Bowl

Need a hug in food form? This is it! This soup is pure comfort. It’s warm, filling, and just makes you feel good from the inside out. Perfect for a rainy day or when you just need a little pick-me-up.

Vegetarian-Friendly

Yep, you read that right! This soup is totally vegetarian. So, if you’re looking for a meat-free meal that’s still satisfying and delicious, this Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is a winner!

Ingredients for Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Trust me, using good quality ingredients makes *all* the difference!

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 lb fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

How to Make Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Follow these steps, and you’ll be slurping on some seriously delicious Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it.

Sauté the Aromatics

First, melt that 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s melted and shimmering (yum!), toss in that 1/2 cup of finely chopped yellow onion. Cook it until it’s soft and translucent – about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be fragrant and happy, not browned!

Create the Roux

Now, sprinkle that 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the softened onions. This is how we thicken the soup, so pay attention! Cook and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. It should form a smooth paste – that’s your roux! Cooking it gets rid of that raw flour taste, trust me, you don’t want that!

Build the Soup Base

Alright, grab those 2 cups of half-and-half cream and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Slowly whisk them into the roux, making sure to get rid of any lumps (nobody likes lumpy soup!). Bring the mixture to a boil, and then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. We want a gentle simmer, not a crazy boil!

Add Vegetables and Cook

Time for the stars of the show! Add that 1/2 lb of fresh broccoli florets and 1 cup of julienned carrots to the simmering soup. Cook over medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli and carrots are tender. You want them soft enough to easily pierce with a fork, but not mushy. Keep an eye on it!

Blend (Optional) and Finish

This is where you can customize! If you want a *super* smooth soup, carefully remove about 1 cup of the soup and blend it using an immersion blender or a regular blender (be careful when blending hot liquids!). Then, pour it back into the pot. Now, reduce the heat to LOW (this is important!), and stir in those 8 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. Finally, stir in that 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (if desired), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste as you go! You might need more or less depending on your preference. And…voila! Soup’s on!

Tips for the Best Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Want to take your Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way. These will make your soup *amazing*!

Use Fresh Ingredients

Seriously, ditch the frozen stuff! Fresh broccoli and carrots just taste better, and they have a much better texture. Plus, you get more nutrients! It’s worth the extra few minutes of chopping, I promise!

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli

Nobody likes mushy broccoli! Keep a close eye on it while it simmers. You want it tender-crisp, not falling apart. Overcooked broccoli gets bitter, too, yuck!

Shred Your Own Cheese

Okay, this might sound a little extra, but trust me on this one! Pre-shredded cheese often has cellulose added to prevent clumping, and that can make it not melt as smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a creamier, dreamier soup. My favorite part is snacking while grating!

Low and Slow with the Cheese

This is *super* important! Keep the heat on low when you add the cheese. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy. We want smooth, melty perfection, so go low and slow!

Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the classic. Now, let’s get a little wild! This Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is totally customizable. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Spicy Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Want to kick things up a notch? Me too! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce right before serving. Start small – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! A little goes a long way!

Add Different Vegetables

Feeling adventurous? Toss in some cauliflower florets along with the broccoli, or add diced potatoes for a heartier soup. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, so everything is tender. Get creative!

Use Different Cheese

Cheddar’s great, but why stop there? Try using Gruyere for a nutty, sophisticated flavor, or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. A mix of cheeses can be amazing, too! Just be sure they melt well. Okay, now *I’m* getting hungry!

Serving Suggestions for Your Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Alright, your soup is ready! But what should you serve with it? Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this creamy, cheesy goodness. Trust me, these pairings are *chef’s kiss*!

Crusty Bread

Okay, this is a no-brainer! A slice of crusty bread is *essential* for soaking up all that delicious soup. Think sourdough, baguette, or even a nice crusty roll. Yum!

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Soup and grilled cheese? Yes, please! This is the ultimate comfort food combo. Use your favorite cheese (or cheeses!) and get ready for a seriously satisfying meal. It’s like a warm hug!

Salad

Want something a little lighter? A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing is the perfect complement to the rich soup. It adds a little freshness and balances out the flavors. Perfect!

Storing and Reheating Your Homemade Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Made a big batch of this amazing Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup? Awesome! Leftovers are the best. Here’s how to store and reheat it so it’s just as delicious the next day (or even the day after!).

Storage Instructions

Let the soup cool down a bit (don’t leave it out for more than two hours, okay?). Then, pour it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

Stovetop is my go-to! Just pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and hot. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just microwave it in one-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Careful, it can get *really* hot!

Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making this amazing Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup? I got you! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, so you can make this recipe with total confidence. Let’s dive in!

Can I freeze Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Okay, so technically *yes*, you can freeze it. But I’m gonna be honest, the texture might change a bit. The cream and cheese can sometimes separate when thawed, making it a little grainy. If you do freeze it, let it thaw completely in the fridge and then reheat it *very* gently, stirring often. It’s still tasty, just not quite as silky smooth!

Can I use frozen broccoli?

You *can*, but fresh broccoli is really the way to go for that perfect texture and flavor. Frozen broccoli tends to get a little mushy, and it can release extra water into the soup. If you’re in a pinch, though, go for it! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water before adding it to the soup.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Good question! You can totally make a dairy-free version! Use plant-based butter, like a good quality olive oil. For the half-and-half, try using a combination of coconut milk (the full-fat kind for creaminess!) and vegetable broth. And for the cheese? There are some pretty decent dairy-free cheddar shreds out there now. Just be sure to melt it over *low* heat to prevent it from getting weird.

How do I avoid grainy cheese in my Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Ah, the dreaded grainy cheese! The secret is to keep the heat *low*. Seriously, low and slow is the name of the game. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and get all gritty. Add the shredded cheddar cheese at the very end, and stir it gently until it’s just melted. Don’t let it boil!

Nutritional Information for Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Okay, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info for a serving of this homemade Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Keep in mind, it’s just an estimate, and it can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use!

Enjoy Your Bowl of Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup!

Alright, that’s it! Now go make some amazing Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup! And hey, if you try it, leave a comment and let me know what you think, okay? Or share a pic on social media – I’d love to see it!

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