This creamy, cheesy, and cozy Panera copycat broccoli cheese soup is comfort in a bowl. It's an easy and delicious recipe that will make you forget the restaurant version. It's packed full of vegetables and a delicious broth that's enhanced with a sharp cheddar cheese. It's a perfect meal for any day of the week.
The recipe calls for a few ingredients that you might not have in your pantry. These include yellow mustard and sharp cheddar cheese. Yellow mustard is a common condiment, but it's surprisingly effective in enhancing the flavor of the soup. Sharp cheddar cheese gives the soup its signature cheesy flavor and creamy texture. Make sure to pick these up from the supermarket.
Ingredients for Broccoli Cheese Soup - Panera Copycat
Butter: It helps to sauté the veggies and adds a creamy texture to the soup.
Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and color to the soup.
Broccoli: The star ingredient, it adds texture and lots of nutrition.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Pepper: Adds a mild heat to the soup.
Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Used as the base of the soup.
Heavy whipping cream: Makes the soup rich and creamy.
Yellow mustard: Enhances the flavor of the soup.
Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives the soup its creamy and cheesy flavor.
Chicken: Adds protein to make the soup more filling.
One reader, Giulietta Britton says:
This broccoli cheese soup recipe is a game-changer! It's incredibly creamy and flavorful, just like the one from Panera. The combination of broccoli, cheese, and spices is simply divine. It's now a staple in my kitchen, and my family can't get enough of it!
Techniques for Making the Perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup
How to prepare the vegetables: Briefly explain the process of washing, peeling, and chopping the carrots and broccoli.
How to make a roux: Describe the steps for melting the butter and adding the flour to create a roux.
How to simmer the soup: Explain the process of simmering the soup over medium-low heat until the vegetables are tender.
How to melt the cheese: Describe the technique for adding and melting the cheese into the soup until smooth and creamy.
How to adjust seasoning: Explain the process of tasting the soup and adjusting the salt and pepper to taste before serving.
How To Make Broccoli Cheese Soup (Panera Copycat)
This broccoli cheese soup is a copycat of a Panera soup. It’s loaded with broccoli, carrots, chicken, and sharp cheddar cheese.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupbutter
- 1cupcarrots,chopped
- 4cupsbroccoli,chopped
- 1tspsalt
- 1tsppepper
- ½tsppaprika
- 4½cupschicken broth,or vegetable broth, divided
- 1½cupsheavy whipping cream
- 1tspyellow mustard
- ¼cupcornstarch
- 2cupssharp cheddar cheese,grated
- 2cupschicken,cooked, cubed
Instructions
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In a large pot, melt butter. Add carrots and broccoli cook for additional 3 to 4 minutes, season with salt, pepper and paprika.
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Pour 4 cups of chicken broth and the cream into vegetable mixture. Add one teaspoon mustard and whisk until smooth. Simmer over medium-low heat.
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In a small bowl, whisk remaining ½ cup of broth with the cornstarch until smooth. Pour into the stockpot.
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Whisk with the vegetable mixture until smooth. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
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Add chicken and cheese. Cook just until melted. Reduce heat until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 736.22kcal
- Fat: 61.77g
- Saturated Fat: 34.58g
- Trans Fat: 1.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 18.04g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.99g
- Carbohydrates: 19.92g
- Fiber: 2.42g
- Sugar: 6.66g
- Protein: 27.20g
- Cholesterol: 207.47mg
- Sodium: 1016.06mg
- Calcium: 389.42mg
- Potassium: 628.88mg
- Iron: 1.52mg
- Vitamin A: 704.07µg
- Vitamin C: 56.78mg
Expert Tip for Enhancing Broccoli Cheese Soup Flavor
When adding the cornstarch to the soup, it's important to first mix it with the broth in a separate bowl until smooth. This process, known as slurry, helps to prevent the cornstarch from clumping together when it's added to the hot soup. It ensures a smooth and thick consistency in your broccoli cheese soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Broccoli Cheese Soup
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and kitchen tools before you start cooking to save time and minimize stress.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to cook multiple components simultaneously, such as chopping vegetables while waiting for water to boil.
Use pre-cut or pre-cooked ingredients: Utilize pre-cut vegetables, pre-cooked chicken, or canned broth to cut down on prep time.
One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for tools or ingredients.
Efficient chopping: Master efficient chopping techniques to speed up the prep process and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe (Panera Copycat)
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich flavor and smooth texture to the soup, while also providing a healthier alternative to butter.
carrots - Substitute with celery: Celery can provide a similar crunch and subtle sweetness to the soup, adding depth of flavor and texture.
broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be used as a milder substitute for broccoli, offering a similar texture and ability to absorb flavors.
chicken or vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth can add a savory, umami flavor to the soup, enhancing its depth and richness.
heavy whipping cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can provide a creamy and slightly sweet flavor, adding a unique tropical twist to the soup.
yellow mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can offer a slightly sharper and more complex flavor, elevating the taste of the soup.
cornstarch - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a thickening agent, providing a similar consistency to the soup.
sharp cheddar cheese - Substitute with Gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese can offer a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, complementing the soup with its rich and creamy texture.
chicken - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey can provide a similar savory and meaty flavor, adding depth to the soup.
How to Beautifully Present Broccoli Cheese Soup
Elevate the plating: Arrange the soup in a shallow bowl, ensuring the vibrant green color of the soup is prominently displayed. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of finely chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Incorporate texture: Top the soup with crispy bacon crumbles and toasted sourdough croutons to add a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
Enhance with a cheese tuile: Create a delicate parmesan cheese tuile to accompany the soup, adding a sophisticated touch and a burst of savory flavor.
Present with elegance: Serve the soup alongside a warm baguette or focaccia bread, sliced and arranged in a rustic manner, inviting guests to savor every last drop of the delectable soup.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Large pot: A large, sturdy cooking vessel used for preparing soups, stews, and boiling pasta or vegetables.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together and incorporating air into mixtures.
- Small bowl: A container used for holding and mixing small amounts of ingredients.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for making sauces, heating liquids, and cooking small quantities of food.
- Cutting board: A durable board used as a surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, multipurpose knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping various ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring and portioning ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Soup ladle: A large, long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soups and stews.
- Stockpot: A large, deep cooking pot used for making stocks, soups, and boiling large quantities of liquid.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup
Allow the broccoli cheese soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For storing in the refrigerator:
- Transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to reheat, transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
For freezing:
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Place in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.
- Reheat the thawed soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Note: The texture of the soup may change slightly after freezing and thawing due to the cream and cheese content. If the soup appears separated or grainy after reheating, you can blend it using an immersion blender or regular blender to restore its creamy consistency.
If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of chicken broth or milk until the desired consistency is reached.
How To Reheat Leftover Broccoli Cheese Soup
Reheat the leftover broccoli cheese soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures even heating and prevents the soup from scorching or separating.
If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out while reheating. Stir well to incorporate the added liquid and achieve a smooth consistency.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the cheese to separate or become grainy.
If you have stored the soup in a freezer-safe container, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This will help maintain the soup's texture and prevent it from becoming watery or grainy when reheated.
To add a fresh twist to your leftover soup, consider topping it with some crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream before serving. These toppings will enhance the flavor and texture of the reheated soup.
If you find that the reheated soup has lost some of its original flavors, adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of salt, black pepper, or a dash of paprika to taste. A small amount of Dijon mustard can also help brighten up the flavors.
Interesting Trivia About Broccoli Cheese Soup
Broccoli cheese soup is a popular dish in the United States, and it is often served as a comfort food during the colder months.
Is Making Broccoli Cheese Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This broccoli cheese soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as broccoli, carrots, and chicken, are budget-friendly and readily available. The addition of cheddar cheese and heavy whipping cream may slightly increase the cost, but they are essential for the rich and creamy texture. Overall Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $20-25.
Is Panera's Broccoli Cheese Soup Healthy?
The broccoli cheese soup recipe, while comforting and delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- High in saturated fat: The recipe calls for a significant amount of butter and heavy cream, which are both high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- High in sodium: With the addition of salt and cheese, this soup is likely to be high in sodium. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.
- Low in fiber: Although the recipe includes broccoli, which is a good source of fiber, the overall fiber content may be relatively low compared to the other ingredients.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace some or all of the butter with a healthier oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil
- Use low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative instead of heavy cream to reduce the saturated fat content
- Reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for a lower-fat cheese variety
- Increase the proportion of broccoli and carrots to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to control the sodium levels
- Add additional vegetables, such as cauliflower or spinach, to increase the nutritional value of the soup
- Replace the chicken with a lean protein source, such as turkey or tofu, or omit it altogether for a vegetarian option
By making these adjustments, you can create a healthier version of the broccoli cheese soup that still retains its comforting flavor and texture.
Editor's Opinion: Why Broccoli Cheese Soup is a Must-Try
The broccoli cheese soup recipe you provided is a classic comfort food that is sure to be a hit. The combination of butter, vegetables, broth, and cheese creates a rich and flavorful soup. The addition of chicken adds a hearty element, and the use of mustard and paprika adds depth to the flavor profile. However, I would suggest adjusting the amount of chicken to ensure it doesn't overpower the dish. Overall, this recipe is a winner and perfect for a cozy night in.
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Why trust this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe (Panera Copycat):
This recipe is a trusted and reliable choice for anyone craving a comforting and flavorful meal. The combination of fresh broccoli and carrots ensures a nutritious and wholesome dish, while the addition of sharp cheddar cheese and heavy whipping cream guarantees a rich and indulgent flavor. The use of chicken or vegetable broth adds depth to the soup, and the incorporation of yellow mustard provides a subtle tangy note. With carefully selected ingredients and precise instructions, this recipe promises a satisfying and delicious broccoli cheese soup experience.
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