Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This comforting recipe brings together the perfect combination of creamy cheddar, tender broccoli, and a medley of aromatic vegetables. With its rich flavors and velvety texture, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup 57g plus 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- 1 cup 150g of diced onion
- 1/3 cup 45g of chopped celery
- 1/4 cup 30g of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups 480ml of milk
- 2 cups 480ml of chicken broth
- 2 cups 240g of cooked and chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup 100g of matchstick carrots
- 2 cups 200g of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add diced onions and chopped celery, sautéing until they become soft. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add 1/4 cup of butter and 1/4 cup of flour to the same saucepan, stirring to combine. Cook while continuously stirring for approximately 3 minutes.
- Whisk together milk and chicken broth, adding salt and pepper to taste. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add matchstick carrots, cooked broccoli, sautéed onions, and celery to the saucepan. Cover and allow it to simmer for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Finally, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the soup and stir until it is completely melted, creating a luscious and creamy texture. Take it off the heat and get ready to serve.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Feel free to customize the soup by adding cooked chicken or crispy bacon as toppings.
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree a portion of the soup before adding the cheese.
