Creamy and delicious, this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a must-try recipe! Perfect for cozy dinners, this homemade version is easy to make and packed with fresh broccoli, carrots, and sharp Cheddar cheese. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Ideal for meal prep, this soup is both budget-friendly and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots
- 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
- 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the Onions
Using a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and sauté the onions until they turn translucent. This should take about 5 minutes. Once done, set the onions aside.
2. Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted butter with the flour over medium-low heat. Cook until the mixture loses its grainy texture, stirring continuously. If needed, add 1-3 tablespoons of milk to prevent burning. This step takes around 3-4 minutes.
3. Create the Soup Base
Slowly pour the remaining milk into the flour and butter mixture, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth blend. Stir in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
4. Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped broccoli, matchstick-cut carrots, sautéed onions, and thinly sliced celery to the thickened soup. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, which takes around 20 minutes.
5. Incorporate the Cheese
Stir in the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the soup. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
6. Season to Taste
Add salt and ground black pepper to taste. Give the soup one final stir and it’s ready to serve!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock to make a vegetarian version of this soup.
2. How can I make the soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze broccoli cheddar soup. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring frequently.
4. What can I serve with broccoli cheddar soup?
This soup pairs well with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or a simple sandwich for a hearty meal.
5. How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the soup during the simmering stage.
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