Description

This Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is the most pinned on Pinterest. Panera Bread’s famous Broccoli Cheese Soup is full of creamy and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

¼ cup butter
½ medium onion, chopped
¼ cup flour
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half cream
3 cups broccoli (about ½ lb)
1 cup carrot, grated
Nutmeg, a little sprinkle
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Bread bowls

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Instructions

1. Melt ¼ cup of butter in a pot on medium heat. Add onion and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Sprinkle in ¼ cup of flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.

3. Slowly add 2 cups of chicken broth, whisking to combine with flour, then add 2 cups of half-and-half and whisk until smooth.

4. Add broccoli, grated carrots, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg and stir in the cheddar cheese. Remove from heat and mix until the cheese is fully melted into the soup.

6. Pour soup into bread bowls, garnish with more cheese and freshly ground black pepper, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra richness, top with crispy bacon, cooked chicken, or sausage.

This soup is delicious served in a bread bowl or with crusty bread on the side.

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt—pre-shredded cheese can affect texture.

For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.

Soup thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.