Are you craving that warm, cheesy goodness of Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup? You’re in luck! In this post, I’ll share my easy copycat recipe that captures all the cozy flavors you love. With fresh veggies and simple pantry staples, you’ll whip up this delightful dish in no time. Join me on a tasty journey to create the perfect comfort bowl that rivals the restaurant favorite!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food: This recipe captures the essence of comfort food with its creamy texture and rich flavor, making it perfect for cozy nights in.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious broccoli and carrots, this soup is not only delicious but also a great way to add vegetables to your diet.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the soup by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry Staples
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
Seasonings and Cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a little heat
This recipe brings the taste of Panera right to your home. You will need fresh ingredients like broccoli, carrots, onion, and garlic. These add great flavor and nutrition to the soup.
Next, gather your pantry staples. You will use butter to sauté the veggies. Flour helps to thicken the soup. Vegetable broth and whole milk make it creamy and delicious.
Lastly, the seasonings and cheese complete this dish. Sharp cheddar is key for that rich taste. Salt and pepper enhance the flavors, while ground mustard adds a subtle kick. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper for a nice surprise.
This blend of ingredients creates a cozy and satisfying soup. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need comfort food. Enjoy making this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
3. Next, stir in the diced carrots and broccoli florets. Cook them for an additional 5 minutes until they soften a bit.
Creating the Roux
1. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This will create a roux, which thickens the soup.
2. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth. Make sure you remove any lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Finalizing the Soup
1. Lower the heat and slowly pour in the whole milk. Stir well to combine. Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
2. Add salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper if you like some heat.
3. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until it melts and becomes smooth.
4. If you want a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree part of it.
5. Finally, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To make your soup smooth, use an immersion blender. This tool helps blend the soup right in the pot. You can blend it as much or as little as you like. If you want some chunks, just blend half. After blending, taste your soup. You may need to adjust the seasonings. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
Enhancing Flavor
For an extra kick, add spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives heat. You can also swap cheddar cheese for a different taste. Try using gouda or Monterey Jack. Each cheese brings a unique flavor to your soup.
Serving Suggestions
When serving, ladle the soup into bowls. Top with more shredded cheddar cheese and a dash of black pepper. This makes a pretty presentation. Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread. It adds crunch and complements the soup well.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh broccoli and carrots for the best flavor and texture. Frozen vegetables can become mushy and watery when cooked.
- Cheese Choices: For an extra depth of flavor, consider mixing different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, with the cheddar.
- Thickening Tips: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it with an immersion blender or add more flour to the roux.
- Storage Secrets: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid curdling the cheese.
Variations
Dietary Modifications
For those with gluten issues, you can make this soup gluten-free. Just replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Mix it with cold broth before adding it to the pot. This will thicken the soup without gluten.
If you prefer vegetarian options, stick with vegetable broth and keep the cheese. For a vegan version, use coconut milk instead of whole milk. Swap the cheese for a plant-based option. This keeps the soup creamy and tasty.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch up the veggies in this soup. Try adding cauliflower or spinach for a twist. Both will blend well and add nutrients. You can also use frozen broccoli if fresh isn't available. Just add it during the cooking step a bit later.
For non-dairy milk, almond or oat milk works great. They add creaminess without the dairy. Just make sure to choose unsweetened versions to keep the flavor balanced.
Flavor Infusions
To enhance the flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These add depth and a fresh taste. Just toss them in while the soup simmers.
If you want more protein, cooked bacon or ham can be a tasty addition. Add them in during the simmering stage. This gives the soup a savory kick and makes it even more filling.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store leftover soup in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Place the soup in the fridge right after it cools. The shelf life of the soup is about 3 to 4 days. If you notice any off smells, it's best to toss it.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze the soup properly, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave.
Reheating Tips
The best methods to reheat the soup include the stove or microwave. On the stove, heat over low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. This helps adjust the consistency and keeps the flavor rich.
FAQs
How do I make the soup thicker?
To thicken your Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you can try these tips:
- Add more flour: Whisk in an extra tablespoon of flour after cooking the vegetables.
- Use cornstarch: Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Stir this into the soup.
- Blend some soup: Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup. This adds a creamy texture.
- Cook longer: Let the soup simmer more. This reduces the liquid and thickens the soup naturally.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Here are some tips:
- Cool properly: Let the soup cool before storing.
- Store in the fridge: Keep it in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Reheat gently: Warm it on low heat. Stir often to keep it smooth.
- Add cheese later: For best taste, add cheese when reheating. This keeps it creamy.
What can I serve with Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
You can pair your soup with these tasty sides:
- Crusty bread: A slice of sourdough or baguette is perfect for dipping.
- Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and color.
- Sandwiches: Grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches make a great match.
- Crackers: A side of crispy crackers works well too.
In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious broccoli cheddar soup. We highlighted fresh ingredients, pantry staples, and the right seasonings. You learned the step-by-step process of preparing, cooking, and finalizing the soup. With tips on texture and flavor, plus variations for dietary needs, you’re set for success. Remember, storing and reheating properly keeps your soup tasty. Enjoy making this easy recipe whenever you crave a comforting bowl of soup!
