Description

Warm up with this creamy, cheesy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup that brings the comforting flavors of your favorite café right to your kitchen. This delightful dish combines fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese with aromatic spices, creating a nourishing bowl of goodness perfect for chilly days or special gatherings. Serve it hot with crusty bread for a complete meal that promises to satisfy every craving.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup grated carrots
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Wash and chop broccoli into small florets. Grate carrots and finely chop the onion. Mince garlic.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in flour, cooking for about 2 minutes until slightly golden.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps, and bring to a simmer.
Add broccoli and carrots; simmer for about 10 minutes until tender.
Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 360
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: - Use freshly grated cheddar for optimal melting. - For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. - To lighten the soup, consider using low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.