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Creamy copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup in a bowl with bread

Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A creamy and cheesy broccoli cheddar soup that's a comforting and delicious replica of the famous restaurant dish, perfect for any cozy night in.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
  2. In the same pot, melt the butter. Stir in the flour to create a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, milk, and heavy cream.
  4. Add the broccoli florets and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
  5. Remove from heat, and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

Notes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad. You can serve it in a bread bowl for a fun twist. Consider adding extra cheese or croutons on top for elevation. Feel free to use fresh or frozen broccoli depending on availability.