CopyKat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is a favorite of so many of us. This creamy, cheesy soup is perfect for a hearty lunch. This is easy to make; we take frozen broccoli, fresh carrots, and two types of cheese to make this soup. You can purchase a bread bowl from the grocery store, and you will have Broccoli Cheese Soup just like Panera Bread. Broccoli Cheese Soup is one of those soups that just warms the soul. I love to serve this style of soup with popovers or fresh yeast rolls with butter. This recipe calls for the loaf processed cheese food; you might know this as Velveeta, but in this recipe, the store brand is good to use. If you are concerned about salt, use the low sodium chicken broth. Keep your heart at a medium to a medium-high heat, and stir this frequently so it doesn't scorch. If you need to reheat this soup, I suggest you reheat it on the stovetop and add a little milk to the soup because it may become very thick after it is refrigerated.
Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is a favorite of so many of us. This creamy, cheesy soup is perfect for a hearty lunch. This is easy to make; we take frozen broccoli, fresh carrots, and two types of cheese to make this soup. You can purchase a bread bowl from the grocery store, and you will have Broccoli Cheese Soup just like Panera Bread. Broccoli Cheese Soup is one of those soups that just warms the soul. I love to serve this style of soup with popovers or fresh yeast rolls with butter. This recipe calls for the loaf processed cheese food; you might know this as Velveeta, but in this recipe, the store brand is good to use. If you are concerned about salt, use the low sodium chicken broth. Keep your heart at a medium to a medium-high heat, and stir this frequently so it doesn't scorch. If you need to reheat this soup, I suggest you reheat it on the stovetop and add a little milk to the soup because it may become very thick after it is refrigerated.
- salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup half-and-half
- pepper to taste
- 2 cans low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onions or 1/2 cup white onion
- 1 package frozen chopped broccoli
- 1 cup julienne cut carrot shredded are ok to use also
- 1 lb velveeta cheese store brand is ok to use also
- Carbohydrate 25.6154883867943 g
- Cholesterol 350.548558274003 mg
- Fat 110.859489933818 g
- Fiber 0.0695625 g
- Protein 55.1874281719228 g
- Saturated Fat 69.8412885217927 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (615g)
- Sodium 2144.8587314913 mg
- Sugar 25.5459258867943 g
- Trans Fat 5.84325655600428 g
- Calories 1308 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large saucepan melt together butter, flour and chopped onions.
- Cook butter and flour together for about a minute, and then slowly add in half-and-half.
- Add about 1 quarter of the half-and-half, whisk until thickened and smooth.
- When all of the half-and-half is incorporated add frozen broccoli, and Velveeta cheese, when the cheese is completely melted, add chicken broth one cup at a time until soup is well mixed and has a consistent texture.
- When all of the chicken broth is added add carrots, and simmer soup for about 20 minutes.
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking add the 8 ounces of shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Serve when all cheese is fully melted.
My Cozy Kitchen: A Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and comforting meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and the ever-present race against the clock. But there's something magical about gathering around the table at the end of a long day, sharing a warm meal, and connecting as a family. That's why I'm always on the hunt for recipes that are both quick and satisfying, and this CopyKat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup perfectly fits the bill.
I first encountered Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheese Soup years ago during a quick lunch break. The creamy, cheesy goodness was an instant comfort, a warm hug in a bowl. I knew I had to recreate this magic in my own kitchen. After some experimenting, I've perfected a recipe that captures the essence of that beloved restaurant staple, but with the added bonus of being completely homemade and customizable to my family's preferences.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. It starts with the classic roux, a simple combination of butter, flour, and onions. This forms the base for the creamy sauce, which is then enhanced with the richness of half-and-half. The frozen broccoli adds a welcome convenience, saving me precious prep time, and the combination of Velveeta and cheddar cheese creates a decadent, cheesy flavor that's irresistible.
The recipe is incredibly versatile too. If I'm looking to make it a little healthier, I can easily swap out the full-fat half-and-half for a lighter alternative, or use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the salt content. Sometimes, I add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and complexity, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
The best part? This soup is a blank canvas for creativity. I've experimented with adding different vegetables like diced potatoes or even some finely chopped spinach for extra nutrients. And let's not forget the bread! A crusty bread bowl is the perfect accompaniment, but a simple side of toasted baguette slices works wonders too.
This soup is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of warmth, comfort, and the joy of sharing a homemade meal with loved ones. It’s the kind of recipe that makes even the busiest weeknights feel a little more manageable, a little more cozy, and a whole lot more delicious. The creamy, cheesy texture is a comforting indulgence, and the ease of preparation makes it a weeknight staple in my home. I encourage you to try this recipe and make your own memories around this wonderful bowl of goodness. It's the kind of recipe that's become a cherished part of my family's weekly routine.
Beyond its deliciousness, this soup also represents a commitment to making time for family. In the midst of our hectic schedules, it’s the simple things – like a home-cooked meal together – that truly matter. This soup is a testament to that idea, a delicious reminder that even amidst the chaos of modern life, there’s always room for a little bit of comfort and connection.
So, next time you're craving a hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy meal, give this CopyKat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup a try. I guarantee it will become a new family favorite, a warm and comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for those evenings when you need a little extra TLC. And who knows, it might even inspire you to start your own culinary adventures, discovering new ways to bring your family together around the dinner table.
