Amazing Panera Broccoli and Cheese Soup for Cozy Nights

The aroma of warm, creamy panera broccoli and cheese soup wafts through the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace that feels like a hug from your grandmother. Imagine a velvety blend of cheddar cheese melting into tender broccoli florets, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. This dish is not just food; it’s comfort in a bowl, the kind of meal that whispers sweet nothings to your soul during chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.

Let me take you back to my first encounter with this delightful concoction. Picture this: I’m huddled in my favorite sweater, feeling like a human burrito, craving something heartwarming. A quick trip to Panera Bread led me to their glorious broccoli and cheese soup, which made me feel like I was floating on a cloud of cheesy goodness. Now I can whip up this delectable dish at home any time the craving strikes! Get ready for an adventure in cooking that promises rich flavors and delightful textures.

Ingredients for panera broccoli and cheese soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious panera broccoli and cheese soup:

• Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets with no yellowing; they should be firm and fresh for optimal flavor.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for that distinctive cheesy punch that takes this soup to another level.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess; don’t skimp here unless you want watery soup!
• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while still packing in flavor.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic goodness—because who doesn’t love garlic?

For the Seasoning:

• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings—always adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Dried Thyme: A pinch of thyme enhances depth with its earthy notes; use fresh if you have it!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make panera broccoli and cheese soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious panera broccoli and cheese soup:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing your fresh broccoli thoroughly. Chop it into bite-sized pieces because nobody wants to wrestle with giant florets while trying to enjoy their soup!

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in your chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and slightly golden—about three minutes should do the trick.

Step 3: Add Broccoli

Now it’s time for our star ingredient! Add those lovely green broccoli florets into the pot along with vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the broccoli is tender—around eight minutes will leave it perfectly cooked without turning mushy.

Step 4: Blend It Up

Here comes the fun part! Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring it to a regular blender), blend everything until smooth but leave some chunks for texture—you want it creamy but not completely pureed!

Step 5: Stir In Cream and Cheese

With the soup blended, return it to low heat. Pour in heavy cream slowly while stirring continuously. Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese gradually until melted into gooey perfection—this is where all magic happens!

Step 6: Season to Taste

Taste your masterpiece! Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or thyme as needed. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.

Transfer to bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or croutons on top for an extra crunch—it’s pure bliss!

Now that you have recreated this delightful panera broccoli and cheese soup at home, you’ll never look at store-bought options the same way again! Enjoy each spoonful as if you’re right there at Panera Bread savoring every drop of cheesy goodness. spicy best ever shakshuka.

Perfecting panera broccoli and cheese soup Cooking Process

Begin by sautéing onions and garlic in butter to build a flavor base. Next, add chopped broccoli and vegetable broth, cooking until tender. flaky breakfast butter swim biscuits Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted. Finally, season with salt and pepper for that perfect finish.

Add Your Touch to panera broccoli and cheese soup

Feel free to swap out the cheddar for gouda or add some diced chicken for protein. Want to spice things up? Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of nutmeg to elevate the flavors!

Storing & Reheating panera broccoli and cheese soup

Store leftover panera broccoli and cheese soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Sometimes my friends joke that I’m practically a walking ad for this dish! One time, I made it for a cozy get-together, and everyone was raving about it—and they all asked for seconds!

FAQs About panera broccoli and cheese soup

What is panera broccoli and cheese soup?

Panera broccoli and cheese soup is a creamy, rich dish made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety base. This beloved soup combines the goodness of vegetables with indulgent flavors, making it a comforting option for chilly days. The ingredients are simmered together to create a deliciously thick and hearty texture. Many enjoy this soup as part of a meal or on its own. It’s often served in a bread bowl at Panera Bread, adding to its appeal as a satisfying lunch or dinner choice.

How can I make panera broccoli and cheese soup at home?

To make panera broccoli and cheese soup at home, start by sautéing onions and garlic until they are fragrant. Then, add chopped broccoli florets and vegetable broth, letting them simmer until tender. Next, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg for added flavor. Allow the mixture to thicken before serving. For an extra touch, consider serving it in a freshly baked bread bowl for an authentic experience.

What variations can I try with panera broccoli and cheese soup?

There are several delightful variations you can try with panera broccoli and cheese soup. For instance, you can incorporate different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a unique taste. Adding cooked chicken or ham can also enhance the protein content while introducing new flavors. savory spinach and goat cheese muffins For those looking to boost nutrition, consider adding other vegetables such as carrots or spinach. You can also make it lighter by using low-fat milk instead of cream without compromising the creamy texture.

Is panera broccoli and cheese soup gluten-free?

Panera broccoli and cheese soup is not inherently gluten-free because it often contains flour as a thickening agent. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version at home by using cornstarch or gluten-free flour substitutes instead of regular flour. Always check ingredient labels if you’re purchasing pre-made versions from stores or restaurants to ensure they meet gluten-free standards. Making your own allows for full control over ingredients while keeping the taste deliciously intact.

Conclusion for panera broccoli and cheese soup

In conclusion, the panera broccoli and cheese soup is not just comfort food; it’s an experience that many cherish. With its creamy texture and rich flavor profile, this dish warms hearts on cold days. Whether you choose to enjoy it at Panera Bread or recreate it at home using simple ingredients, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. light and fluffy souffle pancakes Give it a try today to savor the delightful combination of broccoli and cheddar in every spoonful!

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Panera Broccoli and Cheese Soup

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Warm and comforting, Panera Broccoli and Cheese Soup is a delightful blend of fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy base. This homemade version captures the essence of the beloved restaurant favorite, providing a rich, velvety texture that envelops your taste buds in cheesy goodness. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you seek some cozy comfort food, this soup is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

• Author: Samantha Rivera
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Soup
• Method: Sautéing, Blending
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent (about 3 minutes).
3. Add broccoli florets and vegetable broth; bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer until broccoli is tender (approximately 8 minutes).
4. Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender, leaving some chunks for texture.
5. Stir in heavy cream gradually, followed by shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or croutons.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg