Description

This Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the kind of cozy, creamy comfort food that makes an easy dinner feel special. I love how tender broccoli, sweet carrots, savory onion, and sharp cheddar melt into a rich, velvety bowl that tastes like a café favorite made right at home. It is perfect for lunch, quick dinner nights, cold-weather cravings, and easy recipe ideas when you want simple food ideas that still feel hearty, homemade, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups chicken broth

2 cups half-and-half

4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small

1 cup julienned carrots

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.

5. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.

6. Pour in the half-and-half and stir until fully combined.

7. Add the chopped broccoli florets and julienned carrots.

8. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.

9. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and paprika.

10. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

12. Serve hot with crusty bread or in a bread bowl.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest texture, since pre-shredded cheese can make the soup grainy.

Keep the heat low when adding the cheese so the soup stays silky and does not separate.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 356
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 78mg

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