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–+ servings

Panera-Style Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Rich, velvety cheddar cheese soup loaded with fresh tender broccoli florets and matchstick carrots, ready in one pot in just 30 minutes for the ultimate cozy comfort meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup Base & Roux
  • 1/4 cup unsalted European butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or halal chicken broth)
  • 2 cups half-and-half (or whole milk + cream)
Seasoning & Vegetables
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped bite-sized
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots, coarsely chopped
  • 8 oz extra sharp yellow cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (about 2 cups)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
  3. Slowly whisk in broth and half-and-half until smooth. Add Dijon mustard, nutmeg, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Stir in chopped broccoli florets and matchstick carrots. Cover partially and simmer over low heat for 12-15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Remove pot from the heat completely. Gradually fold in freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time until silky and completely melted.
  6. Ladle hot into bowls, garnish with extra cheddar and black pepper, and serve with crusty sourdough bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 13gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 360mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gCalcium: 320mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

Always shred cheddar cheese fresh from a block. Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that make the soup grainy.

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