Description

This Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup is a comforting classic that’s perfect for chilly nights. With tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and rich cheddar cheese, this creamy soup captures all the flavors of your favorite café while being easy to make at home. Topped with crispy bacon crumbles for an added crunch (because why not?), it’s served in adorable bread bowls or with crusty bread for dipping. Your family will love this hearty and delicious meal!

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped carrots
4 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
2 cloves minced garlic
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter
3 cups chicken stock
2 cups half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (white or yellow)
Optional: cooked bacon crumbles (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: bread bowls or crusty bread for serving

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Instructions

In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until the onion is tender and translucent.
Stir in the chopped broccoli and carrots. Pour in the chicken stock and half-and-half. Add the salt, bay leaves, black pepper, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a little cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup to thicken it. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the soup is bubbling and thickened.
Remove the bay leaves from the soup and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Feel free to mix in any cheese you have on hand, like Swiss or Gruyère, for a unique twist!
Ladle the soup into bread bowls for a fun presentation or serve it with hunks of crusty bread on the side. Top with crispy bacon crumbles if desired. Enjoy this rich and cheesy soup that tastes just like Panera!

Notes

Customization: Feel free to add in any leftover vegetables or spices you have on hand to make this soup your own!
Storage: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick.

Cook Time: 40 minutes