Broccoli Cheddar Soup | Panera Broccoli cheddar soup copycat recipe

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through making a delicious copycat version of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup, inspired by the video from MamaInTheKitchen. Perfect for a cozy meal, this creamy soup is packed with flavor and nutrients.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients to make the soup. Here's what you'll need:

• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 large garlic clove (minced)
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 quart half-and-half
• 1 stick salted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 24 ounces mild cheddar cheese (block cheese is recommended for shredding)
• 1 pound chopped fresh broccoli
• 3 large carrots (shredded)

Tips

• Fresh ingredients yield the best flavor.
• Shredding your own cheese can enhance the texture of the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt the stick of salted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the following:

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté these ingredients for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent. This step builds the flavor base for your soup.

Common Pitfall

Avoid burning the garlic by stirring frequently and keeping an eye on the heat.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Once the onions and garlic are ready, stir in the flour. This will help thicken the soup. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Practical Advice

The roux should be a light golden color. If it darkens too much, it may impart a burnt flavor to the soup.

Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients

Gradually add the chicken broth and half-and-half to the roux, whisking continuously to combine. This will help avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Key Point

Simmering helps to meld the flavors together, making a richer soup.

Step 5: Incorporate the Vegetables

Add the chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.

Tip

You can adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more salt or cayenne for extra flavor.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Once the vegetables are tender, gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.

Best Practice

For a smoother texture, add the cheese in batches, ensuring each batch melts completely before adding more.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've made a delicious broccoli cheddar soup that rivals Panera's version. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade creation, and feel free to experiment with the ingredient ratios to suit your taste!