panera broccoli and cheese soup

There’s something deeply comforting about a creamy bowl of broccoli and cheese soup, especially on chilly evenings or when dinner needs to feel simple but satisfying. This panera broccoli and cheese soup brings that familiar cozy flavor into your own kitchen with everyday ingredients and an easy, relaxed cooking flow. It’s the kind of recipe people love because it works for busy weeknights, quiet family dinners, or make-ahead lunches that reheat beautifully. The texture is smooth, the flavor is rich without being heavy, and it feels like a warm pause in the middle of a long day. I usually keep this one on rotation when comfort matters more than complexity.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup checks all the boxes that make a recipe worth saving. It’s cozy, filling, and weeknight-friendly without asking for fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. The flavors come together gently, giving you a creamy, cheesy base with tender broccoli in every spoonful. It’s flexible enough to adjust based on what you already have, and it stretches well, making leftovers just as comforting the next day. Budget-wise, it relies on simple staples and turns them into something that feels special. This version of panera broccoli and cheese soup is freezer-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and easy to double for family meals. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to when you want something familiar, warm, and reliably satisfying.

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Ingredients

Tip: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen florets work well if thawed and drained properly.

  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces and set aside. Dice the onion and mince the garlic so everything is ready to go. Having ingredients prepped makes the cooking feel calm and keeps the soup from overcooking.

See also  Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir in garlic and let it warm briefly. Sprinkle in flour, stirring until the mixture looks smooth and lightly thickened.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Slowly pour in broth while stirring, then add milk and cream. The soup will start to loosen and look silky. Add broccoli, letting it simmer gently until tender and bright green, filling the kitchen with a warm aroma.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheese gradually. The soup should turn creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then let it simmer briefly until everything feels blended and spoon-ready without rushing the finish.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe fits easily into real life. It comes together in one pot, uses simple steps, and reheats beautifully for later meals. You can cook it ahead, store it, and warm it gently when needed. For Pinterest cooks who plan meals in advance, this soup offers comfort without extra effort or stress.

Tips & Tricks

  • Go slow with cheese: Adding cheese too quickly or over high heat can cause grainy texture. Keep the heat low and stir gently so the soup stays smooth and creamy instead of breaking.
  • Cut broccoli evenly: Uneven pieces can leave some florets mushy while others stay firm. Aim for similar sizes so everything softens at the same pace and the texture stays balanced.
  • Watch the thickness: If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of milk while stirring. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it settles naturally.
  • Season at the end: Cheese adds saltiness, so taste after everything melts. Adjust seasoning slowly to avoid over-salting and keep the flavors gentle and cozy.

Variations

  • Meaty version: Add cooked, finely chopped chicken or turkey for extra heartiness. Stir it in near the end so it warms through without drying out, turning the soup into a more filling dinner option.
  • Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and add extra broccoli or carrots for texture. This keeps the soup comforting while staying fully plant-based without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.
  • Ingredient swap: Swap cheddar for a mix of mild cheese and a sharper one to adjust flavor. This works well if you’re using what’s already in the fridge.
  • Flavor boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a small amount of mustard powder to deepen the flavor without overpowering the soup’s gentle, creamy base.
See also  Cheese Sauce for Broccoli

Serving Suggestions

  • Crusty bread bowls: Serve the soup with thick slices of bread for dipping. The contrast between creamy soup and crisp bread makes it feel extra comforting and perfect for cozy dinners.
  • Simple side salad: Pair with a light salad to balance the richness. Fresh greens and a mild dressing keep the meal feeling complete but not heavy.
  • Family-style dinner: Place the pot on the table with toppings nearby so everyone can serve themselves. It turns a simple soup into a relaxed, shared meal.
  • Lunch-ready bowls: Portion into smaller bowls with bread on the side for easy lunches that reheat well and feel just as cozy the next day.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage: Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to three days. Stir before reheating to restore the creamy texture.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much after chilling.
  • Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly.
  • Make-ahead tips: Prepare the soup a day early and store it chilled. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more comforting when reheated.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Rest Time: Not applicable
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

This soup contains approximately 300–380 calories per serving, depending on portion size and cheese used. Protein ranges around 12–16 grams per serving. It also provides calcium and vitamin C from the cheese and broccoli. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and serving size.

See also  Beer Cheese Dip

FAQs

Yes, it stores well and reheats smoothly with gentle heat.

Cooking the cheese over high heat can cause a grainy texture.

Yes, thaw and drain it well before adding.

Add milk slowly while reheating and stir gently.

Up to three days in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This panera broccoli and cheese soup is one of those recipes that quietly earns its place in your kitchen rotation. It’s simple, comforting, and easy to adjust based on what you have on hand. You can make it for family dinners, portion it for lunches, or freeze it for later when you need something warm without extra effort. Don’t be afraid to tweak the cheese, add vegetables, or serve it differently each time. Recipes like this are meant to grow with you. On cold nights or busy days, it’s the kind of soup that always feels like a good idea.

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panera broccoli and cheese soup

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Cheese Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups vegetable broth

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and lightly golden.
  • Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and stir until smooth.
  • Slowly pour in broth, then add milk and cream, stirring until the soup looks silky.
  • Add broccoli and simmer gently until tender.
  • Reduce heat and stir in cheese gradually until melted and creamy.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

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