Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Katie Cottrill, Staff Writer

Panera Bread’s famous Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe:

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 12 medium chopped onion
  • 14 cup melted butter
  • 14 cup flour
  • 2 cups half-and-half cream
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 12 lb fresh broccoli (chopped into bite size pieces)
  • 1 cup carrots, grated
  • 14 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • salt and pepper
  • crusty bread or bread bowl
  • 2 cups whole milk

 

DIRECTIONS

  • Sauté onion in butter. Set aside.
  • Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until you see a noticeable golden brown color in your pan.
  • Slowly add in the chicken stock and whisk again to combine. Simmer contents covered (stirring occasionally) for 20 minutes on medium heat.
  • Add the broccoli, carrots and the sauteed onions, into the pot. Stir, add the milk and half & half. Cook covered over low heat 20-25 minutes but do not bring to a boil. This may cause the milk to curdle.
  • Add salt, pepper & nutmeg. Note: you can purée half of your soup in a blender or with a handheld immersion blender if you choose however it isn’t a requirement. Continue to cook the soup on low heat and slowly add the grated cheese a handful at a time and stir to avoid clumps. Once all the cheese has been added is melted, remove from heat, and serve immediately. Suggestion: serve with crusty bread or in a breadbowl.
  • Refrigerate leftovers after they have cooled and store in a airtight container up to 5 days in the refrigerator.