Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a homemade version of the popular Panera Bread soup. It’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender broccoli and carrots. Here’s how to make it:

Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 pound fresh broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 cup matchstick or julienned carrots
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to make a roux. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the flour is golden.
3. Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the half-and-half and chicken or vegetable broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken.
4. Add Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets, carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Blend Soup (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
6. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread or in a bread bowl, just like at Panera!

This copycat recipe captures the creamy and cheesy essence of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup, making it a perfect comfort food for any day.