Copycat Panera's Broccoli-Cheddar Soup

(3)

This velvety copycat of Panera's Broccoli-Cheddar Soup is just like the original, with a cheesy broth and plenty of broccoli and shredded carrot. Enjoy with crusty bread to sop up the leftovers.

Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 cups low-sodium no-chicken broth

  • ¼ teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon salt

  • 3 cups broccoli florets, cut into 3/4-inch pieces

  • ¾ cup matchstick carrots

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  2. Add broth and salt; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and carrots. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, whisk milk and cornstarch together in a liquid measuring cup; drizzle into the soup, stirring constantly. Cook, stirring constantly, until bubbling and thickened, about 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat; gradually add Cheddar, stirring until melted after each addition.

    a recipe photo of the Copycat Panera's Broccoli-Cheddar Soup served in two bowls
    Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop stylist: Clairen Spollen

To make ahead

Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Recipe Updates

Based on earlier review and comments of this recipe, we've retested and made the following adjustments (and updated the nutritional analysis accordingly):

Increased garlic and salt (to boost flavor).

Changed to low-sodium no-chicken broth and extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (to boost flavor).

EatingWell.com, December 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

445 Calories
28g Fat
28g Carbs
23g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 3/4 cups
Calories 445
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 11g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 23g 47%
Total Fat 28g 36%
Saturated Fat 14g 69%
Cholesterol 68mg 23%
Vitamin A 513µg
Vitamin C 64mg 71%
Vitamin D 2µg
Vitamin E 2mg 12%
Folate 76µg
Vitamin K 76µg
Sodium 719mg 31%
Calcium 603mg 46%
Iron 1mg 7%
Magnesium 53mg 13%
Potassium 739mg 16%
Zinc 3mg 29%
Vitamin B12 1µg

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.