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The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe (Better Than Panera!)

The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe (Better Than Panera!)

This creamy Panera-style broccoli cheese soup combines tender broccoli and carrots with a smooth cheddar base made from butter, flour, half-and-half, and chicken broth. It is an easy, comforting dinner that makes about 4–6 servings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
Seasonings
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
Liquid
  • 2 cups Half-and-half
  • 2 cups Chicken broth
Vegetables
  • 3 cups Broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup Shredded carrots
Cheese
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, then cook for about 1 minute until a smooth roux forms.
  2. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half and chicken broth, adding the liquid slowly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
  3. Add the small broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, but do not let it reach a hard boil.
  4. Cook for approximately 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli and carrots are tender. Keep the heat moderate so the creamy base stays smooth.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar a handful at a time. Stir after each addition until the cheese is completely melted before adding more.
  6. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot in bowls with your favorite crusty bread or simple dinner accompaniment.

Notes

For the smoothest texture, shred cheddar from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Do not boil the soup after adding the cheese, since high heat can cause the dairy and cheese to separate or become grainy. Vegetable broth may replace chicken broth, and the soup can simmer a few extra minutes before the cheese is added if a thicker consistency is preferred.