Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Panera-style Broccoli Cheese Soup is a classic American comfort food that is loved by many. It is a creamy and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold day or as a comforting lunch or dinner. The main ingredients in this soup are fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, and Gruyere cheese, which are blended together to create a smooth and creamy consistency.
Here is a recipe for Panera-style Broccoli Cheese Soup:

Serving size and preparation time:

This recipe makes about 6 servings and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare. The preparation time includes cooking the onion and garlic, boiling the broccoli, blending the soup, and cooking the soup until it thickens. The actual hands-on time is around 25 minutes, with the rest of the time being inactive cooking time.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth and broccoli. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the broccoli cook until it is tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until well combined.
5. Once the broccoli is tender, remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a blender and puree in batches, being careful not to burn yourself with the hot liquid.
6. Return the pureed soup to the pot and place it back over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens, about 5 minutes.
7. Add the cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, and stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
8. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious and creamy Panera-style Broccoli Cheese Soup!

Serving suggestions

Here are some serving suggestions for Panera-style Broccoli Cheese Soup:

1. Serve the soup in bowls with crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping.
2. Top each serving with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or croutons for extra crunch.
3. Pair the soup with a salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers would be a great option.
4. Serve the soup in a bread bowl for a fun and filling presentation. Simply cut the top off of a round loaf of bread, remove the inside to create a well, and fill with the soup.
5. For a heartier meal, add diced cooked chicken or crumbled cooked bacon to the soup.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Panera-style Broccoli Cheese Soup is sure to be a hit!
This soup is easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and you can add additional vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes, to increase the nutritional content of the soup.
Overall, Panera-style Broccoli Cheese Soup is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to family and friends or simply enjoying a bowl on your own, this soup is sure to be a hit.