Broccoli and Cheese Soup
User Reviews
5.0
369 reviews
Excellent
Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Report
Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Soup that’s quick, easy, and entirely from scratch! This homemade Panera Bread copycat is filling and flavorful and is always met with a request for seconds (and thirds!) by my family and friends.
Share:
Ingredients
- one bunch of fresh broccoli (enough for a few cups of chopped tops)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese plus extra for topping
- 1 cup freshly grated gouda cheese (not smoked)
- 1 cup shredded carrots or extra, to taste
- 1 small white onion (about 2/3 cup or 1 cup chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup half and half (or heavy cream) room temperature
- 3 TBSP all purpose flour
- 3 TBSP butter
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp allspice
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp dried basil
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- ⅛ tsp salt (will vary based on salt content of your stock/broth)
- a few cranks of freshly ground black pepper to taste
Add to Shopping List
Instructions
- First ze veggies: Chop em! Dice the onions super small, mince the garlic, an shred the carrots if you didn't buy pre-shredded. This can all be done ahead of time and stored in the fridge for later. For the broccoli, chop 2/3 of it into tiny florets [just cut off as much stem as you can and it'll fall apart in the pot] and then take the remaining 1/3 and give it a rough chop so you have a few large pieces to add to the soup. Totally optional!
- Add your veggie broth to a pot on medium-high heat, add your 2/3 of your broccoli [about 2 cups of florets] as well as your onion, garlic, carrots, and bay leaf. Simmer on medium, covered, for about 15-20 minutes or until the veggies are tender.
- Once the broth is done, start your roux: In a large pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter on medium heat, whisking constantly. Once melted, slowly add 3 tablespoons of flour as you continue to whisk.
- For a thicker soup, use an extra tablespoon of each. I skipped it. Remove from heat and slowly pour in the broth from your veggie mixture [its okay if some of the veggies jump in along side it!] and stir to incorporate.
- Next pour in the veggies and slowly stir in 1 cup of room temperature half and half.
- Return to the burner on very low heat, uncovered.
- Spoon out the bay leaf and season with the above herbs and spices, adding a little extra of whichever you like to taste. I personally adore the pinch of nutmeg in this soup but feel free to leave it out if it's just not your cup of tea! The soup is great both ways! Depending on the saltiness of your broth, you might skip the salt entirely or prefer to add a bit more. Taste and tweak as needed after adding your cheese.
- Oh yes: the cheese! Once the soup has warmed back up, stir in the grated cheeses [slowly and in small batches] and remove from heat immediately. I won't tell if you sneak extra cheese in your soup =)
- That extra broccoli you left on the side? Blanch in boiling water, steam in your microwave, or basically cook it however you'd like, then stir that green goodness into your completed soup for great texture and an extra burst of broccoli.
- Garnish with a little extra grated cheddar and a sprinkle of parsley and even a pinch of spicy red pepper flakes if you'd like! Anything goes!
Notes
- Recipe yields 4 cups of soup (perfect as a side for a sandwich or salad) or 2 big bowls of broccoli and cheese soup!
- Feel free to double the recipe as need - it's oh so easy to do and tastes AMAZING the next day!
- Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
442kcal
(22%)
Carbohydrates
16g
(5%)
Protein
19g
(38%)
Fat
34g
(52%)
Saturated Fat
22g
(110%)
Cholesterol
117mg
(39%)
Sodium
1160mg
(48%)
Potassium
295mg
(8%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
6520IU
(130%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
534mg
(53%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 442 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 442kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Cholesterol | 117mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 1160mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 295mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 6520IU | 130% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 534mg | 53% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
369 reviews
Excellent
Other Recipes
You'll Also Love
