Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a make at home version of Panera's most popular soup! Filled with broccoli, carrots and cheese this recipe is a one-pot easy to make meal.
Ingredients
1/2cupbutter
1cuponion, chopped
1cupchopped carrots, I used baby carrots
4cupschopped broccoli
1teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonpepper
1/2teaspoonpaprika
few drops of hot pepper sauce (Tabasco)
4cupschicken or vegetable broth
1 1/2cupscream or half and half
1teaspoonyellow mustard
1/4cupcornstarch, whisked into 1/2 cup cold water or cold broth
2cupsgrated sharp cheddar cheese, about 8 oz
Instructions
Melt butter in large stockpot. Add onions and cook until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
Add carrots and broccoli cook for additional 3-4 minutes, season with salt, pepper, paprika and hot pepper sauce.
Pour chicken broth and cream into vegetable mixture. Add one teaspoon mustard, whisk until smooth.
Simmer over medium-low heat.
In a small bowl or cup, whisk the 1/2 cold water (or additional broth) together with the cornstarch until smooth. Pour into the stockpot with the vegetable mixture. Whisk until smooth.
Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Add cheese and cook just until cheese is melted.
Reduce heat until ready to serve.
Notes
Sharp or extra sharp cheese is best for this recipe.
If you want to make a heartier soup, cook a couple of chicken breast halves and shred or chop before adding to the finished soup.