Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup, garnished with shredded cheddar.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 35 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ½ onion, chopped

• ¼ cup melted butter

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk

• 2 cups chicken stock

• 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets

• 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots

• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced

• 2 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.

2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

3. Whisk 1/4 cup melted butter and flour together in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Continue to whisk and cook, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk if necessary to keep the flour from burning, 3 to 4 minutes.

4. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly; stir in chicken stock and bring to a simmer.

5. Cook until mixture is thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes.

6. Add broccoli, carrots, celery, and sautéed onion; simmer until all the vegetables are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.

7. Stir in Cheddar cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.