### **Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup**
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#### **Introduction**
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting, and satisfying dish that has become a beloved staple at Panera Bread cafés. Known for its rich, velvety texture and the perfect balance of savory cheddar cheese and fresh, tender broccoli, this soup offers a warm, filling meal that appeals to both vegetarians and cheese lovers alike. Often served in a bread bowl, it has become synonymous with cozy, indulgent lunches, especially during the colder months. The combination of wholesome vegetables and the creamy, cheesy broth makes it a comforting classic for all ages.
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#### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
While broccoli cheddar soup itself is not an ancient dish, it has become a popular and enduring part of American café culture, particularly through restaurants like Panera Bread, where it gained a dedicated following. The origins of broccoli cheddar soup likely stem from the broader tradition of cream-based vegetable soups, which were common in European cooking, particularly in France and Italy. These types of soups—rich in cream, butter, and cheese—were often made to highlight local produce like leeks, cauliflower, or broccoli.
In the U.S., the combination of broccoli and cheddar cheese became iconic, likely due to the popularity of cheese and broccoli together in various casseroles and side dishes. By the late 20th century, the cream-based broccoli cheddar soup became a fixture on the menu at many American cafés, especially as a comfort food option. Panera Bread helped popularize this soup as a delicious and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with sandwiches or served in a bread bowl, cementing it as a symbol of cozy café fare.
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#### **Ingredients and Quantities**
For a homemade version of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
– **Broccoli florets**: 4 cups (about 1 medium bunch)
– **Butter**: 4 tablespoons
– **Yellow onion**: 1 medium, diced
– **Garlic**: 2 cloves, minced
– **Carrot**: 1 medium, peeled and grated
– **All-purpose flour**: 1/4 cup
– **Chicken broth**: 3 cups (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
– **Whole milk**: 1 cup
– **Heavy cream**: 1 cup
– **Shredded sharp cheddar cheese**: 2 cups (about 8 ounces)
– **Salt**: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
– **Black pepper**: 1/2 teaspoon
– **Ground mustard**: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for added depth)
– **Cayenne pepper or hot sauce**: A pinch (optional, for a slight kick)
– **Fresh parsley or chives**: for garnish (optional)
*Optional Additions*:
– **Leeks**: 1 small, thinly sliced (for an onion-like flavor with extra sweetness)
– **Potatoes**: 1 medium, peeled and diced (to make the soup thicker and more hearty)
– **Parmesan cheese**: 1/4 cup, grated (for extra richness and flavor)
– **Bacon bits**: for garnish (optional, for a smoky contrast)
– **Cream cheese**: 2 tablespoons (to enhance the creaminess)
– **Croutons**: for topping
– **Bread bowls**: if serving the soup in a bread bowl
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#### **Optional Additions**
You can experiment with these additions to make the soup even more flavorful or hearty:
1. **Leeks**: Adding thinly sliced leeks gives the soup a subtle sweetness and depth.
2. **Potatoes**: Diced potatoes help thicken the soup and give it a more hearty texture.
3. **Cheese Variations**: Try adding Gruyère or mozzarella along with cheddar for a more complex cheesy flavor.
4. **Bacon Bits**: For added richness and crunch, sprinkle cooked bacon bits on top.
5. **Herbs**: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can add subtle layers of flavor to the broth.
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#### **Tips for Success**
1. **Cook the Broccoli Just Right**: Cook the broccoli until it’s just tender, but not mushy. You want it to retain some of its texture to contrast with the smooth soup base.
2. **Grate the Cheese**: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and evenly into the soup than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
3. **Thicken Gradually**: When adding flour to make a roux, be sure to cook it for a minute or two before adding the liquids to avoid a raw flour taste.
4. **Stir Constantly**: Once the cheese is added, stir constantly to ensure it melts completely and doesn’t clump.
5. **Blend for Smoothness**: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Just be careful not to over-blend, as you still want some texture from the broccoli.
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#### **Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Broccoli**: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes. Drain the broccoli and set aside.
2. **Sauté Vegetables**: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and grated carrot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. **Make the Roux**: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
4. **Add the Liquids**: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
5. **Add the Broccoli**: Stir in the blanched broccoli and cook for another 5 minutes to heat through.
6. **Melt the Cheese**: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
7. **Season the Soup**: Season with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and cayenne (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. **Serve**: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. If serving in bread bowls, scoop out the center of the bread and fill with the soup.
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#### **Description**
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, rich, and savory soup that brings together the earthy flavor of broccoli with the sharp, tangy taste of cheddar cheese. The smooth, velvety base is balanced with bits of tender broccoli, creating a delightful texture and flavor contrast. The soup is comforting and indulgent, perfect for warming up on chilly days. It’s a great meal on its own or paired with a sandwich, especially when served in a bread bowl, making it the ultimate cozy and satisfying dish.
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#### **Nutritional Information** (per serving, assuming 6 servings)
– **Calories**: 350-400 kcal
– **Protein**: 10-12 g
– **Fat**: 25-30 g
– Saturated Fat: 15-18 g
– **Carbohydrates**: 25-30 g
– Sugars: 6-8 g
– **Fiber**: 3-4 g
– **Sodium**: 700-900 mg
– **Cholesterol**: 45-55 mg
*Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient substitutions and portion sizes.*
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#### **Conclusion**
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy classic that has become a go-to meal for those seeking something hearty yet satisfying. With its smooth cheese base and tender broccoli, it offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This soup is a favorite for a reason, as it manages to be both indulgent and nourishing. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal, it’s a dish that’s sure to please all who enjoy rich, savory soups.
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#### **Recommendation**
If you’re craving a cozy, creamy dish, this broccoli cheddar soup is a fantastic option. It’s rich and satisfying, perfect for a cold day or whenever you need a little comfort food. For a lighter version, you can substitute lower-fat milk, skip the heavy cream, and use less cheese. You can also load it up with more vegetables, like carrots or leeks, for added nutrients. Pair it with a simple salad or sandwich for a well-rounded meal. Embrace healthful indulgence by enjoying this creamy classic in moderation!