Kamil Perry
Broccoli cheese soup is a popular comfort food, and many restaurants have their own take on this classic dish. While some prefer the soup from Panera, others suggest that the best broccoli cheese soup is from Quiznos, Vons, or Sam's Club. If you're looking for a canned option, Campbell's is said to be surprisingly bold and flavorful. So, which restaurant's broccoli cheese soup is the best? Let's dive into the details and find out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Panera |
| Number of Locations | Over 2,000 |
| Calories | 310 |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Sodium | 1550 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Soup Texture | Creamy, smooth, lightweight |
| Broccoli Texture | Tender, chunky |
| Broccoli Type | Florets, stems |
| Other Ingredients | Carrots, sharp cheese, nutmeg |
| Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup | Signature Cafe |
| Runner-up | Sam's Club |
| Honourable Mention | Campbell's |
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What You'll Learn
Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar Soup
The soup is described as velvety, lightweight, and smooth, with perfectly sized broccoli florets and shredded carrots that add depth of flavour. The addition of seasonings like nutmeg, salt, and pepper further enhances the taste. Some choose to add potatoes, garlic powder, and minced dry onion to the mix for an extra punch of flavour.
The recipe for this soup is not a well-kept secret, as many home cooks have attempted to recreate it in their own kitchens. The process involves sautéing onions in butter, adding flour, and then whisking in half-and-half and chicken stock. Broccoli, carrots, and cheese are the stars of the show, with some opting for sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses to create a rich and creamy texture.
While the soup has its fans, some critics argue that it may be too cheesy or salty for those who don't share the same affinity for cheese and salt. Additionally, the presence of carrot flavour might be more prominent than desired by those solely seeking a broccoli and cheddar soup experience.
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Quiznos' creamy and cheesy broccoli cheese soup
Broccoli cheese soup is a fan favourite, full of cream, cheese, tender broccoli, and sometimes carrots. It is a filling option, especially when served in a bread bowl or with a baguette on the side. While there are many restaurants that serve this delicious soup, Quiznos' version stands out for its creaminess and cheesiness.
Quiznos, the popular sub sandwich chain, offers a beloved broccoli cheese soup that has gained a dedicated following. Despite the chain's downsizing over the years, resulting in the closure of thousands of stores, the remaining locations continue to serve this iconic soup. Described as both creamy and cheesy, the soup includes broccoli and carrots, creating a well-balanced and flavourful dish.
The recipe for Quiznos' broccoli cheese soup has become so sought-after that it has inspired at-home recreations, with some claiming to have replicated the taste exactly. The process involves sautéing onions in butter, adding garlic, and creating a roux with butter and flour. Half-and-half, chicken stock, broccoli, carrots, and onions are then added, followed by a pureeing step to achieve the signature creamy texture. Finally, grated cheese and nutmeg are mixed in, resulting in a soup that warms the soul.
The calorie count for Quiznos' broccoli cheese soup is 155 for a cup and 245 for a bowl, making it an indulgent treat. The soup has received rave reviews, with some describing it as "unbelievably delicious." The combination of salty cheese, tender vegetables, and creamy broth creates a harmonious blend of flavours and textures that keeps customers coming back for more.
In conclusion, Quiznos' creamy and cheesy broccoli cheese soup is a standout dish that has earned its place as a comfort food favourite. With its blend of flavours and textures, it satisfies the cravings of those seeking a warm and filling meal. Whether enjoyed at one of their remaining locations or recreated at home, Quiznos' broccoli cheese soup continues to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving people wanting more.
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Campbell's canned broccoli cheese soup
Broccoli cheese soup is a popular dish at many restaurants and as a canned product. While Panera Bread's broccoli cheddar soup is widely regarded as one of the best, Campbell's canned broccoli cheese soup is also a good option.
Campbell's Condensed Broccoli Cheese Soup is a convenient and versatile product. It can be enjoyed on its own as a quick and easy meal, or used as an ingredient in various recipes. The soup is crafted with broccoli, cheddar cheese, and cream, providing a rich and cheesy flavour. It also includes other ingredients like vegetable oil, wheat flour, and seasonings to enhance the taste and texture.
One notable feature of Campbell's broccoli cheese soup is its convenience. It comes in 10.5 oz recyclable cans, with about 2.5 servings per can. The soup can be easily prepared in the microwave or on the stove, making it a quick and convenient option for those short on time.
In terms of taste and texture, Campbell's broccoli cheese soup has received mixed reviews. Some people find it bold, cheesy, and salty, with a rich consistency. The use of both broccoli stems and florets is also seen as a positive. However, others have found that canned broccoli cheese soups, including Campbell's, lack flavour and require additional seasoning or ingredients to enhance the taste.
Campbell's suggests using their broccoli cheese soup as a base for a Cheddar Broccoli Frittata or as a substitute for roux or bechamel sauce in various recipes. It can also be enjoyed with a sandwich or salad, adding a creamy and cheesy element to the meal.
While Campbell's canned broccoli cheese soup may not be the absolute best option available, it is a convenient and versatile product that can be enhanced with additional ingredients or enjoyed on its own, making it a good choice for those seeking a quick and easy option.
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Home Chef's Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup is a popular comfort food, and many restaurants and grocery stores offer their own versions of this classic dish. While Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a well-known option, with its smooth and velvety texture and perfectly sized broccoli florets, it is not the only choice available. Here are some alternatives for home chefs looking to create their own delicious broccoli cheddar soup:
Home Chefs Broccoli Cheddar Soup:
For home chefs who want to craft their own broccoli cheddar soup, there are several recipes and pre-made options available:
- Signature Cafe's Broccoli Cheddar Soup: While it may not be a household name, this soup has been praised for its perfect creamy thickness and slightly smoky tang. It uses both broccoli florets and stems, and the seasoning, including pepper, garlic, parmesan, and onion, is balanced beautifully.
- Home Chef's Broccoli Cheddar Soup: As the name suggests, this option is ideal for cheese lovers. It is described as "straight melted cheddar cheese in a cup," but with a smooth and inviting texture. This soup may be too salty and intense for those who are not fans of cheese or salt.
- Campbell's Broccoli Cheddar Soup: This canned soup option stands out from other pre-made alternatives. It has a bold, cheesy, and salty flavour, and a rich consistency. Campbell's uses both broccoli stems and florets, ensuring a well-rounded flavour.
- Sam's Club Broccoli Cheddar Soup: This option is perfect for those looking for multiple servings or planning to serve multiple people. It offers big hunks of broccoli and a creamy cheddar base, with the added crispness of julienned carrots.
Recipe for Home Chefs:
For those who want to make their own broccoli cheddar soup from scratch, here is a recipe inspired by Panera's popular version:
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Onion
- Flour
- Half & half
- Chicken stock
- Broccoli
- Carrot
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Melt butter and saute onions in a pot until soft.
- Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Whisk in half & half and chicken stock, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add broccoli and carrots.
- Cook over medium-low heat until the vegetables are tender (about 20-25 minutes).
- Add salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother soup, blend about 1 cup of the soup and stir it back in.
- Return the soup to low heat and add the sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until melted.
- Serve with crusty bread.
Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste preferences. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add your favourite seasonings to make it your signature soup!
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Safeway's broccoli cheddar soup
While Safeway doesn't make its own broccoli cheddar soup, it does sell two popular brands: Panera Bread and Signature Cafe.
Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a bakery-café favourite. This thick soup is made with chopped broccoli and shredded carrots simmered in a velvety smooth cheese sauce with select seasonings. It's perfect for a quick meal and can be enjoyed at your convenience. To prepare, simply microwave the cup for three to four minutes and enjoy. It's also gluten-free and contains no artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavours, or colours.
Signature Cafe Broccoli & Cheddar Soup
Signature Cafe's Broccoli Cheddar Soup has been described as having a perfect creamy thickness with a slightly smoky tang. It uses both broccoli florets and stems, and the seasonings, including pepper, garlic, parmesan, and onion, are well-balanced. This soup is also gluten-free, and Safeway guarantees quality and satisfaction or your money back.
Other Options
If you're looking for other options outside of Safeway, there are several popular choices. Panera Bread's soup is widely available at over 2,000 locations and retailers like Kroger. Quiznos also serves a beloved creamy and cheesy broccoli cheese soup at its remaining 150 locations in the US. For a ready-to-eat option, Campbell's canned soup is surprisingly bold, cheesy, and salty, with a rich consistency. For a similar option, Sam's Club offers a creamy cheddar base with large broccoli pieces and crisp carrots. Lastly, while Marketside's soup may not have the most balanced flavours, it's still worth trying for its velvety, lightweight, and smooth texture, as well as its perfectly sized broccoli florets.
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Frequently asked questions
While it's subjective, Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is comfort food at its best and is a popular choice. It is creamy, lightweight, and smooth, with perfectly sized broccoli florets and shredded carrots.
Quiznos serves a delicious broccoli cheese soup, which is described as both creamy and cheesy, with broccoli and carrots. Broccoli cheddar soup from Vons or any Albertsons-owned grocery store is also said to have a great flavour profile.
Campbell’s canned broccoli cheese soup has a bold, cheesy, salty flavour and a rich consistency. Home Chef’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is another option if you like a lot of cheese and salt.
