Frederic Melton
Broccoli cheese soup is a popular dish served by many restaurants, including Panera Bread. This creamy and cheesy soup is often considered a comfort food, perfect for chilly days. It can be made in various ways, with different types of cheese, vegetables, and spices, and served with croutons, bacon bits, or crusty bread. While it can be enjoyed as a hearty meal on its own, some people also like to pair it with a glass of full-bodied buttery Chardonnay. Whether it's a Panera copycat recipe or a unique creation, broccoli cheese soup is a favourite among many, offering a delicious blend of rich flavours and a creamy texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Ingredients | Broccoli, milk, butter, onion, flour, nutmeg, cheese, salt, pepper, garlic, carrots, vegetable broth, chicken stock, heavy cream, half-and-half |
| Cheese types | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Goat Cheese, Gruyère, American, Colby, Velveeta |
| Serving suggestions | Bread bowl, croutons, bacon bits, ciabatta bread, crackers, crusty bread, garlic bread |
| Calories | 413-417 kcal |
| Other nutrients | Carbohydrates, protein, fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, fiber, sugar |
| Recipe sources | Love and Lemons, The Pioneer Woman, Averie Cooks, The Girl Who Ate Everything, Serious Eats, Allrecipes |
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What You'll Learn
Broccoli cheese soup recipes
Broccoli cheese soup is a comforting classic, perfect for chilly days. There are many recipes available, and most agree that butter, onion, flour, milk, and cheese are essential ingredients. Here is a guide to making your own broccoli cheese soup, with some variations to consider.
Ingredients
Most recipes call for butter, onion, flour, milk, and cheese as the base ingredients. For the cheese, a sharp cheddar is recommended by many, but mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, goat cheese, or Gruyère are also options. Using pre-grated cheese is not recommended, as it may not melt well and can affect the texture of the soup. Instead, grate the cheese yourself to ensure a smooth and creamy soup.
Some recipes suggest adding half-and-half for a richer soup, while others opt for unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk for a slightly thinner consistency. Nutmeg is also a popular addition, providing extra flavour.
For vegetables, broccoli is, of course, essential. Carrots are also a common addition, and some recipes include celery. The vegetables should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure you get some in every spoonful.
Method
The soup-making process typically begins with melting butter in a pot over medium heat. Diced onion is then added and sautéed until translucent and barely browned, followed by garlic. Flour is sprinkled in and cooked briefly before milk and, if using, half-and-half are added. Nutmeg, salt, and pepper are also incorporated at this stage.
The next step is to add the broccoli, along with any other vegetables you are using. The soup is then covered and simmered over low heat until the broccoli is tender, usually around 20 to 30 minutes.
Once the broccoli is tender, it's time to add the cheese. It is important to go low and slow at this stage, ensuring the pot is over very low heat to prevent the soup from burning. Keep stirring until all the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
Serving
Broccoli cheese soup is a comforting and creamy dish, perfect for serving with crusty bread or homemade croutons for dunking. It can also be served in a bread bowl for an extra indulgent experience. For a savoury topping, try adding bacon bits or scallions.
Variations
While the basic recipe remains consistent, there are some variations to consider. Some recipes include Dijon mustard for a tangy, peppery depth of flavour, while others add cayenne pepper for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination.
Additionally, while most recipes call for vegetable broth, you can use chicken broth for a heartier flavour. If you want a thicker soup, you can mash the broccoli with a potato masher or puree it with a blender for a smoother consistency.
Broccoli cheese soup is a versatile and comforting dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. With a variety of ingredients and methods to choose from, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Broccoli cheese soup restaurants
Broccoli cheese soup is a popular dish served at several restaurants, with each offering its unique take on this comforting classic. Here are some of the restaurants that serve broccoli cheese soup:
Panera Bread
Panera Bread's broccoli cheddar soup is a well-known favourite among customers. It is described as creamy, rich, tangy, and cheesy. It is often mentioned as a benchmark for this soup, with many recipes aiming to recreate or improve upon its flavour.
The Pioneer Woman
Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, has her own take on broccoli cheddar soup. It is served in a bread bowl, topped with homemade croutons or crispy bacon bits, and accompanied by big hunks of ciabatta bread for dunking. This version emphasises the use of sharp cheddar cheese and the option to add other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even goat cheese for a luscious twist.
Love and Lemons
Love and Lemons offers a 30-minute broccoli cheddar soup recipe that can be made at home. It is described as hearty, rich, and creamy—the ultimate comfort food. Their recipe includes tips for achieving the perfect texture and ensuring the soup doesn't become grainy. They suggest serving it with croutons or even adding bacon bits.
Averie Cooks
Averie Cooks provides a recipe for a broccoli cheese soup that is claimed to be better than Panera's. It is described as creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender pieces of broccoli. The recipe includes step-by-step instructions for creating a smooth and flavourful soup, including the use of extra-sharp cheddar cheese and a pinch of cayenne pepper for enhanced flavour.
Serious Eats
Serious Eats takes a slightly different approach to broccoli cheese soup by focusing on both the "broccoli" and the "cheese" in the name. They offer a recipe that aims to balance the comforting cheesiness with a prominent broccoli flavour. Their recipe includes charring broccoli florets, simmering the stems, and adding a potato to achieve a creamy texture and a natural thickener.
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Broccoli cheese soup calories
Broccoli cheese soup is a comforting and creamy dish, often served in a bread bowl or with croutons and bacon bits. While it is a delicious treat, it is important to be mindful of the calorie content and sodium levels.
A bowl of broccoli cheese soup, typically containing 12 ounces or 1 1/2 cups, provides around 263 calories. However, the calorie count can vary depending on the ingredients used and the portion size. For example, a cup of Panera Bread's broccoli cheddar soup contains 360 calories, while their bread bowl option adds an extra 670 calories, totalling 1,030 calories for the entire meal.
The calorie count for a homemade version of this soup is approximately 415 kcal per serving. This recipe includes butter, onion, flour, milk, half-and-half, broccoli, nutmeg, cheese, salt, and pepper. The high-quality cheese used in this recipe contributes to the overall flavour and calorie content.
When considering the calorie intake, it is worth noting that broccoli cheese soup is typically not a low-calorie food. While a bowl of soup may provide around 263 calories, it exceeds the ideal daily sodium recommendation. Therefore, it is recommended to enjoy this soup occasionally rather than making it a daily habit, especially if a low-sodium version is not available.
In summary, broccoli cheese soup is a comforting and indulgent dish that contributes a significant amount of calories and sodium to one's diet. The calorie count can vary depending on the ingredients, portion size, and whether it is made at home or purchased from a restaurant. It is important to be mindful of the nutritional content and consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Broccoli cheese soup storage
Broccoli cheese soup is a delicious and comforting meal, and if you're lucky enough to have leftovers, you'll want to store them properly to enjoy another time.
Firstly, it's best not to freeze this soup. Creamy and cheesy soups tend to separate and become grainy after being frozen and thawed. So, it's best to store your soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to four to seven days.
When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. It's worth noting that the soup is less likely to 'break' or separate when reheated in the microwave.
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Broccoli cheese soup sides
Broccoli cheese soup is a hearty and comforting dish, and there are several sides that can enhance this creamy and cheesy delight. Here are some ideas to serve alongside this indulgent soup:
Bread
Bread is a classic side to accompany soup, and for broccoli cheese soup, a crusty baguette, sourdough loaf, or ciabatta are all excellent choices. For an extra treat, a bread bowl can be used to serve the soup, providing a fun and edible vessel for dunking. For a more textured bite, croutons are a great option, adding a crunchy element to the creamy soup.
Sandwiches
A rich, cheesy sandwich is a perfect match for broccoli cheese soup, and the addition of meat, such as turkey, ham, or chicken, creates a hearty and satisfying pairing. For a vegan option, a tempeh sandwich is a tasty alternative.
Fries
For a comforting and indulgent meal, fries are an ideal side. Whether dipped into the soup or enjoyed as a separate side dish, fries add a substantial and flavorful element to the meal.
Rice and Pasta
Rice is a versatile side that complements creamy soups well. It adds substance and transforms the soup into a more filling meal. Fusilli pasta is another quick and convenient option, especially if time is of the essence, as it is likely to be a pantry staple.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a delicious and aromatic side that pairs well with the soup. For gluten-intolerant individuals, a gluten-free version can be prepared, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this tasty combination.
These sides will surely elevate your broccoli cheese soup experience, providing a variety of flavors, textures, and dietary options to suit different preferences and requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Panera Bread serves broccoli cheese soup, and there are copycat recipes available online.
The main ingredients in broccoli cheese soup are broccoli, cheese, milk, and butter. Other common ingredients include onions, garlic, carrots, and nutmeg.
Broccoli cheese soup can be made in about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the recipe.
