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–+ servings

Creamy Panera-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Crockpot or Stovetop)

Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp (1/2 stick) salted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1.5 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup matchstick or coarsely grated carrots
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika and a pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 3 cups (12 oz) sharp orange cheddar cheese, freshly shredded from a block

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and garlic for 4 minutes, then whisk in flour and cook for 90 seconds.
  2. Slowly whisk in warm broth and half-and-half until smooth. Stir in chopped broccoli, julienned carrots, Dijon mustard, paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  3. Simmer gently over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes until broccoli is tender.
  4. Remove pot from heat and stir in freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time until velvety and melted. Serve warm!

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