Description
This creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and delicious Panera Bread copycat recipe. Made in the slow cooker for easy preparation, it features tender broccoli, savory onions, and rich cheddar cheese combined in a smooth, cheesy broth. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this soup can be assembled quickly and cooks slowly to develop deep flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 heads broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 6 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker Ingredients: Add chopped broccoli florets, diced onion, shredded carrots, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chicken stock into a 4 quart or larger slow cooker.
- Cook Vegetables: Cook the mixture on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 6 hours until broccoli is tender and cooked through.
- Make Cheese Base: About 10 minutes before the broccoli is done, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes constantly to form a roux. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Reduce heat to low, add shredded cheddar cheese, and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Combine Soup and Cheese Mixture: Once broccoli is tender, pour the cheese mixture into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the cheese base with the cooked vegetables and broth.
- Finish Cooking: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, optionally sprinkle more shredded cheese on top, and enjoy your comforting broccoli cheddar soup!
Notes
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid curdling.
- Half & Half or whole milk can substitute heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Fresh minced garlic (2 cloves) can be used instead of garlic powder for a fresher garlic flavor.