Panera Copycat – Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Learn to make a delicious Panera copycat broccoli cheddar soup using bone broth. This nutrient-dense, homemade soup is perfect for winter comfort.

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of soup to warm you up from the inside out. If you’re a fan of Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’re in for a treat.

In this article, we recreate a Panera copycat version of this beloved soup, right from the comfort of your home.

This recipe is not only simple but also brings a homemade touch that surpasses the restaurant’s version. Read along as we guide you through this stovetop sensation, and by the end, you’ll have a bowl of soup that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients and Preparation

To get started on our Broccoli Cheddar Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• Butter
• Celery
• Onion
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Salt and pepper
• Bone broth

Ingredient Benefits

This recipe calls for fresh vegetables like broccoli, celery, onions, and carrots. These add flavor and an array of nutrients, contributing to the overall healthiness of the soup. The star of the show, broccoli, is packed with vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. Carrots provide a good dose of beta-carotene and fiber, while onions and celery add essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Moreover, we use bone broth as the base for this soup. Bone broth is a nutrient powerhouse, rich in protein, collagen, and essential amino acids. It’s excellent for gut health, as well as promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails. Not only does it add depth to the flavor, but it also makes this soup much more nourishing.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Start with the Base

Begin by heating your stovetop to a medium-high setting. Place a large pot on the stove and add a generous amount of butter. Once the butter starts to melt, add in the chopped celery, onions, and carrots. These aromatic vegetables will serve as the flavorful base for your soup. Sauté them until the onions turn translucent, indicating that they are soft and have released their moisture.

Step 2: Add Broccoli

Once the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent, it’s time to add the star ingredient—broccoli. You can chop the broccoli into smaller florets to ensure they cook evenly and quickly. Stir the broccoli into the pot, mixing it well with the other vegetables.

Step 3: Season the Vegetables

Seasoning is crucial for developing that irresistible, mouth-watering taste. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to the pot to enhance the flavors of all the vegetables. While it’s tempting to add a lot of salt initially, remember that you can always adjust the seasoning at the end.

Incorporating Bone Broth

Step 4: Add the Bone Broth

After your vegetables are well-seasoned, pour in the bone broth. The bone broth not only enriches the soup with its robust flavor but also adds a whole range of nutrients that are beneficial for your health. It’s this bone broth that makes this soup not only tasty but also a nutrient-dense option, perfect for a comforting meal.

Step 5: Bring to a Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let all the ingredients mingle and cook together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simmering also helps the vegetables to soften further and release their flavors into the broth.

Final Touches

Step 6: Blending (Optional)

If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender at this stage to blend some of the soup. This step is optional and depends on your texture preference. Blending part of the soup will give it that creamy consistency without needing to add any additional thickeners.

Step 7: Add Cheese

Now it’s time for the cheddar! Grate a generous amount of cheddar cheese and stir it into the soup. The cheese will melt into the broth, creating that creamy, cheesy texture that Broccoli Cheddar Soup is known for. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.

Step 8: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt and pepper as needed. If you find the soup too thick, you can always add a bit more broth or water.

Serving Suggestions

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is best served warm, straight from the pot. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

With Crusty Bread

A bowl of this creamy soup pairs wonderfully with a piece of crusty bread or a side of garlic bread. The bread serves as the perfect vehicle to soak up the delicious broth.

Sprinkle of Extra Cheese

If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top before serving. It adds an extra layer of flavor and a bit of visual appeal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

For an added touch of freshness and color, garnish your soup with some freshly chopped parsley or chives. It not only makes the soup look more appetizing but also adds a subtle hint of freshness to each bite.

Nutritional Benefits

One of the highlights of this soup is its nutritional content, thanks to the bone broth and fresh vegetables. Here’s a closer look at the nutritional benefits:

Protein and Collagen from Bone Broth

Bone broth is renowned for its high protein content and collagen, which is excellent for joint health, skin elasticity, and overall gut health. It contains essential amino acids that support muscle repair and growth, making it a great addition to your diet.

Vitamins and Minerals from Vegetables

The combination of broccoli, carrots, celery, and onions provides a vast array of vitamins and minerals. Broccoli alone offers Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, and potassium. Carrots bring in beta-carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A in the body, supporting good vision and immune function.

Gut Health

With the use of bone broth, this soup is geared towards supporting gut health. The gelatin in bone broth helps to restore the strength of the gut lining, supporting nutrient absorption and reducing inflammation.

Conclusion

This Panera copycat broccoli cheddar soup is a delicious, nutritious, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any cold day.

The blend of fresh vegetables and bone broth not only makes it a flavorful option but also a nutrient-packed one. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means you can whip up a batch whenever you need some hearty comfort food.