If you love the warm, comforting flavors of Panera soups but don’t want to leave your house, you’re in for a treat! Making your own Panera-style soup at home is not only easy but also delicious. You can enjoy that rich, hearty taste whenever you crave it without the need for takeout. Ready to get started? how you can whip up a homemade version of Panera’s famous soup.
Why Make Panera Soup at Home?
Why settle for store-bought when you can recreate that savory, homemade goodness in your kitchen? Not only is it easy, but it’s also much cheaper and healthier when you control what goes into it. Plus, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste. Like it creamier or want a little more spice? You’re in charge!
Ingredients
To get started, gather a few simple ingredients. Most of these items are pantry staples, so there’s a good chance you already have them on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Vegetable or chicken broth, heavy cream or milk, butter, chopped onions and garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh or frozen broccoli, carrots, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Once you’ve got your ingredients together, you’re all set to make your soup.
Instructions
Start with the Base-First, heat a pot on medium heat and add a little butter. Once the butter melts, toss in your chopped onions and garlic. Stir them until they become soft and fragrant—this is your flavorful base. After a few minutes, add the flour to make a roux, which will thicken your soup.
Add the Broth and Veggies
Slowly pour in your vegetable or chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Next, add your sliced carrots and broccoli. Allow the veggies to cook until tender. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Be patient—this step helps build those rich flavors.
Make it Creamy
Here’s where the magic happens! Pour in your heavy cream or milk to give the soup its creamy texture. Stir it all together and bring it to a simmer. If you like it thicker, add a little more flour. Want it lighter? Just use less cream. You get to decide!
Add Cheese for That Classic Panera Flavor
No Panera soup is complete without a generous helping of cheese. Stir in your shredded cheddar cheese slowly until it melts and blends into the soup. The cheesy goodness will make the soup rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
Season to Taste
Now it’s time to add some flavor. Sprinkle in a bit of salt and pepper. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a bit of a kick, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika.
Serve and Enjoy
Your Panera-style soup is ready! Ladle it into bowls and serve with a slice of crusty bread for the full Panera experience. You can even top it with more shredded cheese if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Enjoy your warm, homemade bowl of comfort!
Why This Recipe is a Winner
Why is this recipe so great? It’s simple, affordable, and totally customizable. You can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Want to add more veggies like potatoes or spinach? Go ahead! Craving some extra protein? Toss in some cooked chicken or bacon. The possibilities are endless.
Tips for the Perfect Panera Soup
Here are a few tips to make sure your soup turns out just right: Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor, but frozen works in a pinch. If your soup is too thick, just add a little more broth to thin it out. To keep your soup smooth, be sure to stir constantly after adding the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use almond milk instead of cream?
Yes, but it may change the flavor and texture a bit.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, but it’s best without the cheese for freezing.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, but cheddar works best for this recipe.
Is this soup gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free flour to adapt it.