Description

Enjoy a rich and comforting bowl of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup recreated at home with fresh broccoli florets, creamy plant-based cheddar, smoky turkey bacon flavors, and a luscious texture. Perfect for cozy nights or quick lunches, this dairy-free, flavorful soup is simple to make and offers a satisfying hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced

Liquids and Broth

4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup plant-based milk

Cheese and Flavors

1 cup plant-based cheddar (plant-based), shredded
2 tablespoons smoky turkey bacon flavors
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Thickening Agents

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Seasonings

Salt, to taste
Cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the base vegetables: Start by sautéing chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery in a large pot over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This builds the flavorful foundation that supports the soup’s big flavor.
Add broth and broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the fresh broccoli florets and cook until they are tender but still bright green, about 10 minutes. This step ensures the broccoli is perfectly cooked and retains its vibrant color.
Create the creamy thickening: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with plant-based milk until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup to thicken the broth gently. Add a touch of natural gelling agent to give the soup luxurious body and consistency.
Incorporate cheddar and smoky flavors: Stir in the plant-based cheddar gradually while the soup simmers, allowing it to melt and infuse creamy flavor throughout. Mix in the smoky turkey bacon flavors along with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) for an irresistible taste balance.
Season and finish: Adjust seasoning with salt and cracked black pepper to your preference. Let the soup cook for an additional 5 minutes to marry all the flavors perfectly. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Notes

Choose fresh broccoli with firm, vibrant florets without yellowing to retain bright color and crunch.
Keep heat low during simmering to avoid breaking down broccoli too much, preserving its texture.
Add plant-based cheddar gradually off direct heat to prevent clumping and maintain creaminess.
Use smoky turkey bacon flavors conservatively to complement without overpowering the mild broccoli and cheese notes.
Stir the soup regularly during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, plant-based cheddar, creamy soup, dairy-free soup, comforting soup, turkey bacon flavors, vegetarian soup