Description
A warm, creamy, and comforting Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup made with fresh broccoli florets, plant-based cheddar cheese, savory smoked turkey bacon, and a natural gelling agent. This easily customizable and hearty soup features a lush texture with vibrant flavors, perfect for cozy meals at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 cup plant-based cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup plant-based milk
Meat Substitute
- 1/2 cup smoked turkey bacon, diced
Liquids and Sauces
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Thickener
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Cook the Broccoli and Turkey Bacon: Add broccoli florets and diced smoked turkey bacon to the pot. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the broccoli starts to become tender and the bacon releases its smoky aroma.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook gently until the broccoli is fully soft, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Blend and Incorporate Cheese: Use an immersion blender or countertop blender to puree part of the soup, creating a creamy base while leaving some broccoli chunks for texture. Return the soup to the pot. Stir in the plant-based cheddar cheese and plant-based milk, blending until smooth and creamy.
- Thicken with Natural Gelling Agent and Season: Slowly sprinkle in the natural gelling agent while stirring continuously to thicken the soup. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting flavors until balanced and vibrant.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli when possible for vibrant color and taste.
- Do not over-blend; keep some broccoli chunks for texture contrast.
- Lower heat before adding plant-based cheddar to avoid clumping.
- Add broth gradually to adjust the soup’s thickness as needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning carefully, especially salt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, plant-based cheddar, smoked turkey bacon, creamy soup, homemade soup, gluten free soup, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), natural gelling agent, comforting soup
