Go Back
–+ servings

Panera-Style Creamy Halal Broccoli Cheddar Soup

4.97 from 52 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 440

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces) about 1 large head
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots (shredded carrots)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted sweet cream butter 1/2 stick
  • 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour for thickening roux
  • 3 cups rich halal chicken bone broth (or vegetable broth) low sodium
  • 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
  • 8 oz (approx. 2 cups) extra sharp yellow cheddar cheese freshly grated from a block
  • 4 oz (approx. 1 cup) sharp white cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese freshly grated
  • 0.5 tsp ground mustard powder secret ingredient that amplifies cheese flavor
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg adds warm bakery depth
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 round artisan sourdough bread boules optional, for serving as bread bowls

Method
 

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Whisk the Golden Roux: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour flavor and create a light golden paste.
  3. Simmer Broth & Veggies: Slowly pour in the halal chicken bone broth and heavy cream while whisking constantly to create a silky, lump-free base. Whisk in mustard powder, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chopped broccoli florets and matchstick carrots. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes until broccoli is fork-tender and the soup has thickened.
  4. Melt Cheese on Low Heat (Anti-Curdle Rule): Turn the heat to the lowest setting (or remove pot from heat). Gradually fold in the freshly grated sharp cheddar and white cheddar by the handful, stirring gently in one direction until completely melted into a velvety smooth sauce. Do not boil after adding cheese!
  5. Serve in Warm Bread Bowls: Ladle steaming soup into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls or wide ceramic bowls. Garnish with a pinch of extra cheddar and cracked black pepper. Serve hot immediately!

NUTRITION INFORMATION:

Serving: 1g Calories: 440cal (22%) Carbohydrates: 16g (5%) Protein: 18g (36%) Fat: 35g (54%) Saturated Fat: 21g (131%) Cholesterol: 105mg (35%) Sodium: 720mg (31%) Potassium: 480mg (14%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 5g (10%) Vitamin A: 3750IU (75%) Vitamin C: 70.1mg (85%) Calcium: 450mg (45%) Iron: 1.4mg (8%)

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!