Description
Enjoy a warm, creamy, and comforting bowl of Easy Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup made with fresh broccoli florets, smoky turkey bacon, and rich plant-based cheddar cheese. This nourishing soup features a smooth texture with a smoky twist and vibrant flavors, perfect for cozy evenings or anytime you crave a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup carrots, finely diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
Proteins and Dairy
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk
Liquids and Broth
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Thickening and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the fresh broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and finely dice the carrots and yellow onion. Set aside while you crispen the smoked turkey bacon in a large pot, then drain and crumble it once cooked.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and carrots and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant to build the soup’s foundational flavor.
- Create the Roux Base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the softened vegetables. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook the flour and ensure a smooth, thickened base when liquids are added.
- Add Broth and Broccoli: Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth and plant-based milk, making sure to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 10-15 minutes until tender.
- Blend (Optional) and Add Cheese: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture. Gradually stir in the plant-based cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Final Seasoning: Stir in the apple cider vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Season with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the crumbled smoked turkey bacon back into the pot and stir well. The soup is now ready to serve.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and other vegetables for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Blend only part of the soup for a balanced texture between creamy and chunky.
- Add the cheese on low heat to prevent clumping or separating.
- Adjust seasonings at the end to suit your taste.
- Smoked turkey bacon adds wonderful smoky layers defining the soup’s character; do not skip it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, plant-based cheddar, smoked turkey bacon, comforting soup, creamy soup, warm soup, vegetarian soup
