Description

Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Copycat) is the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul on chilly days. This creamy, rich soup features tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of nutmeg, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Perfect for busy families, this easy recipe requires minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor. Enjoy it alone or pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 medium carrots, diced
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water

Instructions

1. Prep the vegetables: Wash and chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces; dice the carrots and onion.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Combine ingredients: Transfer the sautéed mixture to a slow cooker and add broccoli, carrots, vegetable broth, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the vegetables are tender.
5. Thicken: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the soup.
6. Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 360
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding cooked chicken or swapping out cheddar for gouda. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.