Description
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup (plant-based) is a creamy, comforting bowl of warmth blending tender broccoli florets with smooth plant-based cheddar and smoky crispy turkey bacon substitute. Perfect for cozy dinners or satisfying lunches throughout the year, this soup balances rich texture with fresh vegetable goodness and savory depth.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Flavor Enhancers
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon substitute, crisped and chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Liquids and Thickening
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Dairy and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheddar (plant-based), shredded
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash broccoli and cut into small bite-sized florets. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon Substitute: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon substitute until crisp. Remove and set aside on paper towels, leaving some drippings in the pot.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add olive oil to the bacon drippings, then add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook gently until translucent and fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened onions and stir continuously to blend and cook the flour without browning it, preparing the base for thickening the soup.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually whisk in vegetable broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer allowing the mixture to thicken and develop flavor.
- Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the pot, cover, and cook until tender but still vibrant and slightly crunchy.
- Blend and Add Cheese: Use an immersion blender or transfer part of the soup to a blender to achieve desired creamy texture. Stir in plant-based cheddar gradually, off heat, allowing it to melt smoothly.
- Final Seasoning and Bacon: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar (natural). Return some crisp smoked turkey bacon substitute pieces to the pot, reserving some for garnish.
Notes
- Fresh broccoli offers a brighter, crunchier texture than frozen.
- Add plant-based cheddar off heat to prevent graininess and ensure smooth melting.
- Simmer gently to blend flavors without breaking down broccoli too much.
- Stir consistently during roux preparation to avoid lumps and obtain a silky finish.
- Adjust broth or flour amounts to customize soup thickness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli soup, plant-based cheddar soup, creamy broccoli soup, turkey bacon substitute soup, dairy-free cheddar soup, comfort food soup, vegetable soup
