Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli and Cheese Soup Bread Bowl Recipe

I always crave broccoli and cheese soup bread bowls. But on the other hand, there have been too many times I've gone to get one, just to be told they're out of bread bowls... how does Bread Co. run out of bread bowls? That's what you're here for, bread. Do you understand my struggle yet? I never have to go out of my way to get a bread bowl with delicious broccoli and cheese soup again now that I know how easy it is to make. 

Broccoli Cheese Soup Bread Bowl

• Prep Time:30 mins
• Cook Time:40 mins
• Total Time:1 hr 10 mins
• Servings:4
• Easy

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 4 7-inch sourdough round loaves
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 ounces carrots
• 2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

• Step 1

  Chop all vegetables into smaller pieces.

  

• Step 2

  Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

  

• Step 3

  Add diced onion into the pot and cook for about 5 minutes.

  

• Step 4

  Stir in the flour and cook until the onions become golden, 3 to 4 minutes.

  

• Step 5

  Stir in the half-and-half and stir until smooth.

  

• Step 6

  Add chicken broth, bay leaves, and nutmeg.

  

• Step 7

  Stir together ingredients and then add salt and pepper.

  

• Step 8

  Simmer for 20 minutes uncovered on medium-low heat.

  

• Step 9

  Cut a circle into each sourdough, leaving a 1-inch border around. Remove the bread top and save for dipping.
  
  #SpoonTip: Hollow out the center of the sourdough with a fork or your fingers for more soup.

  

• Step 10

  Add broccoli and carrots to the soup and simmer 20 minutes, until tender.

  

• Step 11

  Add cheese to the soup and stir until melted.
  
  #SpoonTIp: Remove your bay leaves before this step.

  

• Step 12

  Pour soup into the bread bowls, garnish with shredded cheese.