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Creamy Panera Bread Bowl Soup Copycat Recipe

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A comforting, creamy soup served in a sourdough bread bowl that mimics the beloved Panera Bread classic. This easy homemade recipe delivers rich, cheesy flavor perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (960 ml)
  • 1 cup half-and-half (240 ml)
  • 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (200 g)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (115 g)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 sourdough bread bowls
  • Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep your vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and mince the garlic (about 10 minutes).
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for about 5 minutes until veggies soften and onion is translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the veggies and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly whisk in 4 cups chicken broth to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until soup thickens and veggies are tender.
  6. Lower heat and stir in 1 cup half-and-half and 4 oz softened cream cheese. Whisk until cream cheese melts and soup is smooth.
  7. Gradually add 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper if desired.
  9. If using, stir in shredded cooked chicken and heat through for 2 minutes.
  10. Prepare bread bowls by slicing tops off and hollowing out insides, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell. Optionally, toast inside at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes for extra sturdiness.
  11. Ladle hot soup into each bread bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If soup thickens too much upon standing, stir in a splash of broth or half-and-half to loosen. Melt cheese slowly over low heat to avoid grainy texture. Toast bread bowls lightly to prevent sogginess. Use fresh shredded cheese for best melt.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy soup, bread bowl, Panera copycat, comfort food, cheddar soup, sourdough bread bowl, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-panera-bread-bowl-soup-copycat-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/