Do you crave a comforting soup that’s also good for you? Panera Bread’s cheddar broccoli soup is a tasty choice that’s both healthy and delicious. It’s a favorite in the US, loved for its mix of flavor and nutrition.
Enjoying Panera Bread’s cheddar broccoli soup is more than just eating a meal. It’s a smart choice for your health. The soup’s ingredients are carefully chosen to offer great taste and nutrition. It’s a healthy option that satisfies your taste buds and body.
Knowing the nutritional facts of this popular soup helps you make better food choices. It’s perfect for anyone who cares about their health or just wants a tasty meal. This soup is a winner in both taste and nutrition.
Table of Contents
Understanding Panera’s Signature Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a favorite among soup lovers in the U.S. It’s more than just a soup; it’s a culinary journey. It shows Panera’s dedication to quality and taste.
The Story Behind the Recipe
The soup’s roots are in Panera’s quest for comfort food that’s also healthy. It’s part of their nutritional guide. This soup embodies their goal of serving tasty, wholesome meals.
What Sets It Apart
This signature soup is special because of its ingredients:
- Rich, creamy texture from whole milk and half-and-half
- Generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Carefully selected seasonings
Brand Philosophy
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup shows their commitment to nutrition. They use fresh ingredients and focus on balanced meals. This soup is a key part of their mission.
“Our goal is to create food that not only tastes great but makes you feel good about what you’re eating.” – Panera Bread Chef
The soup’s mix of comfort and nutrition makes it a hit. It’s a favorite on Panera’s menu, loved by many across the country.
Essential Ingredients and Their Nutritional Benefits
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It combines delicious vegetable nutrition with rich flavors. Let’s look at the key ingredients that make this soup tasty and nutritious.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Broccoli: A nutritional superstar packed with vitamins and minerals
- Cheddar cheese: Provides essential protein and calcium
- Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and additional nutrients
- Onions: Contributes flavor and health-boosting compounds
- Chicken stock: Enhances overall flavor and nutritional profile
Looking at panera soup nutritional information, we see a balanced meal. Vegetables and dairy together offer unique health benefits.
| Ingredient | Nutritional Benefit | Key Nutrients |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Supports immune system | Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Fiber |
| Cheddar Cheese | Builds strong bones | Calcium, Protein, Vitamin B12 |
| Carrots | Promotes eye health | Beta-carotene, Vitamin A |
| Onions | Boosts heart health | Antioxidants, Vitamin C |
When making panera broccoli cheese soup at home, you can adjust the nutrition. You keep the flavor while adding more nutrients. The soup is a great mix of vegetables, protein, and essential nutrients.
“Food is not just about taste, it’s about nourishing your body with every delicious spoonful.” – Culinary Nutrition Expert
Knowing the nutritional makeup helps you make better food choices. You can enjoy a comforting, flavorful soup that’s good for your health.
Complete Nutritional Breakdown per Serving
Exploring the nutrition facts of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup shows it’s packed with goodness. Knowing the calorie count and macronutrients helps you choose better.
Calorie Content Analysis
Each 16 oz serving has 440 calories. It’s a filling meal. The soup’s macros balance taste with nutrition.
- Total Calories: 440 per serving
- Serving Size: 16 oz cup
- Calorie Density: Moderate to high
Macronutrient Distribution
The soup’s nutrients are well-rounded:
| Nutrient | Amount | Daily Value % |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 27g | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 12% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
Vitamin and Mineral Content
The soup also has important vitamins and minerals:
- Calcium: 430mg (35% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 630mg (15% Daily Value)
- Vitamin D: 1.2μg (6% Daily Value)
- Iron: 0.9mg (6% Daily Value)
“A nutritious soup that balances flavor with health-conscious ingredients”
While tasty, the soup has a lot of sodium (1850mg, 80% Daily Value). So, eat it in moderation if you’re watching your salt.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Making a tasty Panera bread soup at home needs attention to detail. Follow these steps to make a broccoli cheddar soup that’s just as good as the restaurant’s.
First, collect all the necessary ingredients for your broccoli cheddar soup:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 3 cups chopped fresh broccoli
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2-4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
There are key steps to get the soup just right:
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat (6-8 minutes)
- Sauté onions until they’re clear
- Whisk in flour to make a roux
- Slowly add half-and-half, stirring constantly
- Add chicken broth
- Put in chopped broccoli and carrots
“The secret to a perfect broccoli cheddar soup is patience and careful ingredient integration.”
Let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes until the veggies are soft. Then, add the shredded cheese slowly, stirring until it’s all melted.
| Cooking Stage | Time Required | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Butter Melting | 6-8 minutes | Medium heat |
| Vegetable Cooking | 10-12 minutes | Simmer until tender |
| Cheese Incorporation | 2-3 minutes | Gradual melting |
Pro tip: Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and avoid pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents.
Your homemade Panera bread soup will be ready in about 30 minutes. It serves up to 8 people with a flavor that’s just like the restaurant’s.
Panera Bread Cheddar Broccoli Soup Nutrition Facts and Guidelines
Knowing the nutrition facts of Panera Bread’s Cheddar Broccoli Soup is key for smart eating. This soup is tasty and packed with nutrients. It helps you keep track of your daily food intake.
Daily Value Percentages Breakdown
Looking at the panera bread soup calories, a single serving is quite nutritious:
- Fat: 35% of daily recommended value
- Saturated Fat: 85% of daily recommended value
- Cholesterol: 32% of daily recommended value
- Sodium levels: 80% of daily recommended value
Serving Size Details
The cheddar broccoli soup calories are in a standard 8-10 ounce serving. This size has about 240 calories. It’s a filling meal choice.
Dietary Considerations
For those watching their diet, here are important points about the soup:
| Nutritional Component | Amount | Daily Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Total Calories | 240 | 12% |
| Total Fat | 16g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 85% |
| Sodium | 1,010mg | 46% |
Note: People with special diets or health issues should talk to their doctor before eating this soup regularly.
Health Benefits and Dietary Considerations
Looking into healthy soup choices, Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup has a complex nutritional profile. It’s important to understand both the good and bad sides of what you eat.
The soup has many nutritional benefits for those looking for healthy restaurant meals:
- Rich in calcium (35% daily value) for bone health
- Contains 8 grams of protein from cheese and milk ingredients
- Provides essential vitamins C and K from broccoli
- Includes vitamin A from carrots
Dietary considerations are key when adding this soup to your meal plan. It’s tasty, but it has some downsides:
- High in sodium and saturated fat
- Contains wheat flour, making it unsuitable for gluten-sensitive individuals
- Limited dietary fiber content
“Moderation is key when enjoying this hearty soup as part of a balanced diet.”
| Nutritional Aspect | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Calcium | 35% DV |
| Vitamin D | 6% DV |
If you have specific dietary needs, think about making changes or looking at other soup options. These should better fit your nutritional goals.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Knowing how to store and reheat your Panera broccoli cheddar soup makes meal planning easier. It keeps the soup’s flavor and nutrients intact.
Proper Storage Methods
Storing your soup right is key for food safety and quality. Here are some important tips:
- Refrigerate soup within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing
- Use airtight containers for storage
- Store in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days
- For longer preservation, freeze the soup
Freezing Guidelines
Freezing helps keep your soup fresh for longer. Here’s how to freeze it right:
- Cool the soup completely before freezing
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion
Reheating Techniques
Reheating your soup correctly keeps it creamy and flavorful. Here are some methods to try:
| Reheating Method | Instructions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave | Stir halfway through heating | 1-2 minutes |
| Stovetop | Heat on low, stir frequently | 3-5 minutes |
| Crockpot | Add milk and cheese last 30 minutes | Low: 6 hours, High: 3 hours |
“Always reheat soup gently to preserve its nutritional integrity and creamy texture.”
By following these tips, you can enjoy your soup at its best. Meal planning becomes simple and tasty.
Comparing Homemade vs. Restaurant Version
Making your own vegetarian broccoli cheddar soup at home is exciting for health lovers. Panera Bread’s version is popular, but making your own lets you control ingredients and boost nutrition.
There are big differences between homemade and restaurant soups:
- Sodium Content: Panera’s soup has 1,560 mg of sodium per bowl
- Fat Management: Restaurant soups often have more trans fats
- Ingredient Quality: Cooking at home means using fresh, whole ingredients
Your homemade broccoli cheddar soup can cut down on sodium and fat. It can also keep the taste great. Chefs suggest using:
- Low-fat cheese alternatives
- Reduced-sodium vegetable broth
- Fresh, organic broccoli
- Greek yogurt for creamy texture
“The secret to a great soup is controlling what goes into it” – Culinary Expert
| Aspect | Panera Version | Homemade Version |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium | 1,560 mg | 300-500 mg |
| Trans Fats | 2.5 grams | 0-0.5 grams |
| Calories | About 330 | 180-250 |
By making your own soup, you know exactly what’s in it. You can also adjust flavors to your liking. This way, you enjoy a healthier version of this classic comfort food.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe for Dietary Restrictions
Changing Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup for different diets can be tough but rewarding. With about 13% of the world’s people gluten-sensitive, it’s key to find soup options that fit their needs.
- Vegetarian Soup Nutrition Options:
- Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth
- Use plant-based cheese alternatives
- Ensure protein content with nutritional yeast or tofu
- Low-Carb Soup Options:
- Substitute traditional flour with almond flour
- Reduce potato content
- Increase vegetable-to-liquid ratio
- Gluten-Free Adaptations:
- Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as thickener
- Verify all ingredient labels carefully
- Consider Progresso Gluten Free Broccoli Cheese Soup as alternative
“Creativity in cooking means transforming restrictions into delicious opportunities” – Culinary Adaptation Principle
For those with specific health concerns, consider these nutritional modifications:
| Dietary Concern | Recommended Modification |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | Use low-fat cheese, reduce saturated fat content |
| Sodium Sensitivity | Replace stock with low-sodium alternatives |
| Dairy Intolerance | Use coconut milk, cashew cream base |
Remember, each change might alter the soup’s taste. Experiment to find the right mix that meets your dietary needs and keeps the soup’s classic flavor.
Conclusion
Learning about diet-friendly soups at Panera helps you make better choices. The Broccoli Cheddar Soup is more than a meal. It’s a way to enjoy comfort food while keeping your health in mind.
When you look at healthy soup options, the Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a great pick. It’s full of veggies and cheese, giving you important nutrients. Plus, it’s filling, making it a good choice for a balanced diet.
Knowing what’s in your soup helps you make smart food choices. Whether you’re counting calories or looking for a healthy meal, Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a tasty option. Remember, knowing what you eat is key to a healthy lifestyle.
Keep exploring menu options that fit your nutritional needs. Panera makes it easy to find meals that support your health goals. Enjoy delicious, satisfying meals while staying on track with your wellness.
