Actual Panera Bread Recipe for Hearty Cheese Soup in a Sourdough

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this "Actual Panera Bread Recipe for Hearty Cheese Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl." Rich, velvety, and irresistibly cheesy, this soup features a perfectly balanced blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Swiss cheese, enhanced by aromatic sautéed vegetables and a hint of ground mustard for depth. Nestled in a warm, hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl, it combines soup and bread in one satisfying dish. Ready in just 45 minutes with simple ingredients like milk, chicken broth, and fresh produce, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, lunch gatherings, or impressing guests with a restaurant-quality presentation. Prepare to savor every creamy, cheesy, and carb-filled bite of this iconic comfort classic!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 medium Carrots, finely shredded
• 2 stalks Celery, finely diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup All-purpose flour
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2.5 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground mustard
• 4 large Sourdough bread bowls

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.

Step 2

Add the finely diced onion, shredded carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to get rid of the raw flour taste.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly for 5 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the mixture does not boil.

Step 7

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Swiss cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly to melt and incorporate it smoothly.

Step 8

Season the soup with ground black pepper, salt, and ground mustard. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the soup is rich and creamy.

Step 9

Prepare the sourdough bread bowls by cutting off the tops and hollowing out the insides. Reserve the tops as lids if desired.

Step 10

Ladle the cheese soup into each sourdough bowl and serve immediately. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3043.7 grams (3043.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4080

Total Fat 281.00g	360%
Saturated Fat 170.20g	851%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 852mg	284%
Sodium 7149mg	311%
Total Carbohydrate 220.50g	80%
Dietary Fiber 14.70g	53%
Total Sugars 55.20g
Protein 161.60g	323%

Vitamin D 406IU	2031%
Calcium 4171mg	321%
Iron 11mg	63%
Potassium 3366mg	72%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.3%

Protein: 15.9%

Carbs: 21.7%