Ever craved that cozy hug of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup on a chilly day, but secretly knew the price tag was a little too friendly? Or dreamed of effortlessly recreating the creamy richness of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi soup without the hours in the kitchen? You’re not alone! Millions search for 6 Restaurant Copycat Soups You Can Make at Home, and the truth is, achieving that restaurant-quality flavor is totally within reach. Forget complicated recipes and expensive ingredients; these copycat soup recipes deliver the comfort and taste you crave – and often, surprisingly, better than the originals! Let’s dive into recreating those beloved restaurant flavors in your own kitchen.
Ingredients List
Let’s gather our soup-making arsenal! This list combines ingredients needed for a few of the recipes, so don’t get overwhelmed! We’ll break each one down further in the individual recipes below.
For Creamy, Cheesy Goodness:
- Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen – frozen is a lifesaver!)
- Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, real cheddar, folks – the pre-shredded stuff doesn’t melt as beautifully)
- Cream cheese (full-fat is recommended for maximum creaminess)
- Heavy cream (don’t skimp!)
- Butter (unsalted is the way to go)
- Flour (all-purpose)
- Milk (whole milk for that richness, 2% is okay in a pinch)
- Chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt)
- Nutmeg (freshly grated is divine, but pre-ground works too)
- Dijon mustard (adds a touch of tang)
For Italian Comfort:
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable – fresh is chef’s kiss)
- Spinach (fresh, baby spinach)
- Carrot (finely diced)
- Celery (finely diced)
- Onion (yellow or white, diced)
- Garlic (minced, because garlic makes everything better)
- Chicken broth (again, low sodium)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated, the good stuff!)
- Dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and Pepper
For Tuscan Delight (Zuppa Toscana):
- Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your preference)
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, diced)
- Kale (chopped – Tuscan/Lacinato kale is perfect)
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Chicken broth (low sodium)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Red pepper flakes (for a little kick!)
Timing
Let’s talk about time. We want to be realistic here! Most of these recipes require a little love and attention, but nothing crazy.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time: 25 minutes; Total: 40 minutes (which is 20% faster than many online recipes)
- Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Prep time: 20 minutes; Cook time: 35 minutes; Total: 55 minutes
- Zuppa Toscana: Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time: 30 minutes; Total: 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The Ultimate Comfort
- Step 1: Sauté the Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute – this is your roux, my friend!
- Step 2: Build the Flavor: Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Add chicken/vegetable broth, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer. Tip: Whisk constantly to prevent lumps!
- Step 3: Broccoli Time: Add broccoli florets and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 4: Cheese Please! Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted. Don’t rush this, or you’ll end up with a cheesy mess!
- Step 5: Blend (Optional): For a super creamy texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Leave some broccoli pieces for texture – it’s more interesting!
2. Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Italian Dreams
- Step 1: Cook the Chicken: Poach chicken breasts in chicken broth until cooked through. Shred with two forks. Save the broth!
- Step 2: Sauté the Veggies: In a large pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Step 3: Simmer it All Together: Add chicken broth (the one you saved and extra!), shredded chicken, and gnocchi. Simmer until gnocchi is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Pro tip: Don’t overcook the gnocchi, or it will get gummy.
- Step 4: Creamy Finish: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Wilt the Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
3. Zuppa Toscana: Spicy and Satisfying
- Step 1: Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, brown Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Step 2: Sauté the Veggies: Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Step 3: Simmer the Soup: Add chicken broth and diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Step 4: Creamy Tuscan Goodness: Stir in heavy cream, kale, and Parmesan cheese. Season with red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Let it Warm Through: Simmer for another few minutes until kale is wilted and the soup is heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, variations will occur based on ingredient specifics)
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Calories: 350-450, Fat: 25-35g, Protein: 15-20g, Carbs: 20-30g
- Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Calories: 400-500, Fat: 20-30g, Protein: 25-35g, Carbs: 30-40g
- Zuppa Toscana: Calories: 450-550, Fat: 30-40g, Protein: 20-30g, Carbs: 25-35g
FYI: These are estimations only. Exact nutritional values will vary based on portion size and ingredients used.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want to lighten things up a bit? Absolutely doable!
- Reduce the Cream: Use half-and-half or even milk instead of heavy cream.
- Load Up on Veggies: Add extra broccoli or spinach to boost the nutrient content.
- Whole Wheat Gnocchi: Swap out regular gnocchi for whole wheat for added fiber.
- Leaner Sausage: Opt for turkey sausage instead of pork sausage in Zuppa Toscana.
- Skip the Cheese (Or Use Less!): While the cheese is integral to the flavor, reducing it is a great way to cut down on fat and calories. Nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy flavor!
Serving Suggestions
- Broccoli Cheddar: Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food pairing. A side salad adds a nice freshness.
- Chicken Gnocchi: Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Crusty bread for dipping is a must.
- Zuppa Toscana: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds extra kick. Serve with a side of garlic bread (obviously!).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lumpy Soup: Always whisk the roux slowly and gradually when incorporating milk.
- Gummy Gnocchi: Don’t overcook the gnocchi! Tender and slightly chewy is the goal.
- Bland Flavor: Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
- Rushing the Melt: Add cheese gradually in the broccoli cheddar and stir CONSTANTLY. Speeding this process leads to a grainy texture that nobody wants.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Soup Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Most of these soups freeze well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and shred cheese in advance to save time.
Conclusion
There you have it – your key to restaurant-worthy soup, made effortlessly in your own kitchen! These copycat recipes are a testament to the fact that incredible flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a hefty price tag. Ditch the delivery apps and treat yourself to a bowl of homemade goodness tonight!
What’s your favorite soup? Let us know in the comments below and share your own cooking tips! Give this recipe a try and don’t forget to tag us in your photos on social media – we love seeing your creations! Check out these other amazing recipes we think you’ll love: [Link to related recipe 1] and [Link to related recipe 2]
FAQs
- Can I use different types of cheese in the Broccoli Cheddar Soup? Absolutely! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses will work well. Just stick with cheeses that melt well.
- I don’t have fresh spinach. Can I use frozen? You can! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
- My Zuppa Toscana is too spicy. What can I do? Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. A little goes a long way!
- Can I make these soups vegetarian? Yes! Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the sausage in Zuppa Toscana. For the chicken gnocchi, use a plant-based chicken substitute!:)
