Panera Potato Soup Recipe: Creamy, Comforting, and Authentic

A Taste of Home: The Story Behind Panera’s Potato Soup

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of creamy potato soup. Perhaps it’s the velvety texture, the savory broth, or the familiar taste of potatoes simmered to perfection. Whatever the reason, Panera’s potato soup has become a beloved classic, capturing the hearts (and stomachs) of soup lovers everywhere.

This recipe aims to recreate that same magic in your own kitchen. We’ve carefully crafted each step to ensure you capture the authentic flavors and creamy consistency that make Panera’s version so special.

Get ready to experience the taste of home, one spoonful at a time.

Panera Potato Soup Recipe Card

A comforting bowl of creamy potato soup, reminiscent of Panera’s signature style. This recipe card provides essential details for making the perfect bowl at home.

Servings: 4-6 people

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 240g / 1 cup diced potatoes
• 120g / 1/2 cup diced onion
• 60g / 1/4 cup diced celery
• 120ml / 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 120ml / 1/2 cup milk
• 30g / 2 tablespoons butter
• 10g / 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 5g / 1 teaspoon salt
• 2g / 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat (175°C / 350°F).
2. Add onion, celery, and potatoes. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add chicken broth, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Ingredients for Panera Potato Soup

To make the best Panera Potato Soup, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients in the right proportions. This recipe relies on a combination of dairy products, vegetables, and spices to create a rich and creamy flavor profile.

The following ingredients are necessary for this recipe:

• 480 g / 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced (approximately 150 g / 1 cup)
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced (approximately 15 g / 1 tablespoon)
• 240 ml / 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 120 ml / 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
• 30 g / 2 tablespoons butter
• 15 g / 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional:
  • Chopped scallions or chives for garnish (approximately 15 g / 1 tablespoon)
  • Crumbled bacon or diced ham for added smokiness (approximately 60 g / 2 ounces)
  • Grated cheddar cheese for extra flavor (approximately 120 g / 1/2 cup)

These ingredients will help to create a delicious and authentic Panera Potato Soup experience, with the optional ingredients adding extra depth and customization to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Panera Potato Soup

This recipe will guide you through creating a creamy and delicious potato soup, just like the one you know and love from Panera Bread.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons (57 g) of butter over medium heat. Add 1 chopped medium onion (about 100 g) and 2 cloves minced garlic (about 5 g) and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the Potatoes: Add 6 medium potatoes (about 720 g), peeled and diced, to the pot. Stir to coat the potatoes in the butter mixture.
3. Pour in the Broth: Pour in 6 cups (1.4 liters) of chicken broth and 1 cup (240 ml) of milk. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
4. Simmer and Mash: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially mash the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture.
5. Stir in the Cream: Stir in ½ cup (120 ml) of heavy cream and heat through.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or nutmeg as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, chives, or bacon bits.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Panera Potato Soup

Take your Panera potato soup to the next level with these expert tips and tricks.

• Roux for a Richer Flavor: Whisk together equal parts butter and flour to create a roux before adding the potatoes and broth. This step enhances the soup’s depth and body.
• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Cook the diced potatoes until they’re just tender. Overcooking can make them mushy and unappetizing.
• Use High-Quality Broth: A rich, flavorful broth is essential to a great potato soup. Use homemade or high-end store-bought broth for the best results.
• Avoid Over-Reducing the Soup: Simmer the soup gently to prevent it from becoming too thick and starchy. Stir occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency.

Common Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your Panera potato soup turns out perfectly:

• Insufficient Potato Quantity: Use at least 2 pounds of potatoes per 4 servings to ensure a hearty, filling soup.
• Incorrect Cheese Ratio: Balance the amount of cheddar and cream cheese for a smooth, creamy texture.

By following these pro tips and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Panera potato soup that rivals the original.

Substitutions and Alternatives for Panera Potato Soup

To cater to various dietary needs and preferences, several substitutions can be made in the Panera Potato Soup recipe. For a dairy-free version, replace 240 g / 1 cup of heavy cream with 240 g / 1 cup of non-dairy creamer or coconut cream. This substitution may slightly alter the flavor, so adjust the amount of salt and pepper to taste.

• For a gluten-free option, use 30 g / 2 tablespoons of gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of traditional flour to thicken the soup.
• To make the soup vegetarian, omit the 120 g / 4 oz of bacon and add 60 g / 2 oz of sautéed mushrooms or 60 g / 2 oz of diced bell peppers for added flavor.
• For an extra creamy soup, add 120 g / 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese (dairy or dairy-free alternative) and stir until melted and well combined.

When making these substitutions, keep in mind that the cooking time and temperature (175°C / 350°F) may remain the same, but the flavor profile may vary slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the desired flavor.

Creative Variations on Panera Potato Soup

Panera’s potato soup is a classic for a reason, but sometimes you crave something a little different. Here are a few ideas to jazz up your next batch:

Smoky Chipotle Twist

Add a smoky depth to your soup by incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Start with 1-2 finely chopped peppers, adjusting to taste. The smoky flavor will pair beautifully with the potatoes and cream.

Time change: Minimal, as chipotle peppers are added during the simmering process.

Bacon and Cheddar Explosion

For a richer, more savory experience, stir in crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese towards the end of cooking. The salty bacon and sharp cheddar will elevate the soup’s flavor profile.

Flavor change: Savory, salty, cheesy.

Roasted Garlic and Herb Infusion

Roast a whole head of garlic until soft and caramelized, then squeeze out the roasted cloves and add them to the soup along with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. This will create a deeply aromatic and flavorful soup.

Time change: ~30 minutes extra for roasting the garlic.

Flavor change: Earthy, aromatic, herbal.

Storing and Reheating Panera Potato Soup

Proper storage and reheating are crucial to maintaining the quality and safety of your Panera Potato Soup.

Short-Term Storage:

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature within two hours of cooking.
• Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Store the container in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C (39°F) or below.
• Consume the soup within 3 to 5 days.

Long-Term Storage:

• Freeze the cooled soup in airtight containers or freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
• Store the containers or bags in the freezer at a temperature of -18°C (0°F) or below.
• Consume the frozen soup within 3 to 4 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• Reheat the soup to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure food safety.
• Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
• Reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Panera Potato Soup

When preparing Panera Potato Soup, several issues may arise that can affect the final result. Identifying and addressing these problems is crucial to achieving the desired flavor and texture.

Common Problems and Fixes

The following are some common issues that may occur during preparation or cooking, along with their solutions:

• Undercooked or overcooked potatoes: Check the potatoes for doneness by inserting a fork; if they are not tender, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until they reach 88°C / 190°F. If overcooked, puree the soup to achieve the desired consistency.
• Insufficient creaminess: Add more heavy cream or half-and-half (120 ml / 1/2 cup) to achieve the desired richness, heating the soup to 71°C / 160°F to prevent curdling.
• Lack of flavor: Adjust the seasoning with salt (to taste), pepper (to taste), or additional broth (240 ml / 1 cup) to enhance the flavor profile.
• Excessive thickness: Thin the soup with more chicken or vegetable broth (120 ml / 1/2 cup) and reheat to 82°C / 180°F, stirring constantly.

By being aware of these potential issues and their solutions, it’s possible to create a delicious and satisfying Panera Potato Soup that meets expectations.

Nutritional Information

This Panera Potato Soup recipe makes a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

This soup is a good source of fiber and potassium. It’s also relatively low in sodium.

Diet Tags:

• GF (Gluten-Free)
• DF (Dairy-Free)

Key Takeaways for Making the Perfect Panera Potato Soup

To achieve an authentic Panera potato soup, several key factors come into play. Using high-quality ingredients, such as 240 g / 1 cup of diced potatoes and 30 g / 2 tablespoons of butter, is essential.

• Roasting 240 g / 1 cup of diced potatoes in the oven at 200°C / 400°F enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Utilizing a combination of 475 ml / 2 cups of chicken broth and 120 ml / 1/2 cup of heavy cream creates a rich and creamy base.
• Seasoning with onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt balances the flavors and adds complexity to the soup.

By incorporating these elements and cooking the soup at a low temperature of 175°C / 350°F for 20-25 minutes, the result is a creamy, comforting Panera potato soup that rivals the original.

Notes from the Author: Panera Potato Soup Recipe Development

This Panera Potato Soup recipe is the culmination of many cozy evenings spent experimenting in the kitchen. I’ve always loved the creamy, comforting nature of Panera’s version, but I wanted to recreate it at home with fresh ingredients and a touch of my own flair.

The key to capturing that signature Panera taste lies in the broth. I found that using a combination of chicken broth and milk, along with a generous amount of roasted garlic, creates the perfect balance of savory and creamy.

Don’t skimp on the potatoes! Russet potatoes are ideal for their high starch content, which contributes to the soup’s velvety texture. I also like to add a touch of nutmeg for a hint of warmth and complexity.

1. Tip: For an extra-rich flavor, try roasting the garlic and potatoes together before adding them to the soup.
2. Feel free to customize the toppings! Crumbled bacon, chives, or a dollop of sour cream are all delicious additions.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Homemade Panera Potato Soup

We hope you’ve enjoyed making this Panera-inspired potato soup as much as we have. With its rich, creamy flavor and velvety texture, it’s a perfect comfort food for any time of the year.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe and make it your own – try adding some diced ham or bacon for added smokiness, or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

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• Check out more of our favorite soup recipes for a cozy night in.