Panera Bread's Creamy Potato Soup

Indulge in the cozy, comforting flavors of Panera Bread's Creamy Potato Soup, a rich and hearty dish that’s perfect for cooler days. This velvety soup features tender russet potatoes simmered in a savory chicken stock with sautéed onions, celery, and a hint of garlic. Blended with heavy cream, sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese, every spoonful is a creamy delight with the perfect balance of textures. The soup is garnished with vibrant green onions, extra shredded cheddar, and crispy bacon for an irresistible finish. Ready in just under an hour, this homemade version of a Panera classic is simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Whether served as a satisfying main dish or alongside your favorite sandwich, it’s a soul-warming treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 2 stalks, diced celery stalks
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 4 medium, peeled and diced russet potatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.6667 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup, shredded (plus extra for garnish) cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons, chopped green onions
• 4 slices, cooked and crumbled (optional garnish) bacon

Directions

Step 1

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and celery to the butter, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and celery mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 5

Slowly pour in the chicken stock, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

Step 6

Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 7

Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup to make it creamy while leaving some chunks for texture. (Alternatively, remove 2 cups of soup, blend in a blender, and return to the pot.)

Step 8

Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream until fully incorporated.

Step 9

Season the soup with salt and black pepper. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely.

Step 10

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, green onions, and crumbled bacon, if desired.

Step 11

Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3283.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3069.8

Total Fat 189.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 103.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 573.5mg	0%
Sodium 4646.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 224.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.9g	0%
Total Sugars 35.8g
Protein 108.0g	0%

Vitamin D 5.1IU	0%
Calcium 871.5mg	0%
Iron 17.2mg	0%
Potassium 5697.2mg	0%

*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: 56.2%

Protein: 14.2%

Carbs: 29.6%