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Copycat Panera Mexican Street Corn Soup – Creamy, Healthy, and Comforting Café-Style Recipe

Copycat Panera Mexican Street Corn Soup (Healthy Version)

A creamy, zesty soup inspired by café‑style flavours. Roasted or frozen corn, lime, chilli and cotija‑style cheese come together in a comforting, vibrant bowl.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican‑inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 jalapeño or poblano pepper (diced, seeds removed if desired) for mild heat, remove seeds
Corn & Liquid
  • 4 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels fire‑roasted style preferred for depth of flavour
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Creaminess & Finish
  • 1/2 cup half‑and‑half or coconut cream for dairy or vegan version
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • cotija or feta cheese (crumbled) for topping
  • fresh cilantro (chopped) for garnish

Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • Immersion blender (or blender)

Method
 

  1. Roast or toast the corn kernels in a hot skillet until slightly charred for extra smoky flavour (optional).
  2. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil or butter. Add the diced onion, garlic, red bell pepper and jalapeño/poblano. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add the corn kernels and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook about 15 minutes so the flavours meld.
  4. Using an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a blender), purée about half the soup for a creamy texture while keeping some kernels whole for texture.
  5. Stir in the half‑and‑half or coconut cream, and lime juice + zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot, topped with crumbled cotija/feta and chopped cilantro. Offer extra lime wedges on the side.

Notes

This version balances comfort and freshness. You can make it vegan by using coconut cream and vegetable broth. Roasting the corn adds extra depth of flavour — especially good when using frozen kernels. Leftovers taste great the next day.