Blog - Inside BruCrew Life

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

If you love Panera broccoli cheese soup, this copycat recipe is a must-try! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender broccoli, it's better than the original. In under 30 minutes, you can have the perfect lunch or dinner for the whole family!

Two bowls of cheese and broccoli soup topped with cheese and onions.

This post was initially published in November 2013. The pictures were updated in September 2019 and then the post was republished with new tips in January 2025.

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Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Chilly weather means it's time for soup season! When our kids were in school, my husband and I enjoyed sneaking away for lunch dates. The Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl has always been a favorite.

Eating out every week can get expensive, so I decided to save money by making a big pot of soup at home instead. This easy broccoli soup was even better than I imagined!

It's cheesy and perfect for lunch or dinner. I love to pair it with garlic bread and this easy Asian salad for a meal that's as easy as it is delicious.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Cheesy: This rich soup is full of melted cheese and soft broccoli. It is cozy and satisfying.
Affordable and Easy: Making this soup at home is easy on a budget and only requires simple ingredients.
Panera Vibes at Home: Who doesn't love a restaurant-style soup without the takeout cost?
Perfect for Any Day: Whether it's chilly outside or you just want comfort food, this soup is always a good choice.

"We made this tonight. My girls are very picky eater and they had three helpings ! Thank u so much for sharing this recipe. It was amazing!" -Danielle

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal! This pasta casserole is packed with chicken, crispy bacon, and plenty of vegetables in a creamy ranch sauce. It's an easy dish that the whole family will love.

This post was first published in May 2014. The pictures were updated in March 2022, and the post was republished in January 2025.

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

Pasta is my love language. For dinner, I always choose noodles smothered in sauce and melted cheese. We frequently make this homemade creamy mac and cheese and this buffalo chicken pasta recipe.

I could eat those two casseroles forever, but every now and then, I want to change things up. A few years ago, I tried a chicken bacon ranch sandwich at Subway. It inspired me to add those flavors to a cheesy pasta dinner.

Who doesn't love cheese, chicken, and bacon? This pasta bake has all your favorite ingredients and is so easy to make. This recipe was an instant hit with our whole family and has definitely become my go-to when I'm in the mood for pasta.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this casserole in your oven in no time.
Comfort food at its best: The creamy sauce and hearty ingredients make this pasta the ultimate cozy meal for any night of the week.
Family-friendly: This dish is a great way to please even the pickiest eaters. It's cheesy, hearty, and just plain delicious.
Perfect for leftovers: This pasta reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.

"This is one of my go to recipes, just made it again today! So delicious never fails." -Natalie

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Low Carb Chili

This low carb chili is a family favorite during the cooler months. With lean beef and plenty of veggies, it's a healthy and nutritious option for lunch or dinner. Add your favorite toppings, and you'll never realize there are no beans in this keto soup.

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Chili Without Beans

Growing up, chili was always a staple in our house. It's the perfect meal for a cold day or chilly evening. When I started eating low-carb, I thought I would have to say goodbye to this cozy dish because of the beans.

I have been working on new recipes to fit my lean and green eating habits this year. At the same time, I want to provide comfort food for my family. So far, this sausage kale soup and this chicken meatball stroganoff have been a hit.

We had a few unexpected cool days a few weeks ago, so I made a low-carb chili recipe without beans. Plenty of ground beef, tomatoes, green peppers, and zucchini made it hearty and satisfying.

This no bean chili has become a family favorite, so it is now my go-to meal during the winter.

Why You'll Love Beanless Chili

Low-Carb Friendly: Chili is a classic, comforting dish. This version retains all the hearty flavors without the beans. With 12 net carbs per serving, it will fit perfectly into your low-carb diet.
Packed with Veggies & Protein: The green peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and ground beef provide a fresh and delicious flavor.
Adjustable Heat: You can dial up the spices for a fiery kick or keep it mild to suit your taste.
One Pot Dinner: Made in one pot in less than 30 minutes, this is an easy weeknight win.

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Peanut Butter Balls

These no bake Peanut Butter Balls are so easy to make! For a fun twist, try dipping them in white and dark chocolate. They're a crowd favorite and always disappear first at parties, so make a double batch!

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Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in dessert heaven, and I never get tired of creating treats with this classic combo.

These easy peanut butter balls are a family favorite in our house. I've been making them for years, and every batch is packed with love and sweet memories.

Whether you call them buckeyes or peanut butter balls, they're a dessert staple in many households for good reason! They're easy to make, fun to share, and absolutely delicious.

During the holidays, I enjoy turning them into Reese's Christmas trees. Our family tradition is to create a new shape for every holiday throughout the year. Everyone enjoys these chocolate covered goodies, regardless of their shape.

Why You'll Love This No Bake Treat

These easy, no-bake truffles are the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate.
No baking is required, so these treats come together in minutes.
This dessert works for every occasion. Try them for Valentine's Day, Christmas, Halloween, or a random Tuesday.
You can serve the balls plain, decorate them with sprinkles, or drizzle them with contrasting chocolate for a festive touch.
Use candy molds, cookie cutters, or colored chocolate to create them in any shape or color.

Looking for more chocolate and peanut butter treats? Try these peanut butter cup cookies or these peanut butter truffle brownies.

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Coffee Parfait

Our easy coffee parfait combines creamy layers and crunchy Oreo crumbs. With no bake coffee cheesecake and chocolate pudding, it's a quick dessert that looks impressive but is so simple to make!

Three cups filled with coffee cheesecake and chocolate pudding.

This post was first published in December 2014. The post was updated and then republished in December 2024.

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Coffee Parfait Recipe

I'm all about desserts that seem fancy but are actually easy to make! That's why parfaits desserts are some of my go-to recipes. The best thing about making peanut butter parfaits and chocolate strawberry parfaits is that you can serve them immediately.

I'm a huge coffee fanatic, so I combined my love for coffee and chocolate into an easy parfait cup. I layered crushed Oreos, a creamy coffee mixture, and chocolate pudding in clear glasses, then dug in. Every single bite was better than I expected!

It's a simple yet impressive treat that always receives "oohs" and "ahhs" when I serve it after dinner or share it at parties.

Why You'll Love This Coffee Dessert

No baking is required! You can make these parfaits in minutes, making them an excellent option for last-minute gatherings.
Served in individual glasses, these pudding cups are an elegant dessert that looks fancy without much effort.
The coffee-flavored cheesecake layer adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate and cookies. Trust me; coffee lovers will enjoy this easy dessert.
You can change the cookies, add coffee whipped cream, or drizzle chocolate syrup on top to make it your own.

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Merry Christmas 2024

We want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for reading our posts, trying our recipes, and being part of our little corner of the internet-it truly means so much to us.

Your encouragement and support make sharing stories and recipes such a joy. We're so grateful for the chance to connect with you and bring a little inspiration to your kitchen.

During the busy holiday season, we hope you find a moment to pause, unwind, and reflect on the many blessings God has given you. It's easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle, but don't forget to slow down and embrace the joy and peace this season brings.

Most importantly, let's remember the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of our Savior. God sent His Son, born as a child, to bring us the ultimate gift of love and peace. It's a beautiful reminder that while gifts and food bring joy, the greatest gift of all is Jesus. I pray you'll take time to praise Him for this incredible gift and the hope He brings to our lives.

Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men."

Eggnog Cheesecake

Celebrate the holidays with this eggnog cheesecake! Its rich, creamy filling and festive eggnog flavor make it the perfect centerpiece for your dessert table.

A red plate with a slice of holiday cheesecake on it.

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One of my favorite holiday drinks is eggnog. If you're anything like me, this sweet goodness is a non-negotiable part of Christmas. There's just something about the creamy, spiced flavor that makes everything a little cozier.

I can quickly finish a carton between drinking it and making eggnog muffins and eggnog scones. Recently, I decided to take my love for 'nog to the next level by making an eggnog cheesecake.

This is one of those desserts that instantly makes the holidays feel more magical. It was a hit with the eggnog lovers in my house.

Why You'll Love This Holiday Cheesecake

It's a festive twist on a classic dessert. The eggnog flavor adds a holiday vibe to traditional cheesecake.
Rich flavor and creamy texture. The spices in eggnog pair perfectly with the cream cheese filling and buttery graham cracker crust.
Perfect for holiday gatherings. It's festive and fancy enough to be the star of all your holiday dessert tables.
Great make-ahead dessert. Making cheesecake ahead of time reduces stress on the big day.

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Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats

Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats are a fun and easy holiday treat. Coated in white chocolate and shimmering sugar, these red and white spirals will add a festive touch to your dessert trays.

Rice krispie treat pinwheels made with peppermint marshmallows.

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Peppermint Rice Krispie Pinwheels

One of my favorite and easiest treats to make for almost anything is M&M rice krispie treats. Nothing beats those soft, gooey treats! A few years ago, I gave my favorite treats a holiday makeover for Christmas. I combined my love of Rice Krispie treats and peppermint pinwheels into a pan of holiday goodness.

The first time I made these peppermint Rice Krispie treats, our kids thought I had stopped at a bakery and bought treats. They were so surprised you could make such a fancy treat at home, and they couldn't wait to help roll up another batch. Our kitchen turned into a holiday workshop that very next day!

Between the swirls of vanilla and peppermint and the sparkly coating, these spirals quickly became a family tradition. Plus, they're so pretty and always get compliments when we bring them to parties this time of year.

Why You'll Love These Peppermint Treats

Christmas Rice Krispie treats are a holiday must-have! Layers of vanilla and peppermint cereal rolled into fun pinwheels are always a hit with kids and adults.

They're a fun spin on a classic favorite, mixing a simple treat with festive holiday flavors.
The swirls of peppermint and vanilla add instant Christmas cheer to any dessert table.
No baking is required, which makes them quick and stress-free during the busy holiday season.
They are simple to make but look fancy. This makes them great for class parties, cookie exchanges, dessert platters, and holiday potlucks.
For the cutest edible holiday gift, package them in clear bags with a sticker and a bow.

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No Bake Eggnog Trifle

When it comes to holiday desserts, this Eggnog Trifle is a showstopper! With layers of creamy pudding, crunchy cookies, and juicy berries, it's the perfect balance of festive flavors and textures.

Layers of pudding, cookies, and raspberries in a clear trifle dish.

This post was first published in December 2016. It was updated and then republished in December 2024.

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Each year, I go through different flavor phases, and right now, I'm enjoying eggnog. I made eggnog muffins and an eggnog dip, and I still have so many delicious ideas. I wish there were more days to share all the desserts I want to make during the holiday season!

This year, I wanted to create a simple but impressive dessert for holiday parties. This eggnog trifle hits the spot with creamy layers of eggnog pudding, crunchy gingersnap cookies, and fresh raspberries. It has all my favorite flavors of the season!

Don't forget to add a row of little gingerbread men peeking through the trifle bowl. This Christmas dessert will wow your guests before they even take a bite.

Why You'll Love This Holiday Dessert

No need to turn on the oven! This easy dessert is stress-free and perfect for busy holiday schedules when you are short on time.
The combination of eggnog, gingersnaps, and raspberries captures the taste of Christmas in every bite.
The layers in this holiday trifle are visually stunning! It will be a hit at every Christmas party.
Whether it's a family gathering, office party, or holiday potluck, this dessert is big enough to feed a crowd.

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Red Velvet Blossoms

Make your cookie trays pop with these Red Velvet Blossoms! Their bright color and Hershey's kiss topping make them a fun and festive holiday favorite.

Sparkly red velvet blossom cookies with peppermint kisses on a tray.

Red velvet blossoms have quickly become one of my favorite holiday cookies. Their sparkly bright red color and a sweet peppermint kiss make them feel so Christmas-y. I usually make chocolate mint kiss cookies to serve with them, too.

I love how festive kiss cookies look when arranged on a platter. These red velvet blossom cookies are extra easy to make because I use a cake mix. You can make cookies with a fantastic chewy texture with just a few extra ingredients.

Also, if you roll the dough balls in red sanding sugar, they sparkle, making the beautiful red color even prettier.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The bright red sparkling sugar makes these cookies stand out on any dessert table. Plus, it gives each one a little crunch, which is fantastic!
Red velvet's subtle cocoa flavor paired with a peppermint kiss topping is a match made in holiday heaven.
Using a cake mix means less measuring and fewer ingredients, which is perfect when you're short on time.
These delicious cookies are perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or a sweet gift for friends and neighbors.

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