Cozy Homemade Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives in a warm bowl of creamy panera broccoli cheese soup that whispers pure nostalgia.

Velvety cheese blends seamlessly with tender broccoli florets, creating a rich and satisfying experience.

Each spoonful carries the perfect balance of sharp cheddar and smooth textures.

The soup captures the essence of home-cooked warmth with its robust flavor profile.

Hearty and indulgent, this recipe brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to your kitchen.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this classic soup that promises to delight and comfort.

What Makes Panera Broccoli Soup So Good

• Quick and Convenient Meal: Prepare a delicious, hearty soup in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal planning.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults will love the rich, cheesy goodness that transforms ordinary vegetables into an irresistible, crowd-pleasing dish that vanishes from bowls in minutes.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this soup in traditional bowls or create a fun dining experience by serving in crusty bread bowls, adding an extra layer of excitement to your meal.

What You Need for Copycat Broccoli Soup

• Butter: A creamy fat that adds rich flavor.
• Flour: A thickening agent for the soup's texture.
• Milk: A smooth and creamy liquid base.
• Chicken Stock: A flavorful liquid that adds depth.

• Garlic: A zesty and aromatic ingredient.
• Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic trio of hearty vegetables.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable with a tender crunch.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty dairy component.
• Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance flavor.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat.

Toss in garlic, onion, carrots, and celery.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and release their aromatic magic, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Magical Thickening Agent

Dust flour over the softened vegetables.

Stir thoroughly to coat every veggie piece, creating a smooth mixture that will give our soup its luxurious texture.

Cook for a quick minute to toast the flour.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps.

Add chicken stock, continuing to stir until everything blends smoothly.

Step 4: Gentle Soup Transformation

Bump up the heat to medium-high until the liquid starts bubbling.

Immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let it work its magic for 15 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Introduce the Green Star

Tumble chopped broccoli florets into the pot.

Cover and continue simmering on low heat for 10 more minutes until broccoli reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Pull the pot off the heat.

Gradually sprinkle in cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Pair with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Dive in while it’s hot and creamy!

Tips for Perfect Panera-Style Soup

• Cook vegetables for shorter or longer periods depending on your preferred texture, ensuring they remain vibrant and crisp without becoming mushy.
• Remove soup from direct heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without graininess.
• Adjust soup's consistency by adding more stock for a thinner soup or simmering longer to create a thicker, more hearty version.
• Consider adding a dash of nutmeg or mustard powder to elevate the cheese's richness and introduce a subtle complexity to the soup.
• Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free options, and use gluten-free flour to accommodate different dietary needs.

How to Store Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Leave 1-inch space at the top for expansion.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Heat until thoroughly warmed, about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwaving can separate cheese and create an uneven texture. If using, heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to maintain smoothness.

What Goes Well With This Broccoli Soup

• Elevate Cheese Soup Pairings
• Crunch Companion: Serve with crispy sourdough croutons or toasted garlic bread for a delightful textural contrast that complements the creamy soup's richness.
• Wine Harmony: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Chardonnay to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleansing effect.
• Protein Partner: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits on top to introduce a protein element that enhances the soup's depth and satisfies hunger.
• Salad Balance: Pair with a light mixed green salad featuring tangy vinaigrette to create a fresh counterpoint to the soup's creamy, cheesy profile.

Copycat Variations for Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth for a meat-free option that maintains rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds to create a lactose-free version.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace flour with cauliflower rice or xanthan gum as a thickening agent, and reduce overall carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's classic creamy consistency.
• Keto-Friendly Modification: Use heavy cream instead of milk, increase cheese quantity, and add extra butter to boost fat content while maintaining the soup's classic broccoli cheese profile.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives to create a vegetarian version.

• Is this soup healthy?

The soup contains vegetables like broccoli and carrots, but it’s also rich in dairy and cheese, so it’s more of a comfort food with some nutritional benefits.

• Can I freeze Panera broccoli cheese soup?

While you can freeze it, the texture might slightly separate upon thawing due to the cheese and milk content. If freezing, cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most authentic flavor, but you can also use mild cheddar or a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for different taste profiles.

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 41 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Panera broccoli cheese soup brings comfort straight from home kitchens to dinner tables. Rich Wisconsin cheddar and tender broccoli florets combine in a velvety blend you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 16 ounces (473 milliliters) chicken stock or broth
• 2 cups milk

Vegetable Base:

• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and julienned (about 1 heaping cup)
• 2 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 heaping cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Thickening Agent:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and melt butter over medium heat, creating a fragrant base for the soup’s foundation.
2. Introduce minced garlic, diced onions, julienned carrots, and sliced celery into the melted butter, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Dust the softened vegetables with flour, stirring thoroughly to coat and create a roux. Toast the flour mixture for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Slowly incorporate milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth texture. Pour in chicken stock, maintaining steady stirring.
5. Elevate heat to medium-high, allowing the liquid to approach a gentle bubble. Reduce temperature to a subtle simmer, cover the pot, and let the mixture develop flavors for 15 minutes.
6. Gently fold chopped broccoli florets into the simmering liquid, ensuring even distribution. Continue cooking, covered, for an additional 10 minutes until broccoli reaches tender perfection.
7. Remove pot from heat source and gradually introduce shredded cheddar cheese, stirring methodically to create a luxurious, velvety consistency.
8. Ladle the creamy soup into warm serving vessels, offering crusty bread alongside for an indulgent dining experience.

Notes

• Customize vegetable texture by finely chopping or leaving slightly chunky depending on personal preference.
• Prevent cheese from becoming grainy by removing pot from heat before adding cheese and stirring gradually.
• Swap whole milk for lighter options like 2% or unsweetened almond milk to reduce calories without compromising creamy consistency.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend during roux preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 31 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg