Warm Like Panera: Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of creamy broccoli cheddar soup that rivals the beloved Panera copycat broccoli cheddar soup recipe.

This velvety concoction brings warmth to chilly evenings with its rich, cheesy embrace.

Tender broccoli florets dance amid smooth, golden cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant favorite with simple ingredients found in most kitchens.

The secret lies in balancing sharp cheddar with delicate vegetables and a silky base that hugs each spoonful.

Perfectly seasoned and surprisingly simple to prepare, this soup transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Grab a ladle and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this classic comfort classic.

Ingredients for Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that provides the signature flavor and texture of the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that gives the soup its rich and tangy taste.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid base that adds depth and savory notes to the soup.
• Half and Half: A creamy dairy product that contributes to the soup's smooth and luxurious consistency.

• Onions: A foundational ingredient that adds sweetness and aromatic depth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrots: A subtle vegetable that provides a mild sweetness and additional nutritional value.

• Butter, Flour: A classic combination that creates a roux to thicken the soup and provide a rich, golden base.
• Salt: A seasoning that enhances and balances the overall flavor of the soup.

How to Make Panera-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Gently add chopped onions and cook until they become soft and develop golden edges.

Let the onions caramelize for 4-5 minutes, which will create a rich, deep flavor foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Create Golden Roux

Sprinkle flour into the onion mixture, stirring continuously.

Cook the flour until it transforms to a warm peanut butter color, which typically takes about 4 minutes.

Keep the mixture moving to prevent burning and ensure a smooth base for your soup.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Liquids

• Chicken broth
• Half and half

Whisk carefully to prevent lumps from forming.

Gradually increase heat until the mixture reaches a gentle bubbling point.

Step 4: Simmer Vegetable Medley

• Broccoli florets
• Carrots

Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes.

Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom.

Step 5: Melt and Season

• Salt
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Continue stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Panera-style soup.

Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Broccoli Soup

• Whisk flour gradually and consistently while cooking to create a smooth, even base without clumps, ensuring a silky soup texture.
• Cut broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets to guarantee even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Remove pot from heat before adding cheese and stir gently to prevent separation and maintain a creamy, smooth consistency.
• Sauté onions until they're golden brown, which caramelizes their natural sugars and adds a rich, complex undertone to the soup's overall taste.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt, allowing diners to season individually for better control of sodium intake.

How to Store and Reheat Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if using cream-based soups, as texture might separate.
• Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Pour into saucepan, heat over medium-low, stirring frequently. Add splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl, cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Check temperature before serving to prevent burning.

Pairing Ideas for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Pair with Crusty Artisan Bread: Grab a warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up every delicious drop of this creamy soup. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior perfectly complement the smooth, cheesy texture.
• Create a Fresh Salad Side: Whip up a light, tangy mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness. Toss in some crisp cucumber and cherry tomatoes for added freshness and crunch.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's creaminess. The wine's acidity will refresh your palate and enhance the soup's cheesy, vegetable-packed flavors.
• Add Crunchy Herb Croutons: Sprinkle homemade garlic and herb croutons on top for an extra layer of texture. Crisp croutons will provide a delightful contrast to the smooth, velvety soup base.

Flavor Ideas for Broccoli Cheddar Lovers

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap half and half with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative for a lactose-free version.
• Vegan Version: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, use plant-based butter, and substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds for a completely plant-based soup.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace flour with cauliflower rice or xanthan gum as a thickener, and increase protein by adding extra chopped chicken or tofu for a more substantial meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

FAQs

• Why use half and half instead of milk?

Half and half creates a richer, creamier texture and provides more body to the soup, making it closer to the restaurant-style consistency that Panera is known for.

• How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?

Add the cheese off the heat and stir gently until it’s completely melted. This helps prevent the proteins from breaking down and creating a grainy texture.

• Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it completely before adding to the soup to prevent excess water from diluting the flavor.

• What type of cheddar cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor, but a mix of sharp and mild cheddar can give you a balanced taste that’s similar to Panera’s signature soup.

Why This Broccoli Cheddar Soup Tastes Like Panera

• Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Delivers rich, creamy satisfaction with minimal cooking skills required, making it ideal for anyone craving a warm, hearty soup.
• Packed with vegetables and cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, turning mealtime into a crowd-pleasing experience.
• Easy to customize with additional ingredients or serve as a standalone dish, solving dinner dilemmas in one pot.

Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 39 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Panera’s beloved broccoli cheddar soup meets its match in this homemade version that rivals the restaurant classic. Creamy, cheesy goodness awaits you with simple ingredients and quick preparation, promising comfort in every spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cheddar cheese, mild or sharp (shredded (about 2 cups))
• 1 ¾ cups (414 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 cups (474 milliliters) half and half

Thickening Agents and Aromatics:

• 5 tablespoons salted butter
• ½ cup chopped yellow onion
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatic base by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat, gently caramelizing onions until they develop a soft, golden-edged appearance, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Introduce flour to create a robust roux, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms to a rich, peanut butter-like hue, which typically takes around 4 minutes. Maintain constant movement to prevent scorching.
3. Gradually incorporate chicken broth and half and half, whisking methodically to eliminate potential lumps. Elevate the heat, allowing the mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
4. Introduce broccoli florets and carrots into the liquid, reducing heat and allowing the vegetables to tenderize for 15 minutes. Periodically stir to ensure uniform cooking and prevent bottom adherence.
5. Integrate salt and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and the soup achieves a silky, uniform consistency. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as necessary.

Notes

• Boost Flavor Depth by caramelizing onions slowly, allowing them to develop a rich golden-brown color that adds complexity to the soup’s base.
• Prevent Roux Burning by constantly stirring and watching the color change, ensuring a nutty peanut butter hue without scorching the flour mixture.
• Smooth Texture Trick involves whisking liquid gradually and steadily to eliminate potential lumps, creating a silky consistent soup base.
• Vegetarian Adaptation can be achieved by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and using plant-based cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.

• Prep Time: 24 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 80mg