Cozy Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

A steaming bowl of panera broccoli cheddar soup warms my soul on chilly afternoons.

Cold weather demands comfort in a mug.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with sharp cheese notes.

Sharp cheddar creates magic when stirred into tender broccoli pieces.

Home cooking lets you recreate restaurant favorites without mystery ingredients.

Professional chefs know simple techniques make spectacular results.

Grab a spoon and savor every delicious bite of this copycat classic.

Why Everyone Craves Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy texture and mild vegetable blend that makes this soup irresistibly tasty.
• Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a cozy weekend meal that can be prepared with pantry staples and quickly customized with optional toppings like extra cheese or croutons.
• Packed with vegetables, protein from cheese, and simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor without complicated cooking techniques, this soup offers a wholesome meal solution for busy families.

What Ingredients Are in Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Onion: Soft, aromatic foundation that adds depth of flavor to the soup.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and rich undertone to enhance overall taste.

• Butter: Creates a rich base for sauteing and adds smooth texture.
• Half-and-Half, Milk: Provides creamy consistency and mild dairy flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that gives the soup its signature tangy taste.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient for extra luxurious and velvety texture.

• Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: Liquid base that adds savory depth to the soup.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth, creamy soup base.
• Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle tangy kick and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Paprika: Provides mild warmth and subtle color to the soup.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and aromatic spiciness.

• Broccoli: Main vegetable that provides nutrition and signature green color.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and bright orange color to the soup.

How to Make Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup at Home

Step 1: Kickstart the Vegetable Sauté

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions become translucent and garlic releases its aromatic charm, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Magical Roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly, transforming the mixture into a golden, smooth base. Cook for 1-2 minutes to banish any raw flour flavor.

Step 3: Blend the Liquid Gold

• Chicken broth
• Half-and-half

Stir continuously to prevent any unwanted lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer.

Step 4: Introduce Vegetable Warriors

• Chopped broccoli
• Shredded carrots
• Mustard powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the vegetables simmer and soften, about 15-20 minutes, until they’re tender and bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Cheese Transformation

• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, dreamy texture. For ultimate creaminess, swirl in heavy cream.

Step 6: Serve with Celebration

Ladle the soup into bowls. Partner with crusty bread or nestle in a bread bowl for the ultimate comfort experience.

Tips for Getting Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Just Right

• Control Vegetable Texture: Cook broccoli and carrots just until tender to maintain a slight crunch and prevent overcooking, which can make vegetables mushy and lose nutritional value.
• Prevent Cheese Separation: Remove pot from direct heat before adding cheese and stir gradually to ensure smooth, creamy consistency without grainy or oily texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Use sharp cheddar cheese for more intense flavor and consider adding a small amount of mustard powder or Dijon mustard to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make vegetarian, or use gluten-free flour and lactose-free milk for alternative diet requirements.
• Enhance Soup Consistency: If soup is too thick, gradually thin with additional broth; if too thin, create a quick slurry with cornstarch and water to reach desired thickness without compromising flavor.

How to Keep Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Fresh

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing to maintain texture.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
• Reheat in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and add extra liquid if soup seems too thick.

What Goes Well With Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Slice up a rustic sourdough or hearty whole wheat bread to soak up the creamy soup, creating a delightful textural contrast.
• Choose a crisp Chardonnay or light Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the cheesy soup, balancing its creamy profile with bright acidity.
• Toss a light green salad with crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the soup's heaviness.
• Add some roasted almonds or crispy croutons on top to introduce a satisfying crunch that complements the soup's smooth texture.

Creative Changes for Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, use plant-based butter, swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and substitute cheddar with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the roux, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and select gluten-free bread or crackers as a side.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets, reduce flour quantity, use heavy cream instead of milk, and add extra sharp cheddar for added flavor while keeping carbohydrates low.
• Protein-Packed Edition: Incorporate diced cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits into the soup, add a scoop of collagen powder during cooking, or top with roasted pumpkin seeds for extra protein boost.

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Panera broccoli cheddar soup delivers creamy comfort in a bowl, blending rich cheese with tender vegetables. Hearty flavors and smooth textures invite you to savor this classic soup that warms from the first spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (180 grams) broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup (80 grams) shredded carrots
• 2 cups (200 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Liquid Base:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) half-and-half or whole milk
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Initiate the flavor foundation by gently melting butter in a capacious pot over moderate heat, introducing diced onions and allowing them to soften and become translucent.
2. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring until aromatic and releasing its delicate essence into the butter-onion mixture.
3. Dust flour across the vegetable base, creating a delicate roux by whisking consistently to eliminate any raw flour undertones and establish a rich thickening agent.
4. Gradually introduce chicken broth and half-and-half, whisking methodically to prevent luminal formations and create a silky liquid foundation.
5. Carefully fold in chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and complementary seasonings including mustard powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
6. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, permitting vegetables to tenderize and flavors to harmonize, typically requiring 15-20 minutes of patient cooking.
7. Reduce heat to minimal intensity and incrementally integrate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely dissolved and creating a luxuriously smooth texture.
8. Enhance creaminess by incorporating a splash of heavy cream, stirring until fully integrated.
9. Transfer the velvety soup into serving vessels, accompanied by crusty artisan bread or nestled within a hollowed bread bowl for an indulgent presentation.

Notes

• Enhance the roux’s flavor by toasting the flour slightly, which adds a nutty depth without burning.
• Opt for sharp cheddar cheese to boost the soup’s rich, tangy profile and create a more intense cheesy experience.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties for smoother melting and better texture.
• Customize the soup for dietary needs by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and using gluten-free flour to make it completely gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 90mg