Home-Style Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe Just Like Panera’s

Creamy, rich soups have a magical way of warming hearts, and this copycat Panera broccoli cheese soup recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful.

The classic soup from Panera broccoli cheese soup recipe captures restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen.

Tender broccoli florets swim in a velvety cheese sauce that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Sharp cheddar melts into a silky base, creating depth and complexity that rivals the original.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of vegetables and cheesy goodness.

Home cooks can easily recreate this beloved restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Prepare to transform your dinner with this crowd-pleasing soup that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup Delivers

• Creamy, cheesy, and packed with veggies, this soup delivers ultimate comfort in every single spoonful, making it a go-to meal for chilly days.
• Prepare a delicious, satisfying meal in less than 30 minutes, ideal for busy families craving a hearty and nutritious dinner solution.
• Suitable for casual family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, this soup appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy flavor profile.

Ingredients for Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the soup.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and bright color to the dish.
• Broccoli: Serves as the star vegetable, offering a hearty and nutritious element.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful foundation for the soup.
• Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture of the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the richness and smoothness of the soup.

• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp and tangy flavor that defines the soup.
• Flour: Helps to thicken and create a smooth consistency.

• Butter: Provides a rich flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds depth and a subtle kick of heat to the soup.

Steps for Copycat Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Sauté Delicious Vegetables

Grab a large pot and melt butter over medium-high heat.

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Broccoli florets

Stir the vegetables occasionally, letting them cook for about 5 minutes.

You want the onions to become translucent and soft without browning.

If your vegetable pieces are larger, give them a few extra minutes to become tender.

Step 2: Create Smooth Soup Base

• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Heavy cream

Sprinkle flour evenly over the liquid to prevent clumping.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.

Watch as the soup gradually thickens, creating a perfect creamy consistency.

Step 3: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Now for the star ingredient!

Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring constantly.

Keep stirring until the cheese completely melts and blends into a rich, creamy texture.

The soup should look smooth and have a beautiful golden color.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Feel free to top with extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of black pepper, or some crispy croutons.

Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness that rivals Panera’s famous soup!

Tips for Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Chop broccoli and carrots into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a smoother soup texture.
• Add cheese off the heat and stir slowly to create a silky, lump-free consistency that coats each spoonful perfectly.
• Use a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses to create a more complex, rich taste profile in your soup.
• Adjust the flour amount to make the soup thicker or thinner based on your preference – start with less and gradually add more while stirring.
• Swap regular chicken broth for low-sodium version and control salt levels by adding salt incrementally during cooking.

How to Store and Warm Copycat Soup

• Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain best quality.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing to prevent separation.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if soup thickens too much during storage.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Pairing Ideas

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes that complement the soup's creamy texture and rich cheese flavors.
• Bread Companions: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the velvety soup and add delightful crunch to each spoonful.
• Fresh Side Salad Contrast: Prepare a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Temperature Technique: Warm your serving bowls beforehand to keep the soup hot and maintain its luxurious, comforting temperature during the meal.

Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup Twists

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace butter with olive oil, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and substitute cheddar with vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a creamy, dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener, ensure all broth and milk are certified gluten-free, and check that any cheese is pure without gluten additives.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets, reduce flour amount, and use heavy cream with extra sharp cheddar for a keto-friendly soup that maintains rich, cheesy flavor.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Add cooked chicken or diced ham during the cheese-melting stage, increasing protein content and transforming the soup into a more substantial meal option.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly! Just thaw and drain it before adding to the soup. The texture and flavor will be very similar to fresh broccoli.

• Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

No, the recipe contains chicken broth and isn’t vegetarian. To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

• How can I make the soup less thick?

If the soup is too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Add liquid gradually and stir well.

• What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most flavor, but you can also use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for a more complex taste. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Panera broccoli cheese soup brings comfort to winter dining with creamy goodness straight from restaurant kitchens. Homemade flavors blend perfectly, delivering rich cheesy warmth that welcomes you to savor each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2.5 to 3 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
• 1.5 cups chicken broth

Vegetables:

• 0.5 cup diced onion (yellow or white)
• 1 cup shredded carrots

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk (skim/fat-free preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and melt butter over medium-high heat, creating a golden base for sautéing vegetables.
2. Introduce diced onions, carrots, and broccoli to the melted butter, stirring periodically and allowing them to soften for approximately 5 minutes until onions become translucent without browning.
3. Incorporate chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream into the vegetable mixture, ensuring thorough blending.
4. Evenly distribute flour across the liquid surface to prevent potential clumping, then season with salt, pepper, and a hint of red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring and monitoring the gradual thickening of the soup’s consistency.
6. Gradually fold shredded cheddar cheese into the heated mixture, continuously stirring to promote smooth melting and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
7. Once the cheese has completely integrated and the soup reaches a rich, velvety consistency, remove from heat.
8. Carefully ladle the soup into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with additional cheese or preferred toppings.
9. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and flavor profile.

Notes

• Ensure vegetables are uniformly chopped for consistent cooking and texture, preventing uneven softening.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother melting and superior flavor development.
• Control heat carefully when adding dairy and cheese to prevent scorching or separating the soup base.
• Consider blending a portion of the soup for a creamier consistency while maintaining some vegetable chunks for texture variation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg