Easy Homemade Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe That Wows

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this creamy Panera broccoli cheddar soup recipe that captures the warmth of homemade cooking.

Rich cheese and tender broccoli dance together in a velvety blend that rivals the restaurant favorite.

Hearty vegetables simmer gently, releasing their robust flavors into a smooth, decadent base.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary meal into a soul-soothing experience you’ll crave.

Robust cheddar provides depth while broccoli adds a nutritious punch to this classic soup.

Simple techniques make recreating this beloved dish easier than you might expect.

Warm up your kitchen and your spirits with this delightful soup that promises restaurant-quality goodness in every comforting bite.

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup—Why People Love It

• This soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own, allowing for endless variations that suit your taste and what's in your fridge.
• The creamy texture and rich cheese flavor make this soup a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will ask for seconds.
• Packed with vegetables and protein, this soup offers a balanced meal that feels indulgent while still providing essential nutrients.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredient List

• Onion: A flavorful aromatic that provides a delicious foundation for the soup.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth texture.
• Flour: Essential for thickening the soup and creating a creamy consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base for the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the soup's luxurious and velvety texture.

• Broccoli: The star vegetable that gives the soup its signature green color and nutritional boost.
• Carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and additional nutritional value to the soup.

• Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper: Provide essential warm and savory flavor notes to enhance the overall taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: The key ingredient that creates the soup's signature rich and creamy cheesy flavor.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Tools Checklist

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing onions and cooking the entire soup.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending roux and incorporating liquids without lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, broccoli, and carrots.
• Sharp Knife: Critical for precise vegetable preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring roux and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring butter, flour, and liquids.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of spices and seasonings.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Prep Guide

Step 1: Sauté Golden Onions

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Gently toss chopped onions into the bubbling butter, stirring frequently until they turn soft and translucent with a gorgeous golden edge.

Step 2: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onions and drizzle in additional melted butter.

Whisk and stir the mixture continuously for 3-4 minutes.

The roux will transform into a thick, smooth base that gives the soup incredible depth and richness.

Step 3: Pour Creamy Liquids

Slowly stream in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking constantly to blend seamlessly.

This creates a velvety foundation that will embrace all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Simmer Vibrant Vegetables

Add fresh broccoli florets and sliced carrots to the pot.

Cover and let simmer on low heat for 25 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become perfectly tender while infusing the broth with their natural sweetness.

Step 5: Enhance with Cheese Magic

Sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Gradually fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxuriously smooth texture.

The cheese will transform the soup into a creamy, comforting masterpiece.

Handy Tips for Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Whisk flour and butter constantly to create a smooth base without clumps, ensuring a silky soup texture.
• Remove pot from heat before adding cheddar to prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating.
• Test broccoli and carrots with a fork after 20 minutes to ensure they're tender but not mushy.
• Grate fresh cheddar instead of using pre-shredded cheese for richer, more authentic taste.
• Store soup in airtight container for 3-4 days, gently reheating on low to maintain creamy consistency.

Tasty Twists for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese. Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.
• Protein Power Boost: Add cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits for extra protein. Incorporate diced ham or turkey for a heartier version that increases nutritional value.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace flour with cauliflower rice or xanthan gum as a thickener. Use heavy cream and increase cheese content to maintain creamy texture while reducing carbohydrates.

Serving Broccoli Cheddar Soup Your Way

• Cozy Bread Bowl Companion: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for a rustic, comforting presentation that adds extra texture and flavor.
• Gourmet Garnish Party: Top with crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or toasted breadcrumbs to elevate the soup's taste and create a delightful crunch.
• Protein Power-Up: Pair with grilled chicken strips or add shredded rotisserie chicken directly into the soup for a more substantial meal that satisfies hunger.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the creamy soup with a crisp Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.

Storing Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at top. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with cream for best texture.
• Transfer soup to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Stir well to restore creamy consistency.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the soup from becoming lumpy when adding flour?

Whisk the flour and melted butter together thoroughly with onions over medium heat, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux and prevent any flour clumps from forming.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the soup to maintain the right consistency and flavor.

• What type of cheddar cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese provides the most robust flavor and creates that classic rich, cheesy taste Panera is known for in their soup.

• Is there a way to make this soup lighter or healthier?

Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, reduce butter amount, and choose reduced-fat cheddar cheese to create a lighter version without sacrificing too much flavor.

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup delights home cooks with its creamy richness and comforting warmth. Cheese and vegetables blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this beloved restaurant-style classic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 pound fresh broccoli, chopped
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 carrot, peeled and shredded

Thickening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Aromatic Base:

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a spacious pot, gently caramelize diced onions in melted butter over medium heat until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour into the onion mixture and incorporate remaining butter, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the mixture to develop a golden hue and rich aroma.
3. Gradually introduce chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking methodically to prevent lumps and ensure a silky consistency.
4. Incorporate finely chopped broccoli florets and julienned carrots into the liquid base. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow vegetables to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until they become tender but retain a slight crispness.
5. Elevate the soup’s flavor profile by adding a delicate touch of nutmeg, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
6. Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and achieve optimal serving temperature.

Notes

• Softening Onions: Use medium-low heat when sautéing to prevent burning and develop a sweet, mellow flavor without browning.
• Roux Technique: Constantly stir the flour and butter mixture to avoid lumps and create a smooth, silky base for the soup.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a creamy, smooth texture.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use gluten-free flour to make this soup vegetarian and gluten-free friendly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 60 g
• Saturated Fat: 36 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg