If you have ever wished you could capture the comforting, velvety essence of a restaurant classic right in your own kitchen, this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s rich and creamy with the perfect cheddar punch, studded with tender broccoli and sweet carrots that add both color and texture. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, making it an irresistible choice for chilly evenings or whenever your soul craves that ultimate bowl of comfort. Best of all, this recipe is remarkably easy to pull together using simple ingredients that transform into something truly spectacular.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with thick, creamy soup that has a light yellow color. The soup contains small, chopped green broccoli pieces and tiny orange carrot bits evenly spread throughout. A wooden spoon with a grey handle rests inside the bowl, partially covered by the soup. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might seem humble, but each one plays a crucial role in building the luscious flavor and texture that define this soup. The balance between sharp cheddar and fresh vegetables creates a classic flavor profile, while the half-and-half ensures creaminess without being too heavy.

Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onion, creating a flavorful base.
Small onion, diced: Offers a gentle sweetness that layers complexity into the broth.
Flour: Essential for thickening the soup into that signature smooth, creamy texture.
Half-and-half: Provides a silky, creamy consistency without overpowering the flavors.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Gives depth and savory undertones while keeping sodium in check.
Chopped broccoli: The star vegetable that brings earthiness and vibrancy.
Shredded carrots: Adds sweetness and a pop of color, balancing the cheddar perfectly.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The soul of the dish, infusing every bite with tangy, melty goodness.
Paprika: A subtle smoky warmth that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Salt & pepper: To taste, enhancing and harmonizing all the ingredients.

How to Make Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Build a Roux

Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes tender and translucent, filling your kitchen with a lightly sweet, inviting aroma. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux, which is the key to giving the soup its creamy body.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Simmer

Next, slowly whisk in the half-and-half and chicken broth, making sure the mixture stays smooth and lump-free. Increase the heat just enough to bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously as it thickens to the perfect consistency that will coat the back of your spoon.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Add the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still maintain a slight bite, offering a fantastic texture contrast against the creamy base.

Step 4: Cheese it Up and Season

Lower the heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup, creating that signature luscious creaminess. Sprinkle in paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the soup truly comes alive with flavor!

Step 5: Blend for Smoothness (Optional)

If you prefer an ultra-smooth texture like the original Panera soup, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or carefully transfer some to a blender. Reinstate the blended mixture back into the pot and stir well to combine. This step is optional but highly recommended for that last touch of finesse.

How to Serve Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy broccoli cheese soup sits on a wooden board with an olive green cloth underneath. The soup has a thick, pale yellow base with small bits of carrots and broccoli florets spread evenly throughout. Bright green broccoli pieces stand out in the soup, along with thin strands of shredded cheddar cheese mostly gathered in the middle, adding a rich orange color. The surface beneath the board is white with a marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate the appearance and flavor of your soup. A little extra shredded sharp cheddar melted on top or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions adds crunch. You might also enjoy a sprinkle of fresh chives or a light dusting of smoked paprika to amp up the visual appeal and complexity.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with simple, hearty sides. A crusty baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for dipping. If you want something lighter, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich cheesiness nicely. Classic comfort food combos really shine here!

Creative Ways to Present

For an authentic restaurant experience at home, serve this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe inside a hollowed-out bread bowl. It’s not only charming but also adds an edible container that soaks up every last drop. Alternatively, try layering the soup in mason jars for a charming picnic or lunchbox option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep perfectly for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the cozy goodness later without losing any of the incredible flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but it’s best to leave out the cheese and add it fresh when reheating for optimal texture. Use freezer-safe containers, and it will stay delicious for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of half-and-half or broth to restore the creamy consistency you love.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep all the rich flavors while making it fully vegetarian.

What type of cheddar cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar gives the soup its signature bold flavor, but you can experiment with mild or extra-sharp cheddar depending on your taste preference.

Is it necessary to blend the soup?

Blending part of the soup is optional but helps achieve that smooth texture Panera is famous for. If you like chunkier soup with more vegetable texture, feel free to skip this step.

Can I add other vegetables?

Carrots and broccoli are classic, but you can experiment by adding cauliflower or celery for extra depth and nutrition.

What’s the best bread for serving this soup?

A sturdy sourdough or crusty artisan bread works great, especially if you’re making a bread bowl. It holds up well and soaks in the soup flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe as much as I do. It’s a wonderful way to bring a beloved restaurant experience home with surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Once you taste that creamy, cheesy goodness with tender broccoli, this soup is bound to become a new favorite in your recipe box. Give it a go, and let every comforting spoonful remind you why homemade just tastes better.