Creamy Panera-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup

If you have ever fallen in love with the comforting, cheesy goodness of Panera’s famous soup, then you are going to absolutely adore this Creamy Panera-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. It’s a rich and velvety dish that captures all the warmth and flavor of the original, but made right in your own kitchen. Thick and satisfying, this soup blends tender broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese, all brought together by a smooth, creamy base that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. No fancy ingredients, just pure, delicious comfort you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with chopped broccoli, placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by several small white bowls containing various ingredients. There is a small white bowl with a pat of butter, another with finely chopped onions, one with grated cheese, a bowl with a small amount of flour, and small bowls holding ground pepper, a light brown powder, and salt. Additionally, there is a mound of grated carrots placed directly on the surface, and a transparent measuring cup filled with a pale yellow liquid near the bottom left. The arrangement is neat and evenly spaced. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are beautifully simple but essential to crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this soup. Each one plays a key role in building the creamy richness, vibrant color, and comforting depth you expect from a homemade Panera-style classic.

3 tbsp butter: Adds a silky richness and serves as the base for sautéing the onion.
½ onion, chopped: Gives a subtle sweetness and aromatic backbone to the soup.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Creates a roux that thickens the soup into a luscious, velvety texture.
2 cups half-and-half: Provides that creamy dairy essence without overpowering richness.
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Infuses savory depth and keeps the soup from becoming too heavy.
3 cups chopped broccoli florets: The star ingredient delivering bright, fresh flavor and a pop of green.
1 cup shredded carrots: Adds a gentle sweetness and appealing orange hue.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly to give the soup its signature cheesy punch.
Salt, pepper & pinch of nutmeg: Seasonings that elevate every bite with warmth and balanced flavor.

How to Make Creamy Panera-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion in Butter

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook gently until it becomes translucent and soft. This step ensures your soup base is infused with a sweet, mellow flavor that forms the foundation of the broth.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onion and stir constantly for about one minute. This cooking of the flour with butter prevents any raw taste and thickens the soup later on, creating that unmistakably silky consistency.

Step 3: Add the Half-and-Half and Broth

Slowly whisk in the half-and-half and broth a little at a time, making sure to blend smoothly without lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook until it thickens just right—this might take several minutes, but patience here pays off by building that creamy texture.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli and Carrots

Add the broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the pot. Allow everything to simmer together for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. Their natural sweetness balances perfectly with the rich, cheesy base.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheddar Cheese

Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the soup. This final step is what transforms your mixture into an indulgent, creamy delight that tastes just like the Panera original.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finish off with a pinch of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and just a hint of nutmeg to round out the flavors. For an extra special touch, serve your soup in bread bowls or with crusty bread for dipping. You are now ready to enjoy your homemade Creamy Panera-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe!

How to Serve Creamy Panera-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A round bread bowl with a golden brown, crispy crust forms the base, hollowed out to hold creamy white soup inside. The soup is topped with small green broccoli pieces, bright orange shredded cheese, and crispy brown bacon bits, with a few drops spilling slightly over the edge of the bread. The bowl sits on a gray tray lined with white paper, with the bread lid placed beside it showing a shiny, textured golden crust. The background features a white marbled surface with a green striped cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like extra shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives, or a dollop of sour cream can elevate your soup and add freshness or tang. These toppings create delightful contrasts to the creamy base and make each serving feel special.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with freshly baked bread, garlic toast, or a crisp green salad. The combination provides a balanced meal with a variety of textures and flavors, perfect for warming up on chilly days or when you want comfort food with a wholesome twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or sourdough bread bowls. You can even swirl in a little pesto or swirl of cream before serving to add visual interest as well as an extra flavor dimension. The Creamy Panera-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup should be cooled to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated safely for up to 3 days, retaining its flavor and texture wonderfully when reheated gently on the stove.

Freezing

This soup freezes well but for best results, freeze without the cheese initially. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir in the cheese while reheating to maintain that perfect creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove to prevent scorching and ensure even warming. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or half-and-half if it thickens too much. Your soup will taste just as delicious as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! Using vegetable broth keeps the soup vegetarian-friendly and still delivers plenty of savory depth to the dish.

Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

You could experiment with plant-based milk like cashew or oat milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same as the classic creamy Panera-style version.

Can I make this soup in advance for a party?

Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat gently before serving and add the cheese at the end for that fresh melty goodness.

What’s the best way to get the soup extra creamy?

Blend half the soup with an immersion blender before stirring in the cheese, which will give you an ultra-smooth base with delightful bits of broccoli for texture.

Can I substitute different cheeses?

Sharp cheddar is best for that classic bite, but feel free to mix in Gruyere or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on the Creamy Panera-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Panera-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your stomach with pure comfort. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for so many. Give it a go, share it with loved ones, and savor every spoonful of this cozy, cheesy classic made perfectly at home.