Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting classic that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheddar cheese with the heartiness of tender broccoli, all wrapped up in a velvety smooth soup. It’s the ultimate cozy dish that’s perfect for chilly days, served in a bread bowl or alongside a warm crusty baguette. This homemade version recreates the flavors of the popular Panera soup, offering you the same creamy, savory goodness without having to leave your kitchen. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and will quickly become a favorite in your household!

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups broccoli florets (about 2-3 heads of broccoli)
3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
1 1/2 cups half-and-half (or heavy cream for a richer soup)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for added depth)
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is slightly tender but still vibrant green.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions, garlic, and broccoli mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the soup.
Add the Liquid: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the half-and-half (or cream), salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard, if using. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
Blend the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or carefully transfer about half of the soup to a blender and puree it before returning it to the pot. This step is optional but helps create a creamier texture.
Add the Cheese: Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, lower the heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at a time, until it’s melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve with a warm crusty bread bowl or baguette.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add Carrots: Grate or finely chop a carrot and add it to the soup with the broccoli for added sweetness and color.
Use Different Cheese: Swap some of the cheddar for Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a combination for a different cheesy flavor.
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based butter, vegetable broth, and dairy-free cheese options like cashew cheese or vegan cheddar.
Add Protein: Add cooked chicken, beef, or turkey to make it a more filling meal.
Add Potatoes: Cube some potatoes and cook them with the broccoli for a heartier version of this soup.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, especially due to the cheese. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little more broth or half-and-half if the soup has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup is great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to develop.

Can I make this soup spicier?

Definitely! You can add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while cooking, or stir in a bit of hot sauce at the end for some heat.

Can I make this soup without blending it?

Yes, you can skip the blending step and keep the soup chunky. This will give you a more rustic texture, with the broccoli maintaining its bite.

What can I use if I don’t have half-and-half?

If you don’t have half-and-half, you can substitute with whole milk or a mixture of cream and milk to get a similar creamy texture.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in place of fresh. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the soup.

How can I make this soup thicker?

If you like a thicker soup, you can add more flour during the roux step, or cook the soup uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. You could also mash some of the broccoli once it’s tender to help thicken the soup.

How can I make this soup lighter?

For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of half-and-half and reduce the amount of cheese, or use a reduced-fat cheese.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the soup. For the smoothest result, it’s best to shred your own cheese.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like cauliflower, leeks, or even peas to mix things up and add more variety to the soup.

Conclusion

Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a beloved comfort food, and this homemade version brings the same rich, creamy goodness to your kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a silky broth makes for a satisfying meal, whether served in a bread bowl or with a side of crusty bread. Easy to make, hearty, and full of flavor, this soup is perfect for cozy nights or when you need a quick and comforting dish. Enjoy the creamy warmth of this soup on chilly days or whenever you need a comforting bowl of deliciousness!

Jane