Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Craving that rich, creamy Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup but don’t feel like going out? You’re not alone. This iconic comfort food is a crowd favorite for a reason – it’s warm, cheesy, and packed with veggies.
Luckily, you don’t have to hit the drive-thru to get your fix. In this article, we’re diving deep into the Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe – a step-by-step guide that’s easy to follow, tastes just like the original, and will have everyone asking for seconds.
Let’s bring that café-style coziness to your kitchen!
Why Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup at Home?
Before we jump into the ingredients and cooking process, let’s talk about why you should make this at home:
- Healthier control – You decide the ingredients, which means less sodium, fewer preservatives, and options to go low-carb or gluten-free.
- Budget-friendly – A single bowl at Panera costs more than making a whole pot at home.
- Customizable – Add more cheese, extra broccoli, or spice it up with a little kick.
Sounds good, right? Let’s dive into the magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate that delicious bowl of Panera-style Broccoli Cheddar Soup at home.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk (for creaminess)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or grated
- 1/2 cup celery (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (trust us – this secret ingredient makes all the difference!)
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra shredded cheddar
- Croutons
- A dash of hot sauce
- Crusty bread on the side (sourdough, anyone?)
How to Make Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Sauté the Base Veggies
Start with the flavor foundation – this step brings the magic.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes, until they’re soft and translucent.
- Toss in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Your kitchen should already be smelling amazing.
Pro tip: Keep the heat at medium so you don’t brown the butter too much – we’re going for creamy, not toasty.
Step 2: Make the Roux for Creaminess
This is what gives that velvety texture.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes. You’re cooking out the raw flour taste while creating a roux (fancy term, simple task).
- Slowly pour in the chicken or veggie broth while stirring, making sure there are no lumps.
- Then add the half-and-half (or milk), stirring continuously until smooth.
Texture check: The mixture should thicken slightly and start looking like a creamy soup base.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Here’s where the color and nutrition come in.
- Stir in the chopped broccoli, carrots, and celery.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the veggies are tender.
- Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
You can keep the broccoli chunky, or give it a quick blitz with an immersion blender for a smoother texture—totally up to you!
Step 4: Cheese, Please!
Time to make it cheesy. And dreamy.
- Turn off the heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and that pinch of nutmeg.
The cheese should blend smoothly into the soup—if it starts to clump, make sure your heat is off or very low, and stir slowly.
Why fresh shredded cheese? Pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents that don’t melt as well. Fresh is best!
Step 5: Serve It Up Like Panera
Ladle that goodness into a bowl, top it off with extra cheddar or croutons, and pair with a warm piece of crusty bread.
Want the full Panera experience? Serve it in a bread bowl!
Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Don’t skip the roux – It’s the key to that thick, creamy texture.
- Use sharp cheddar – It adds more depth and tang than mild varieties.
- Fresh broccoli works best – Frozen can be used, but fresh gives better texture.
- Avoid boiling after adding cheese – This can cause separation and grittiness.
How to Store and Reheat
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: It’s doable, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Gently on the stovetop or in the microwave on medium heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to refresh the texture.
Healthier Swaps (Option al)
Trying to keep it light? You’ve got options.
- Use milk instead of cream
- Go with reduced-fat cheese
- Add cauliflower to bulk up the veggies without extra calories
- Try gluten-free flour for a GF-friendly version
FAQs about Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
What ingredients do I need for Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
To whip up your own batch of Panera’s iconic Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, chopped onions, grated sharp cheddar cheese, chicken or vegetable stock, heavy cream, butter, all-purpose flour, and a mix of spices including salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simple ingredients for a comforting bowl!
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian twist, simply swap the chicken stock for a robust vegetable broth. You’ll keep all the creamy, cheesy goodness, without compromising on flavor.
How long does it take to make this soup at home?
From start to finish, you can have this soup ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just use it as a thickener as you would with regular flour to keep that rich, creamy texture.
What’s the best way to store leftover broccoli cheddar soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve. For best results, give it a good stir to redistribute all the cheesy goodness.
Can I freeze this soup?
While you can freeze broccoli cheddar soup, it’s worth noting that dairy-based soups can separate when thawed. If you decide to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, slowly reheat and stir well to reintegrate the ingredients.
Why is Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup so popular?
This soup combines comfort, convenience, and nostalgia, wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed bowl. It’s a heartwarming dish that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for dipping your favorite sandwich or crusty bread.
Conclusion
There you have it – a full, step-by-step guide to making your very own Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup at home. Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re just in need of some good old-fashioned comfort food, this soup hits every mark: creamy, cheesy, and totally satisfying.
Plus, once you master this recipe, it’s easy to tweak it to your liking – more spice, more cheese, more veggies… go wild!
