If you have ever wished you could recreate one of Panera’s most beloved comfort foods right in your own kitchen, today’s your day! This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe captures all the creamy, cheesy goodness with vibrant broccoli and just the right touch of seasoning. It’s a perfect blend of velvety texture and fresh vegetable flavor, making it a cozy bowl to savor any time you want a little soup therapy. Get ready to bring the magic of Panera’s classic soup to your table with an easy, wonderfully delicious homemade version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient works harmoniously to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Every item on this list is essential to achieving that iconic taste and silky, satisfying consistency.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Provides a rich, smooth base that helps soften the vegetables and adds depth.
- 1/2 cup diced onions (yellow or white): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation to the soup.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings a natural sweetness, color, and a slight crunch before cooking down.
- 2 1/2-3 cups broccoli florets (chopped small): The star vegetable that gives the soup its classic flavor and green freshness.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Enhances savory notes and keeps the soup light and flavorful.
- 1 cup milk (skim or fat free works fine): Adds creaminess without overpowering richness.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Elevates the soup’s silkiness and luscious texture.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent, ensuring the perfect velvety consistency.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Brings balance and enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth and slight spice that pairs brilliantly with the cheese.
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes: Introduces a subtle kick to brighten the soup’s profile.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The ultimate cheesy punch that melts into creamy, gooey goodness.
How to Make Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s lovely and melted, toss in those diced onions, shredded carrots, and chopped broccoli florets. This mix needs to soften gently, usually about 5 minutes, but keep an eye on it — the size of your veggie cuts can affect the timing. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and sets a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Build the Broth and Thicken
Next, slowly pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. While the pot is warming, sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and stir well to prevent any lumps. Add in the kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for that well-rounded seasoning that subtly wakes up your taste buds. Stir continuously over medium heat until the soup thickens beautifully, about 10 to 15 minutes — patience here leads to that perfect creamy texture that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Melt in the Cheese
When your soup has reached that ideal thick and creamy stage, it’s time to add the star ingredient: shredded cheddar cheese! Stir it in gently until each cheesy strand melts fully and the soup becomes smooth and rich. This finishing touch transforms the soup into that indulgent comfort fare reminiscent of Panera’s much-loved original. Serve hot and get ready to enjoy every spoonful.
How to Serve Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add delightful texture, sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper or a few extra red pepper flakes on top. A little sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or green onions also adds a bright pop of color and freshness that complements the rich soup beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with crunchy bread, whether that’s a warm baguette slice, crispy garlic bread, or buttery croissants. For a classic Panera-inspired touch, consider serving with a half sandwich, such as a turkey and avocado or ham and Swiss, for a filling and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup inside a hollowed-out bread bowl to soak up all that cheesy goodness. Alternatively, ladle into small ramekins for an elegant appetizer portion, topped with a cheddar crisp or homemade croutons for added crunch and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that tasty comfort without cooking again immediately.
Freezing
This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Cool the soup completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and reheat whenever you need a quick cozy meal.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing, thin it out with a splash of milk or broth until it reaches that luscious consistency again.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth will keep the soup vegetarian-friendly and still provide a lovely depth of flavor without overpowering the veggies and cheese.
What type of cheddar cheese works best for this soup?
A sharp cheddar cheese offers the best flavor punch and melts wonderfully, but feel free to use mild cheddar if you prefer a gentler cheese taste.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil, use a plant-based milk and cream alternative, and choose a dairy-free cheese substitute. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker soup, add a bit more flour when cooking or reduce the liquids slightly. For a thinner consistency, simply add extra broth or milk until you reach your desired texture.
Can I prepare the soup without the carrots?
Yes! While shredded carrots add sweetness and body, you can omit them if you prefer a purer broccoli cheese flavor. Just keep the onion and broccoli to maintain the classic soup character.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making a restaurant favorite in your own kitchen, and this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe does exactly that with ease and flavor. It’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights, quick lunches, or whenever you crave something comforting and tasty. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite that brings a little Panera magic home.
Print
Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4.4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is a creamy, comforting soup that combines tender broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, and a rich blend of milk and cream, perfectly seasoned for a hearty and delicious meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, this homemade version mimics the classic restaurant favorite with fresh vegetables and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced onions (yellow or white)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (cut into half-inch pieces)
- 2 1/2–3 cups broccoli florets (chopped small)
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (skim or fat free)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (or more as desired)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add diced onions, shredded carrots, and chopped broccoli florets. Cook and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables soften to your preference.
- Add Liquids and Thicken Soup: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the mixture. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Continue stirring the soup and heating it over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Melt Cheese and Finish Soup: Once the soup has thickened, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheese melts completely and the soup is smooth. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting broccoli cheese soup!
Notes
- For a thicker soup, use the full 3 cups of broccoli florets and longer cooking time for thickening.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your taste.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and ensure cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
- Using skim or fat-free milk reduces calories without sacrificing creaminess due to the heavy cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
