Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This homemade broccoli cheddar soup is thicker, cheesier, and better than anything you will get at Panera.

Why This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Works

Low and slow simmering is the secret here. Every ingredient gets time to release its flavor into the broth, creating something rich and deeply satisfying. Plus it is mostly hands-off cooking.

A simple butter-flour roux, broth, and a mountain of sharp cheddar cheese create a velvety soup that coats every piece of broccoli. Making it at home means you control how cheesy and thick it gets, and the answer should always be very. This Panera soup copycat is a keeper.

Grab your biggest pot and start grating that cheese. Let’s make it together.

Ingredients

Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional add-ins:

• Sourdough bread bowl
• Extra cheddar on top
• Croutons
• Dash of hot sauce

How to Make Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Saute. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
2. Pour. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half. Keep whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Simmer. Add broccoli florets, shredded carrot, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the soup has thickened.
4. Melt. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Serve in bread bowls if you want the full Panera experience.

Tips for the Best Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces so you get some in every spoonful.
• Add the cheese off the heat to prevent it from getting grainy.
• Half-and-half gives the best balance of richness. Heavy cream makes it too thick, whole milk too thin.
• A pinch of nutmeg is the secret ingredient. You won’t taste it directly but it rounds out the flavor.

Fun Variations to Try

• Add a can of diced green chiles for a spicy broccoli cheddar version.
• Use cauliflower instead of broccoli for a cauliflower cheddar soup.
• Stir in cooked bacon crumbles for a loaded broccoli cheddar.
• Use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
• Serve in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for the full copycat experience.

You Might Also Love

• Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
• Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl
• Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A delicious homemade copycat panera broccoli cheddar soup recipe.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 390

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Saute. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
2. Pour. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half. Keep whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Simmer. Add broccoli florets, shredded carrot, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the soup has thickened.
4. Melt. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Serve in bread bowls if you want the full Panera experience.

Notes

Grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces so you get some in every spoonful. Add the cheese off the heat to prevent it from getting grainy.

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