Have you ever sat at Panera, dipped a piece of warm bread into their creamy broccoli cheddar soup, and thought, “I wish I could make this at home”? Well, I’ve been there too!
One chilly evening, I decided to recreate that same rich, cheesy, and cozy soup in my own kitchen — and guess what? It turned out even better than the restaurant version!
If you love comfort food that hugs your soul, this copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is going to be your new best friend.
I’m sharing every detail, tip, and shortcut I learned through experience, so you can trust this version to be creamy, flavorful, and fail-proof.
Save this recipe now, because once you try it, you’ll want it again and again.
What Is Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup? – “A Bowl of Pure Comfort”
This soup is a creamy blend of fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich buttery base.
It’s thick, velvety, and bursting with comforting flavor — everything you love about the Panera version, but even fresher and cheesier. The best part? You can enjoy it anytime at home and even make it healthier if you like!
A Bit of Origin – “From Café Favorite to Kitchen Classic”
Panera Bread made this soup famous. It started as a seasonal item but quickly became one of their most loved year-round dishes. Now, you can find countless versions online — but this one? It’s my favorite because it truly captures that authentic creamy-cheddar flavor with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
And yes — it freezes beautifully for meal prep!
It tastes just like Panera’s, maybe even better!
It’s budget-friendly and easy to make at home.
It’s perfect for cozy nights, lunch, or family dinners.
You can easily make it vegetarian or low-carb.
Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Description
This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is smooth, creamy, and cheesy, with just the right balance of broccoli freshness and cheddar richness.
It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
You’ll need only simple ingredients — butter, cream, cheddar, and veggies — to create a restaurant-quality soup right in your kitchen.
Serve it with a crusty baguette or bread bowl, and you’ve got the perfect cozy meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Forging the Soup's Foundation
Begin by heating a large, robust cooking vessel—a Dutch oven is ideal—and introducing the butter over medium heat until it melts and shimmers. Next, add the finely diced yellow onion. Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and releases its sweet aroma, a process that takes approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Follow this by stirring in the minced fresh garlic and continuing to cook for just 30 seconds. This initial step creates a deeply savory and fragrant base, essential for establishing the final soup's complex, creamy profile.
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Crafting the Velvety Thickener
The secret to a luscious soup lies in the roux. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked onion and garlic. Allow this mixture to cook for 1 to 2 minutes—this subtle cooking time is vital as it toasts the flour, removing any 'raw' taste and ensuring the soup develops its signature, velvety-smooth texture.
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Building the Liquid Base
Slowly incorporate the chicken broth, pouring it in gradually while continuously whisking to ensure the roux is fully dissolved and the mixture is entirely free of lumps. Once smooth, pour in the half-and-half (or your prepared blend of whole milk and heavy cream). Bring the liquid to a gentle, low-level simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring periodically. During this time, the liquid will begin to slightly thicken as the starches in the roux activate.
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Introducing the Core Ingredients
Now, introduce the chopped fresh broccoli florets and sliced or diced carrots into the simmering base. Reduce the heat and Continue to cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the broccoli yields easily but still retains a slight firmness—it should not be overcooked and mushy.
The carrots impart a pleasant sweetness, beautifully complementing the earthy broccoli flavor. For those preferring a silkier consistency, you can use an immersion blender at this stage to process some of the soup, leaving a portion chunky for textural contrast.
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The Rich Finishing Touch
Remove the pot from the heat or reduce the setting to its lowest point. Carefully stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing gently and consistently until the cheese has melted completely and is fully integrated, transforming the soup into a smooth, silky-golden creation.
And balance the taste of soup with sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and nutmeg. The nutmeg introduces a delicate warmth that elevates the cheese flavor.
Crucially, do not allow the soup to boil once the cheese is added, as high heat can cause the dairy fats to separate, resulting in a grainy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 330kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 14g70%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Expert Tips & Creative Serving Ideas I’ve tested myself.
Few dishes deliver cozy comfort quite like Panera’s iconic Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender vegetables, it’s a fan favorite for good reason.
Making it at home not only cuts down on cost but also lets you customize the flavor, consistency, and portion size to suit your family’s needs.
Although the recipe appears straightforward—broccoli, onions, carrots, broth, cream, and cheddar—the trick lies in mastering technique. With a few smart steps, you can recreate that silky, restaurant-style bowl right in your own kitchen.
My Kitchen Picks for This Recipe:
🥣 Dutch Oven I Use
🔪 My Go-To Cheese Grater
🍞 Bread Bowls for Serving
🧊 Glass Containers for Freezing Soup
Pro Cooking Tips for the Perfect Soup
Choose Fresh Broccoli
While frozen florets will work in a pinch, fresh broccoli delivers brighter flavor and a firmer bite.
Shred Cheese from the Block
Skip pre-grated cheese—it’s coated with additives that keep it from melting properly. For a smooth, luxurious base, grate a block of sharp or extra-sharp cheddar by hand.
Build a Roux for Creaminess
Don’t rush past the roux. Whisking butter and flour together before adding liquid ensures a thick, velvety consistency.
Temper the Cream
Adding cold cream straight to hot broth can cause separation. This gentle step keeps your soup rich and smooth.
Keep It at a Simmer
Once your veggies and dairy are added, avoid a rolling boil. A slow simmer prevents the broccoli from turning mushy and keeps the dairy from breaking down.
Blend Just Enough
For that Panera-style balance of creaminess with texture, puree only part of the soup with an immersion blender. Leave some broccoli and carrot pieces whole for a bit of bite. Prefer a silky version? Blend fully—but not too long, as cheese can split if over-processed.
Serving Tricks for a Panera-Style Presentation
Bread Bowl Delight
Bring the Panera vibe home by hollowing out a round sourdough loaf. The crunchy crust and soft interior create the ultimate edible bowl.
Extra Cheesy Finish
Gently sprinkle a pinch of freshly grated cheddar cheese over each serving just before it hits your dining table. For extra indulgence, drizzle in a touch of cream or top with shaved Parmesan.
Smart Pairings
- Classic combo: A warm baguette or dinner roll for dipping.
- Lighter balance: A crisp Caesar or garden salad on the side.
Meal Prep
Divide leftovers into individual containers, that will be easy for reheating during the week.
Flavor Twists
- Swap cheddar for a mix of Gruyère or Fontina for a gourmet upgrade.
Why This Copycat Soup Works
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup has the perfect trifecta—silky texture, cheesy richness, and fresh vegetable notes. This version captures all three by:
- Starting with a flavorful onion and garlic base.
- Building body with a proper roux.
- Using high-quality cheddar for that signature sharp bite.
- Adding nutmeg for a subtle background warmth often overlooked in other recipes.
By sticking to real ingredients and skipping shortcuts like processed cheese, you’ll create a homemade soup that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Serving Suggestions
- Bread Bowl
- Crusty Bread:
- With Salad:
- As a Starter:
Final Thoughts
In under an hour, you can whip up a batch that tastes every bit as comforting—maybe even better.
Whether you enjoy it in a bread bowl, with a crisp salad, or paired with a grilled sandwich, this copycat recipe is versatile, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy. With the right tips and techniques, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy soup that rivals the restaurant favorite every single time.
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