Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Easy Homemade Version

Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a fan favorite, beloved for its rich, creamy texture and savory flavor. The good news is that you don’t have to go to Panera to enjoy it—you can easily recreate this dish at home with a few simple ingredients. This guide will walk you through a detailed Panera broccoli cheddar soup recipe, along with helpful tips, ingredient substitutions, and cooking methods to help you achieve the perfect bowl of comfort food.

Making Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup at home offers several advantages. For one, it’s far more cost-effective than eating out at Panera Bread. Plus, by making it yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to cater to your dietary preferences—whether you’re aiming for a vegetarian, low-sodium, or gluten-free version. And of course, homemade soup just tastes better, offering a level of freshness that store-bought versions can’t match.

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe (4) — “Homemade Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a bowl with fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese on top.”

Allrecipes’ Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup provides a great starting point for creating this dish, but here’s a more detailed, step-by-step guide to help you master the perfect homemade version.

Why Make Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup at Home?

Cost Savings: A single bowl of broccoli cheddar soup at Panera can be quite pricey, especially when you pair it with a side. Making it at home is much cheaper, and the ingredients can be used for multiple servings.
Dietary Control: When you make the soup yourself, you can tailor it to meet your specific dietary needs. For example, you can use low-sodium vegetable broth for a healthier version or swap heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
Convenience: Preparing this dish at home means you can enjoy a fresh, creamy bowl of soup whenever you like, without waiting in line at a restaurant.

If you’re craving Panera-style soup but prefer to skip the drive-through, making it at home is the way to go.

Ingredients Overview

To make your Panera broccoli cheddar soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (for a vegetarian option)
2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream (for a richer flavor)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 cup shredded carrots
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for a touch of warmth)

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe (3) — Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Some ingredient substitutions you can consider include:

Using almond milk or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Swapping the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it completely vegetarian.
Gluten-free flour can replace the regular flour to make this dish gluten-free.

For additional recipe variations, check out The Recipe Critic’s Broccoli Cheese Soup.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions become translucent, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step helps to build the flavor base for your soup.

Step 2: Create a Roux

Add the flour to the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This thickens the soup and removes the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add Broth and Cream

Gradually pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version), whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Next, add the half-and-half or heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe (2) — Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Add the broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. You can adjust the cooking time depending on your preference for how soft you want the vegetables to be.

Step 5: Incorporate the Cheese

Once the broccoli is tender, reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Be careful not to let the soup boil at this stage, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Finally, season your soup with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for an added layer of flavor. Stir everything together and taste, adjusting the seasonings as necessary.

For more variation, try adding a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your soup.

Cooking Method Variations

While the stovetop method is straightforward, there are other ways to prepare your soup depending on your time and equipment:

Slow Cooker Method: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients (except for the cheese) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Once the soup is cooked, add the cheese and stir until melted.
Instant Pot Method: For a quicker option, use an Instant Pot. Sauté the onions and garlic in the pot, then add the broth, cream, and vegetables. Set the pot to high pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully release the pressure. Stir in the cheese and season to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Bread Bowl: For an authentic Panera experience, serve your broccoli cheddar soup in a freshly baked bread bowl. It’s the perfect way to enjoy both the soup and a bit of extra carbs!
Side Dishes: Pair the soup with a crusty loaf of bread, a light salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich to complete your meal.
Garnishes: Top your soup with extra shredded cheese, croutons, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added texture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing.
Freezing: If you want to make a big batch and freeze some for later, you can store the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Reheating: When reheating, it’s best to do so on low heat to prevent the cheese from separating. Add a little extra cream or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Nutritional Information

While this recipe is indulgent, it’s packed with nutrients from the broccoli, carrots, and cheddar cheese. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

Calories: 350-400
Carbs: 18-22g
Protein: 12-15g
Fat: 25-30g

For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter cream alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the ingredients in Panera Broccoli and Cheddar Soup?

The main ingredients in Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup include:

Broccoli florets
Carrots
Onions
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Butter
Flour (for thickening)
Chicken broth or vegetable broth (for a vegetarian version)
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic and optional nutmeg for extra flavor

2. What is the secret ingredient in broccoli cheddar soup?

While there isn’t a singular “secret ingredient,” a key to making broccoli cheddar soup extra flavorful is the use of cheese—particularly sharp cheddar, which gives the soup its rich, tangy taste. Some variations also include a small pinch of nutmeg to enhance the soup’s creamy texture and add warmth.

3. How does Panera make their soups?

Panera prepares their soups using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Their soups are typically cooked in large batches at their central kitchen facilities, where they are prepared fresh daily. After cooking, they are delivered to the cafes where they are reheated and served. Panera emphasizes using fresh, whole ingredients with no artificial preservatives in most of their soups.

4. What are the ingredients in cheddar broccoli soup?

Similar to Panera’s recipe, the ingredients in a basic cheddar broccoli soup usually include:

Broccoli florets
Shredded cheddar cheese
Carrots
Onions
Butter
Garlic
Flour (to thicken)
Milk or cream (for richness)
Vegetable broth or chicken broth
Salt and pepper

5. Which Panera soup is the healthiest?

Among Panera’s soup options, the Mediterranean Veggie Soup and Tomato Basil Soup are often considered some of the healthiest choices, as they are lower in calories and made with vegetables and olive oil. Additionally, these soups are generally lighter and lower in fat compared to richer options like the Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

6. Why is Panera Broccoli Cheddar not vegetarian?

The standard version of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains chicken broth, which is not vegetarian. However, you can request a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth, which makes the soup suitable for vegetarians.

7. Is Panera soup microwaved?

Yes, Panera soups are generally microwaved in-store for reheating before they are served. The soups are delivered to Panera restaurants in large batches and kept in refrigerated storage. When you order soup, it is microwaved to bring it to the right temperature for serving.

8. Is Panera soup at the grocery store the same?

Panera soups available at grocery stores are made to replicate the restaurant’s versions, but they might differ slightly in taste or texture due to packaging and preservation. While they are made with similar ingredients, store-bought versions are typically pasteurized and may contain additional preservatives to extend shelf life.

9. What are the ten vegetables in Panera soup?

The “Ten Vegetable Soup” at Panera includes a mix of ten different vegetables. These typically include:

Tomatoes
Carrots
Onions
Zucchini
Kale
Spinach
Green beans
Corn
Peas
Red bell peppers

10. Can you freeze Panera soup that you buy at the grocery store?

Yes, you can freeze Panera soup that you buy at the grocery store, but the texture may change upon reheating. It’s best to transfer the soup to an airtight container and freeze it. When ready to eat, defrost and reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the best flavor and texture.

11. What was Panera previously called?

Panera Bread was previously called St. Louis Bread Company. The company changed its name to Panera Bread in 1997 after expanding beyond the St. Louis area.

12. Did Panera get rid of the 10 Vegetable Soup?

Yes, unfortunately, Panera discontinued the Ten Vegetable Soup in 2020. This decision sparked disappointment among many loyal customers, but Panera has since added other soups to their menu, like the Mediterranean Veggie Soup, which offers a similar healthy and flavorful option.

Conclusion

Recreating Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup at home offers an unbeatable combination of flavor, cost-effectiveness, and convenience. This rich, creamy soup is a comfort food classic that can easily be made in your own kitchen with just a few basic ingredients. Whether you follow the stovetop method, use a slow cooker, or opt for the quick Instant Pot version, you’ll find that making this soup is straightforward and rewarding.

By making your own broccoli cheddar soup, you also have the flexibility to adjust ingredients based on your dietary preferences. Want a vegetarian version? Swap in vegetable broth and keep the recipe plant-based. Looking to make it lighter? Use almond milk or low-fat cream. With so many options, you can truly tailor this soup to your taste while keeping all the comforting, creamy goodness that makes Panera’s version so popular.

Next time you’re craving a warm bowl of soup, skip the restaurant and make your own. The process is simple, and the results are well worth it. This homemade version of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup will soon become a staple in your kitchen, offering both comfort and satisfaction with every spoonful. Share it with family and friends, and enjoy a homemade soup experience that beats any takeout.