Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

History of Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup gained popularity as a classic American comfort food in the mid-20th century, thanks to its creamy texture and cheesy flavor. Panera Bread helped catapult it into a cult favorite with their own rich, hearty version, which became a staple on their menu. This recipe brings all the goodness of the restaurant favorite to your kitchen.

Why Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

• Rich and Creamy: Perfect for a comforting, indulgent meal.
• Vegetable-Packed: A delicious way to enjoy broccoli and carrots.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.

What is Broccoli Cheddar Soup Made of?

This soup is made with:

• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen florets for a nutritious base.
• Carrots: Shredded for a hint of sweetness and color.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar for a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half for creaminess.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Forms the soup’s base.
• Aromatics: Onion and garlic for depth of flavor.

What to Have with Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serve this dish with:

• Bread: A fresh baguette, sourdough, or bread bowl.
• Salad: A crisp green salad or Caesar salad pairs beautifully.
• Crackers: Oyster crackers or buttery Ritz crackers.
• Protein: Add grilled chicken or bacon crumbles for extra heartiness.

Is Broccoli Cheddar Soup Healthy?

This soup is rich and indulgent due to the cheese and cream. To make it lighter, use reduced-fat cheese, low-fat milk instead of cream, and vegetable broth. Broccoli and carrots add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious option when enjoyed in moderation.

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Whisk (for the roux)
• Blender or immersion blender (optional, for a smooth texture)
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater (for shredding cheese and carrots)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups milk (or half-and-half)
• 3 cups broccoli florets (chopped into small pieces)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional garnish: Extra cheese, croutons, or chopped parsley

Directions:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Roux

• Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the flour is golden.

Step 3: Add Broth and Milk

• Slowly pour in the broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
• Stir in the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Carrots

• Add the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots to the pot.
• Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

• For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup. (Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender and return it to the pot.)

Step 6: Add Cheese

• Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 7: Season and Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese, croutons, or parsley.

Tips

• Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Don’t Boil After Adding Cheese: Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from curdling.
• Make It Thicker: Add a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for a thicker consistency.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Conclusion

This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome flavors. It’s easy to make and tastes just like the restaurant favorite. Perfect for a cozy night in, pair it with bread or a salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

getcakerecipes

This creamy and cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a fan-favorite inspired by Panera Bread’s iconic version. Made with tender broccoli, shredded carrots, and a rich cheddar cheese base, this soup is comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare at home. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a starter, it pairs wonderfully with a fresh baguette or crusty bread.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups milk (or half-and-half)
• 3 cups broccoli florets (chopped into small pieces)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional garnish: Extra cheese, croutons, or chopped parsley

• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

• Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

• Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the flour is golden.

• Slowly pour in the broth while whisking to prevent lumps.

• Stir in the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

• Add the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots to the pot.

• Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender.

• For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup. (Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender and return it to the pot.)

• Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.

• Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

• Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese, croutons, or parsley.

Keyword Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup