Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup 🥦🧀🍲

Creamy, cheesy, cozy comfort—just like Panera

Introduction

This Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup recreates the famous creamy soup from Panera Bread.

It’s rich, velvety, loaded with tender broccoli, carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese—all simmered into a thick, comforting soup perfect for cold days or cozy nights.

Ingredients

Vegetables:

2 tbsp butter
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup carrots (shredded or finely chopped)
4 cups broccoli florets (chopped small)

Soup Base:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

Cheese & Seasoning:

2–3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Salt & black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Pinch of nutmeg (optional, enhances creaminess)

Optional Add-ins:

Heavy cream (for extra richness)
Cauliflower (for extra veggies)
Croutons (for topping)

Substitutions:

Milk → half-and-half or plant milk
Chicken broth → vegetable broth
Cheddar → mild or extra sharp cheese blend
Flour → cornstarch (gluten-free option)

Timing

Preparation time: 10–15 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté vegetables

Melt butter in a pot. Cook onion and garlic until soft.

Step 2: Add carrots

Stir in carrots and cook for a few minutes.

Step 3: Make roux

Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Add liquids

Slowly whisk in broth and milk until smooth.

Step 5: Simmer

Add broccoli and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender.

Step 6: Add cheese

Lower heat and stir in cheddar until melted and creamy.

Step 7: Season

Add salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg to taste.

Step 8: Serve

Serve hot with bread or croutons.

Nutritional Information (approx per serving)

Calories: 350–550 kcal
Protein: 15–25g
Carbohydrates: 20–35g
Fat: 25–40g

Healthier Alternatives

Use low-fat milk
Reduce cheese slightly
Add more broccoli
Use vegetable broth
Skip cream for lighter version

Serving Suggestions

Crusty bread bowl
Garlic bread
Side salad
Crackers or croutons
Sandwich pairing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Boiling cheese (makes it grainy)
Not cooking flour properly (raw taste)
Overcooking broccoli (mushy texture)
Adding cheese too fast
Not stirring constantly

Storage Tips

Store in fridge up to 4 days
Reheat gently over low heat
Add splash of milk when reheating
Not ideal for freezing (texture may separate)
Store in airtight container