Name: Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter (cut into chunks); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 yellow onion (chopped); 2 large carrots (peeled and julienned, about 1 heaping cup); 2 stalks celery (sliced, about 1 heaping cup); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 16 ounces chicken stock or broth; 3 cups broccoli florets; 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Craving the rich, creamy goodness of Panera Bread’s signature Broccoli Cheese Soup? Now, you can recreate this popular dish at home with just a few simple ingredients. This copycat recipe brings together fresh vegetables, melted cheddar cheese, and hearty chicken broth to create a comforting and delicious bowl of soup that’s perfect for chilly days. Paired with a warm bread bowl or served on its own, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s just as good (if not better!) than the restaurant version.

Making this soup at home not only saves you money, but it also allows you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. Whether you prefer it thick and creamy or a bit more chunky, this recipe can be easily tailored to suit your tastes. With fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a few simple seasonings, you’ll have a bowl of comfort that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a cozy evening meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Restaurant-Quality Soup at Home

This recipe lets you enjoy the same great taste of Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheese Soup from the comfort of your own kitchen.

2. Simple Ingredients

With basic ingredients like butter, garlic, veggies, milk, and cheese, this soup is easy to make without needing any fancy or hard-to-find items.

3. Customizable

Whether you prefer a creamy smooth texture or want to add some extra veggies like cauliflower, mushrooms, or green peppers, this recipe can be easily modified to your liking.

4. Comforting and Hearty

The creamy cheese, tender vegetables, and warm broth make this soup the perfect dish for a chilly day or cozy night in.

5. Healthier Options Available

You can adjust the recipe to suit your dietary preferences by using olive oil instead of butter or replacing milk with heavy cream for an extra indulgent experience. You can also make it gluten-free by skipping the flour.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

Butter
Garlic, minced
Yellow onion, chopped
Carrots, peeled and julienned
Celery, sliced
Salt and pepper
All-purpose flour
Milk
Chicken stock or broth
Broccoli florets
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Variations

Gluten-Free: Skip the flour or use a gluten-free flour alternative to make this soup gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free milk alternative, like almond or oat milk, and substitute dairy-free cheese.
Additional Vegetables: Add cauliflower, mushrooms, or green peppers for added flavor and texture.
Extra Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat and depth to the flavor.
Thicker Soup: Swap milk for heavy cream to make the soup even richer and thicker.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Flour and Liquid

Stir in the flour to coat the vegetables. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring after each addition. Then add the chicken stock or broth to the mixture, stirring to combine.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Turn the heat to medium-high and let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the soup and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Remove the soup from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon for a bit of brightness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

For a Smooth Soup: If you prefer a silky smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup once the broccoli is tender.
Chunky Soup: If you enjoy a chunkier texture, leave the soup as is and simply serve it with the vegetables intact.
Heavy Cream Option: If you want a richer and thicker soup, swap out the milk for heavy cream or use a combination of both.
Broth Options: Bone broth is a great alternative to chicken stock for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor.
Flavor Boost: A dash of cayenne pepper can add an extra zing to the soup, balancing out the richness with a touch of heat.

How to Serve

This soup is best served warm and can be paired with crusty bread or a bread bowl for a classic experience. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a light, well-rounded meal. For an extra indulgence, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving, or add some homemade croutons for extra crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover broccoli cheese soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little milk or broth to adjust the consistency if needed.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating the soup, stir frequently to ensure it heats evenly. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well and can be made in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later.

3. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup for a little heat.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for this soup, but you can also use other cheeses like mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the milk and cheese with dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk and dairy-free cheese.

6. How can I make this soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or use heavy cream instead of milk.

7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?

Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken stock for a vegetarian version of the soup.

8. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes, you can add cauliflower, mushrooms, or green peppers to change up the flavor and texture of the soup.

9. How long does this soup take to make?

This soup takes about 40 minutes in total, from prepping the vegetables to having it on the table.

10. Can I use an immersion blender?

Yes, using an immersion blender will give the soup a smoother texture, if that’s your preference.

Conclusion

This copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup is a cozy and comforting dish that will make you feel like you’re dining out in the comfort of your own home. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with vegetables, making it a satisfying meal for any day of the week. Whether you’re enjoying it as a simple lunch or serving it to guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Customize it to your liking, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!