Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe + Video

Growing up, Panera’s bread bowl filled with creamy broccoli cheddar soup was my ultimate comfort food. After countless attempts in my kitchen, I’ve finally recreated that same rich, cheesy goodness that made the original so memorable. This copycat recipe brings that cozy café experience right to your home.

Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar soup is a favorite with many of us, and my recipe copycats this popular dish’s fresh ingredients and flavors. There are fresh carrots and onions in here, but for the broccoli, you can use fresh or frozen if you wish. Frozen is often more convenient because it’s already chopped up.

Whichever way you go, you’ll end up with a rich, creamy soup perfect for a hearty lunch and warming the soul. You are going to love this copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 45 minutes
• Perfect comfort food
• Restaurant-quality results
• Great for meal prep
• Freezer-friendly
• Customizable thickness

Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Grater
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients and Their Roles

Base Ingredients

• Butter – Creates a rich base for the roux and adds a silky mouthfeel
• All-purpose flour – Forms roux with butter to thicken soup properly
• White onion – Provides savory foundation and aromatic depth
• Half-and-half – Creates creamy base and adds richness
• Broccoli – Delivers signature flavor and hearty texture
• Velveeta cheese – Ensures smooth melting and creamy consistency
• Chicken broth – Adds depth of flavor and adjusts thickness
• Carrots – Provides subtle sweetness and classic orange color
• Cheddar cheese – Brings sharp cheese flavor and authentic taste
• Salt – Enhances all flavors and balances soup
• Black pepper – Adds gentle warmth and depth

How to Make Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan. Stir in flour and onions. Cook for about a minute.
2. Slowly add half-and-half, whisking until thickened and smooth.
3. Add broccoli and processed cheese.
4. Slowly add chicken, stirring occasionally, until the soup has a consistent texture.
5. Add the carrots and simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. Stir in the cheddar cheese and cook for 10 more minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve when all the cheese is fully melted and blended.

Substitutions and Modifications

Make it Your Own

• Dairy Options: Heavy cream or whole milk for half-and-half
• Cheese Choices: American cheese for Velveeta
• Broth Alternatives: Vegetable broth for chicken
• Vegetable Add-ins: Cauliflower or potato

Dietary Modifications

• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth
• Gluten-free: Use rice flour for roux
• Lower-fat: Use milk instead of half-and-half

What to Serve With Broccoli Cheese Soup

I love serving this soup style with popovers or fresh yeast rolls with butter. For a thick soup like this one, you can serve it in bread bowls, just like Panera does. You can buy bread bowls from some stores.

Make it Special

• Serve in homemade bread bowls
• Top with extra cheese
• Add croutons
• Garnish with fresh herbs

How to Reheat Your Soup

If you have leftover soup and need to reheat it, add a little milk. It may have thickened in your refrigerator.

Storage and Reheating

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in airtight container
• Freeze: Up to 3 months
• Cool completely before storing

Reheating Methods

• Stir frequently while reheating
• Stovetop: Low heat, add splash of milk
• Microwave: 50% power in intervals

More Panera Bread Recipes

Popular Soup Recipes

Check out more of my easy soup recipes and the best Panera Bread recipes here on CopyKat!

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Q: Why is my soup grainy? A: Added cheese too quickly or at too high heat.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli? A: Yes! No need to thaw first.

Q: How do I make it thicker? A: Cook longer or add more cheese.