This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with cozy flavors (just like Panera’s version!). It’s a one-pot, 30-minute recipe that combines tender broccoli, grated carrots, and sharp cheddar in a velvety broth. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal!
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Why This Recipe Works
During the winter months, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, creamy bowl of homemade soup—and this copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup checks all the boxes. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with bold cheddar flavors.
Plus, it all comes together in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash and more time to cozy up with this bowl of cheesy goodness. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something comforting without the stress.
And because I know we all love a little flexibility in the kitchen, you can easily customize it! Toss in extra veggies, swap out the cheese, or make it vegetarian with vegetable broth. However you serve it, this soup is guaranteed to hit the spot!
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base while helping to sauté the onions and develop flavor. Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
- Olive Oil: Combining butter with olive oil prevents the butter from burning. Extra-virgin olive oil is best for flavor, but you can use light olive oil if you prefer a more neutral taste.
- Onion: Brings a natural sweetness and savory base. Use white or yellow onion!
- Garlic Powder: Gives the soup a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering it.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. If you only have table salt, reduce the amount slightly since it is more concentrated.
- Dijon Mustard: This is the secret ingredient that adds tanginess, enhancing the sharpness of the cheese. Use smooth Dijon mustard instead of whole grain here.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the soup, giving it that signature creamy consistency. When mixed with butter (forming a roux), it prevents the cheese from clumping.
- Broccoli Florets: Adds a hearty texture and mild earthy flavor. Choose fresh broccoli for the best texture and color. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it beforehand.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the soup a rich, velvety mouthfeel.
- Chicken Broth: Provides depth and umami flavor without making the soup too heavy. Again, use low-sodium chicken broth so you can adjust the salt to your taste.
- Carrot: Brings a touch of sweetness and color to the soup. Finely grate the carrots for a smoother consistency.
- Cheddar Cheese: The key to achieving that signature Panera broccoli cheddar soup flavor! Opt for sharp cheddar for a bold, cheesy richness.
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic powder, and salt. Stir occasionally until the onion becomes translucent (be careful not to burn the onion).
- Create the Base: Stir in the Dijon mustard and flour, cooking for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the chopped broccoli, chicken broth, cream, and grated carrots. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is fork-tender.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar, adding it in small handfuls and allowing each batch to melt before adding more.
- Thicken & Serve: Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. Ladle your Panera broccoli cheddar soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar and croutons if desired.
Substitutions & Variations
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives you that copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup flavor, but you can swap it for Gruyère, Colby Jack, or even smoked Gouda for a unique twist.
- Vegetarian: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half cream or whole milk for a lighter option.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a cornstarch slurry (mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water first), then mix it in once the soup is simmering.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a hint of heat.
- Protein: Stir in shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits for added heartiness.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup tasting fresh, follow these storage and reheating tips:
- Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezer: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature to prevent condensation, then divide it into airtight containers (leaving room for expansion). Freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for more, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring frequently, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Prep ahead: You can chop the broccoli, grate the carrots, and dice the onion in advance to save time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days!
Expert Tips
- Grate Your Cheese: Always grate your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching at the bottom of the pan.
- Low and Slow for Cheese: Remove the soup from the heat before stirring in the cheese. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
- Adjust the Texture: For a creamier, smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some broccoli pieces intact.
FAQs
Yes! Simply thaw the frozen broccoli before adding it to the soup. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since frozen broccoli is softer than fresh.
High heat can cause cheese to break and become grainy. Always remove the soup from heat before adding cheese and stir it in little by little.
Absolutely! Sauté the onions, then add all ingredients (except cheese and cream) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the cheese and cream at the end.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup recipe, be sure to check out some more cozy, hearty soups like these:
- Keto Loaded Creamy Cauliflower Soup
- Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
- Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with Kale
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
If you try this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 5 cups broccoli florets, cut into ½ inch pieces
- 2 cups heavy cream, or half and half
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups carrot, grated
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Melt the unsalted butter and olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring often not to burn.
- Add in the Dijon mustard and all-purpose flour and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, for about 1 minute.
- Add in the chopped broccoli florets, chicken broth, half-and-half, and carrots. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- While stirring constantly, add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, waiting until the cheese is completely melted before adding the next handful. Let the soup sit for 5 minutes covered with a lid and let it thicken, add any additional cheese to taste. Serve garnished with more cheese and croutons if desired.
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