Name: Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 1 onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup flour; 2 cups half-and-half or milk; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups chopped broccoli florets; 1 cup shredded carrots; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt & pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 78 reviews

If you’re craving a warm bowl of comfort, nothing hits the spot quite like this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli and sweet shredded carrots, this soup is the perfect blend of hearty and wholesome — all made easily at home without any fancy techniques. Whether you’re after a cozy lunch or a filling dinner, this recipe brings that beloved Panera flavor straight to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different cooking ingredients. In the top left bowl are bright green broccoli florets, while to its right there is shredded orange cheddar cheese. Below the broccoli is a bowl filled with small chopped white onions. Next to it, towards the center, is a smaller bowl with thinly sliced orange carrot strips. To the right of this is a tiny bowl with minced garlic. At the bottom left is a measuring cup filled with white flour, and beside it is a small spoon with black pepper. On the bottom right is a clear measuring cup with a light brown broth, and next to that, another with white milk. There are also two small bits of yellow butter placed at the front center. The whole setup is brightly lit and neat, with the ingredients clearly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each item contributes to the perfect balance of creamy texture, fresh vegetable flavor, and that irresistible cheddar punch you love.

2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics for a flavorful base.
1 onion, diced: Builds natural sweetness and depth in the soup.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a subtle punch of warmth and aroma.
¼ cup flour: Creates the thick, velvety texture that coats every spoonful.
2 cups half-and-half or milk: Makes the broth creamy and smooth; you can choose based on your desired richness.
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Provides savory liquid to balance the cream and veggies.
2 cups chopped broccoli florets: The star vegetable, delivering that fresh, slightly crisp bite.
1 cup shredded carrots: Adds natural sweetness and lovely color contrast.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The cheesy heart of the recipe, melting perfectly for ultimate comfort.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together harmoniously.

How to Make Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by melting butter in a sturdy pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about three minutes, then add the minced garlic for an additional minute. This step releases the wonderful flavors that form the foundation of your soup.

Step 2: Build the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about a minute to cook out the raw taste. This roux will give your soup its beautiful, thick, creamy consistency — so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Your Liquids

Slowly pour in the half-and-half (or milk) and broth while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Watching it come together smooth and silky is always such a satisfying moment.

Step 4: Incorporate the Veggies

Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and shredded carrots, then let the mixture simmer gently for around 15 minutes. This step softens the vegetables while infusing the broth with their fresh flavors.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Season

Finally, stir in your shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and silky. Taste your soup and season generously with salt and pepper. At this point, if you want a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend it slightly — or leave it chunky for more bite.

How to Serve Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

The image shows a creamy soup with visible ingredients of orange carrot strips and green broccoli pieces mixed throughout in a thick, light beige broth. A black spoon lifts a spoonful of the soup close to the center, showcasing the chunky vegetables covered in the smooth creamy texture. The soup is served in a white bowl, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make each bowl pop visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle a pinch of extra shredded cheddar on top and a dash of freshly cracked black pepper. For a bit of crunch, toasted bread crumbs or chopped chives add fantastic texture and color.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with crusty artisan bread or a side salad brings a great balance. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or even a grilled cheese sandwich can turn this soup into a satisfying meal everyone will rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls for an inviting, rustic look. For weekend brunch, ladle it over baked potatoes or serve in mini ramekins as fun appetizers at your next gathering — your guests will love the familiar, comforting flavors presented in a fresh way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep or a quick comfort food fix on busy days.

Freezing

This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and leave some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months and you’ll have a delicious homemade soup ready anytime you need a cozy night in.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or separating. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of milk or broth to bring back that silky texture.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the butter for olive oil, use almond or oat milk instead of half-and-half, and replace the cheddar with your favorite vegan cheese. The soup will still be deliciously creamy and full of flavor.

How can I make the soup smoother like the one at Panera?

Using an immersion blender right after simmering the vegetables gives you that silky smooth texture. You can blend it completely or leave some chunks for bite—both are wonderful!

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli if I don’t have fresh?

Yes! Frozen broccoli is perfectly fine and convenient. Just thaw it before adding to avoid extra water, which could thin the soup.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in cauliflower, celery, or even a handful of spinach for extra nutrition and color. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on the vegetable’s firmness.

How long does it take to make this soup?

From start to finish, this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe takes about 30 minutes—a perfect option for a satisfying homemade meal without a ton of waiting.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s simple, satisfying, and can be made with everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Trust me, once you try making this at home, you might just never want to order it anywhere else. So grab your pot, some cheddar, and broccoli, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of homemade love.