If you’re craving Panera’s creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup but prefer to enjoy it at home, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent countless afternoons perfecting this copycat recipe to capture that rich, comforting flavor we all love.
Using fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a blend of savory spices, this soup delivers the perfect balance of hearty and smooth. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or looking for a satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to recreate Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup in your own kitchen:
Fresh Broccoli
4 cups of fresh broccoli florets, washed and trimmed. Using fresh broccoli ensures a vibrant flavor and perfect texture in the soup.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. Sharp cheddar provides the tangy depth that makes this soup so comforting.
Onion
1 medium onion, finely chopped. The onion adds a sweet and savory foundation to the soup.
Carrots
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced. Carrots contribute natural sweetness and a lovely color to the dish.
Celery
3 stalks of celery, finely chopped. Celery adds a subtle crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Garlic
3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic infuses the soup with aromatic richness and depth.
Butter
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Butter is essential for sautéing the vegetables and building a creamy base.
All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Flour helps thicken the soup to achieve that smooth, creamy consistency.
Chicken Broth
4 cups of chicken broth. A good-quality chicken broth provides the savory liquid base for the soup.
Heavy Cream
1 cup of heavy cream. Heavy cream adds luxurious creaminess and richness to the soup.
Salt
1 teaspoon of salt. Salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the richness of the cheese and cream.
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Black pepper adds a hint of spice and depth to the soup.
Nutmeg
A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Nutmeg brings warmth and complexity, perfectly rounding out the flavors.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a creamy and flavorful Panera-style Broccoli Cheddar Soup right in your kitchen.
Prep
- Chop Vegetables:
- Finely chop 1 medium onion.
- Dice 2 medium carrots.
- Finely chop 3 stalks of celery.
- Mince 3 cloves of garlic.
- Prepare Broccoli:
- Cut 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.
- Grate Cheese:
- Shred 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and set aside.
Cook Vegetables
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Make Roux
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables.
- Stir continuously to combine the flour with the butter and vegetables.
- Cook Roux:
- Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and form a roux, which will thicken the soup.
Combine Ingredients
- Add Broth:
- Gradually pour in 4 cups of chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add Broccoli:
- Stir in the prepared broccoli florets.
- Add Cream:
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and mix well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer Soup
- Bring to a Boil:
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Reduce Heat:
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered.
- Cook Until Broccoli is Tender:
- Allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender and the flavors meld.
Blend for Creaminess
- Puree Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy.
- Alternatively, carefully transfer portions of the soup to a countertop blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
- Ensure Smooth Texture:
- For an extra creamy consistency, blend thoroughly to eliminate any remaining chunks.
Adjust Seasoning
- Add Cheese:
- Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
- Season to Taste:
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed for a balanced flavor.
- Final Stir:
- Give the soup one last stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the cheese is fully integrated.
Tools
I use a few essential tools to master this copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. These kitchen staples ensure everything runs smoothly.
Large Pot
A sturdy large pot is crucial for sautéing the vegetables and simmering the soup. It should have a heavy bottom to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
Blender or Immersion Blender
To achieve the soup’s creamy texture, I rely on a high-powered blender or an immersion blender. This allows me to blend the soup directly in the pot, saving time on transferring.
Knife and Cutting Board
A sharp chef’s knife and a reliable cutting board make chopping the broccoli, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic effortless. Consistent chopping ensures even cooking and a smooth texture.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precision is key in replicating Panera’s flavors. I use accurate measuring cups and spoons to ensure each ingredient is added in the right quantity, maintaining the soup’s balanced taste.
Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing this Broccoli Cheddar Soup ahead of time can save you time and make your mealtime smoother. Here are some tips to ensure your soup stays delicious.
Preparing Ingredients in Advance
- Chop Vegetables Early: Dice the onions, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic a day before. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Measure Ingredients: Shred the cheddar cheese and measure out the flour, butter, and spices. Keeping these ready ensures a seamless cooking process.
- Blanch Broccoli: If you prefer, blanch the broccoli florets and store them in the fridge. This can reduce cooking time when you’re ready to make the soup.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label them with the date and use within 3 months for the best flavor.
- Portion Control: Divide the soup into individual portions before storing. This makes reheating easier and helps prevent waste.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Reheating Tips
- Thawing Frozen Soup: Move the frozen soup to the refrigerator the night before you plan to eat it. This ensures even reheating.
- Gentle Reheating: Pour the soup into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Freshen the Flavor: Stir in a little extra shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper after reheating for an extra burst of flavor.
By following these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup whenever you desire without the hassle of starting from scratch.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup with these delightful serving ideas. From vibrant garnishes to perfect pairings, each suggestion enhances the flavor and experience.
Toppings and Garnishes
- Extra Shredded Cheddar: I love adding a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar on top for an extra cheesy kick.
- Croutons: Homemade garlic croutons provide a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy soup.
- Fresh Herbs: A handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Drizzle of Cream: A swirl of heavy cream or sour cream offers a rich contrast to the soup’s texture.
- Toasted Nuts: Sprinkling toasted almonds or pine nuts introduces a nutty flavor and delightful crunch.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle heat, I like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Pairing with Bread or Salad
- Artisan Bread: Serving the soup with warm, crusty artisan bread such as sourdough or baguette is perfect for soaking up every creamy bite.
- Garlic Bread: Indulging in garlic bread adds an extra layer of flavor that beautifully complements the soup’s richness.
- Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings a tangy and savory note, enhancing the overall meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pairing the soup with a side of roasted vegetables creates a hearty and nutritious combination.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For the ultimate comfort meal, I recommend serving the soup alongside a golden grilled cheese sandwich.
Conclusion
Making Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup at home is easier than you might think. The rich flavors and creamy texture come together beautifully with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
I love how customizable this recipe is. Whether you like it extra cheesy or prefer a bit of a kick with some red pepper flakes, you can make it your own. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you need a hearty meal that warms you up from the inside out.
Give it a try and enjoy a comforting bowl of soup that rivals your favorite café. Happy cooking!
