Homemade Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort

Creamy, comforting soups always hit the spot, especially when they’re inspired by a classic Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup recipe that warms you from the inside out.

Rich cheese and tender broccoli combine in a velvety blend that feels like a culinary hug.

Every spoonful bursts with robust flavor and hearty ingredients.

The soup golden hue promises a delightful dining experience that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Restaurants might charge premium prices, but you can recreate this beloved dish right in your own kitchen.

Let’s find out this simple yet spectacular recipe and transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Storage Advice for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Leftovers

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm soup gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent cheese separation. Add a splash of broth if soup seems too thick during reheating process.
• Freezing Friendly Method: Freeze soup without dairy components for best results. When ready to enjoy, thaw in refrigerator overnight and stir in fresh cream and cheese after reheating to restore creamy consistency.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide soup into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label each container with date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredients

• Broccoli Florets: Provide the hearty base and green goodness, choose fresh, vibrant green florets with tight, compact heads for the best texture and flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet, deep underlying flavor, select firm onions without soft spots or sprouting.
• Garlic: Delivers a robust, aromatic punch, pick plump cloves with smooth, unbroken skin.

• Half & Half, Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky smoothness, opt for fresh, high-quality cream for maximum richness.
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Brings intense, tangy cheese flavor, select hand-shredded cheese for best melting and authentic taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth, choose freshly grated for maximum flavor impact.

• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation, use unsalted for better control of overall saltiness.
• Chicken Broth: Builds a flavorful liquid base, low-sodium allows more precise seasoning control.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces a subtle, sharp undertone that elevates the entire soup's complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and intensifying all other flavors, adjust according to personal preference.

Tools to Make Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Large Soup Pot: Essential for cooking the entire soup from start to finish, preferably with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking while cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing broccoli.
• Sharp Kitchen Knife: Required for precise vegetable preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding salt, pepper, and mustard.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if you're grating fresh cheddar and parmesan cheese.
• Ladle: Great for serving the warm soup into bowls.

How to Prepare Panera-Inspired Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Soup Base Foundation

Start by creating a flavorful starting point in a large pot with butter, softened onions, and aromatic garlic. The gentle cooking allows the vegetables to release their delicious essence and develop a rich background flavor.

• Broccoli and Liquid Introduction

Add fresh broccoli florets into the pot, then pour in broth with a touch of mustard. The combination creates a vibrant green landscape with deep, complex undertones that will transform into a comforting soup.

• Simmering Magic

Let the mixture bubble gently, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together. This slow cooking process helps develop depth and richness in every spoonful.

• Creamy Transformation

Splash in half-and-half to create a luxurious, velvety texture. The cream will soften the soup’s edges and bring a smooth, indulgent quality to the dish.

• Cheese Finale

Sprinkle in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt into a silky, golden embrace. The cheeses will bind the soup together, creating a decadent and satisfying result.

• Taste and Serve

Do a final seasoning check, adjusting with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into warm bowls, ready to comfort and delight anyone who takes a bite.

Tips for Better Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Broccoli Cheddar Edition
• Swap fresh broccoli with frozen florets during off-season or when you're short on time. Thaw and drain thoroughly before adding to maintain soup's creamy consistency.
• Select sharp cheddar for deeper flavor, or experiment with white cheddar for a more subtle taste profile. Grate cheese freshly for smoother melting and richer texture.
• Want extra smooth soup? Use an immersion blender to puree some broccoli, creating a velvety base while keeping some vegetable chunks for hearty appeal.
• Boost nutrition by stirring in diced cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits right before serving. These additions transform the soup from simple side to satisfying main course.
• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop, adding splash of broth to restore original creamy consistency and prevent cheese separation.

Serving Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup at Home

• Cozy Bread Bowl Companion: Serve this creamy soup inside a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for a classic Panera-style presentation that lets you enjoy every delicious spoonful.
• Crispy Topping Crunch: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs, croutons, or sliced almonds on top to add a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor to the smooth, cheesy soup.
• Green Salad Pairing: Complement the rich soup with a light, fresh side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy intensity.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits on top to transform this soup into a more substantial meal that satisfies hearty appetites.

Creamy Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup delivers comfort in a creamy bowl of cheesy goodness. Home cooks can easily recreate this popular restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 cups (2 liters) broccoli florets
• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 28 oz (796 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup half & half or heavy cream
• 2 tbsps butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium-low heat, gently sweating onions and garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper until translucent and fragrant, releasing their delicate essence.
2. Build Soup Base: Introduce broccoli florets to the aromatic foundation, pour in chicken broth and Dijon mustard, creating a harmonious liquid environment that will nurture the vegetables’ natural flavors.
3. Simmer and Infuse: Elevate heat to coax broccoli into tender submission, allowing it to dance gently in the broth for 15-20 minutes, periodically stirring to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
4. Cream Integration: Temper the heat and slowly cascade half-and-half into the soup, maintaining a delicate simmer to prevent separation while warming the liquid to a silky consistency.
5. Cheese Transformation: Gradually shower sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses into the soup, whisking continuously until they melt into a luxurious, smooth emulsion that blankets the broccoli in rich, tangy warmth.
6. Final Refinement: Conduct a comprehensive seasoning assessment, fine-tuning with additional salt and pepper to orchestrate a perfectly balanced flavor profile before transferring to warm serving vessels.

Notes

• Prevent Curdling: Slowly add half-and-half at low heat to maintain smooth, creamy texture without separating.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle cheese gradually and stir continuously to achieve silky, uniform consistency without clumping.
• Broccoli Tenderness Tip: Simmer broccoli until just fork-tender to preserve vibrant color and prevent overcooking or mushiness.
• Flavor Enhancement: Use sharp cheddar and Parmesan for deeper, more complex taste profile that elevates traditional soup recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg