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I recently had lunch at Panera and decided to try to make Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. I am happy to report that this copycat recipe turned out creamy and delicious. It is the best comfort food.

White bowl of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
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Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup Panera Recipe:

Not that long ago I had lunch at Panera with a friend and I ate their broccoli cheese soup. It was delicious and of course it got me thinking, how can I recreate this?

Well, I am happy to report that I have a wonderful Panera Bread copycat recipe Broccoli Cheese Soup. Just like my Copycat Chicken noodle soup I think you are going to love this easy soup recipe.

I love being able to enjoy great meals at home for a fraction of the price. Plus, it is just not always that convenient to go out. Now, I can make delicious soup at home anytime I want

Ingredients to make this Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients

  • Melted Butter
  • Onion
  • Flour
  • Half and Half Cream
  • Chicken Broth
  • Broccoli
  • Carrot
  • Nutmeg
  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
Close Up of white bowl of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup topped with shredded cheddar cheese.

How to Make Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

  • Step 1 – Make the Roux – In a large pot, sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon melted butter until onions are soft. Add in the flour and ¼ cup melted butter.  Stir with the onions over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Step 2 – Add in Liquids – Slowly whisk in the half and half and chicken stock. Let this simmer for about 20 minutes on the stove-top.
  • Step 3 – Mix in Vegetables – Add the broccoli florets and carrots. Simmer on medium-low for about 25 minutes until the broccoli and carrots are tender.
  • Step 4 – Stir in Cheese – Add nutmeg, salt, pepper and sharp cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt and then serve. For a smoother soup you can puree with a immersion blender. But we love the bite size pieces!
  • Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy – Serve this soup in regular bowls or a bread bowl. Add extra sharp cheese to the top when serving.
White bowl of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup with a spoon scooping a bite out of the bowl of soup.

Is this Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free?

No, it is not due to the flour in the soup. You can try using a gluten free flour as a substitute in the soup if you need to make it gluten free.

White bowl of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup topped with shredded cheddar cheese with spoons and broccoli behind it.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Panera Recipe Tips:

  • Combining the Ingredients – We recommend allowing the soup to simmer. This allows the soup to thicken as the vegetables soften.
  • Slurry – If the soup needs to be thicken, make a cornstarch slurry. Mix together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water and combine. Then mix into the soup to allow it to thicken.
  • Cheese – We recommend shredding the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has added ingredients that may not make the cheese to melt well.
  • Add Flavor – Feel free to change the seasoning to what you prefer. You can add in garlic, paprika, or ground mustard.
  • Vegetable Stock – If you prefer you can use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.
White bowl of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup topped with shredded cheddar cheese with 2 soups next to it.

What to Serve with Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe?

Close up of a large bowl of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup topped with shredded cheddar cheese.

Try these Other Easy Copycat Recipes:

Try these Other Soup Recipes:

Print this Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe:

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Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

4.91 from 62 votes
Here is an easy copycat panera recipe Broccoli cheddar Soup. This Broccoli and Cheese soup recipe is easy to make at home.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6
Cuisine American
Course Soup
Calories 386

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp melted butter
  • ½ medium onion chopped
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 2 cups half-and-half cream
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ lb fresh broccoli (I used one frozen 10 oz bag and it was perfect)
  • 1 carrot (julienned (I used a food processor on pulse for nice slices))
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot, sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon melted butter until onions are soft. Add in the flour and ¼ cup melted butter.  Stir with the onions over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft.
  • Slowly whisk in the half and half and chicken stock.
  • Add the broccoli and carrots. Simmer, covered on medium-low for about 25 minutes until the broccoli and carrots are tender.
  • Add nutmeg, salt, pepper and sharp cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt and then serve. For a smoother soup you can puree it in a blender… but we love the chunks!
  • Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

This CopyCat recipe delivers broccoli soup that tastes just like the real deal, but without the “real” price tag. 
Refrigerate the leftovers in an air tight container for up to 4-5 days.  

Nutrition Facts

Calories 386kcal, Carbohydrates 13g, Protein 14g, Fat 32g, Saturated Fat 20g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 95mg, Sodium 659mg, Potassium 379mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 2g, Vitamin A 2895IU, Vitamin C 41mg, Calcium 389mg, Iron 1mg

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Here is an easy copycat Panera broccoli cheese soup recipe. Panera broccoli cheese soup recipe is easy to make and will save you money.  This stovetop copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup is easy to make too!  #eatingonadime #souprecipes #panerarecipes #copycatrecipes

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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Comments

  1. When do you add the extra 1/4 cup butter and are there extra onions or is this just a typo? (Instruction #3)

  2. Kari – Thank you! It was a typo. I have corrected the post. The 1/4 cup melted butter is added when the flour is added. Also, there are not extra onions to be added so I have removed that duplication. Thank you for letting me know! 🙂

  3. Could I make this in the crock pot? If so what settings and time would you suggest? Thank you!

  4. Yes, I think it would work great. I would cook it on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3 hours in the crock pot. Let us know how it turns out. Thank you!