This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is rich, creamy, and loaded with fresh broccoli, carrots, and cheddar cheese. A cozy, comforting classic you can make easily at home with simple ingredients!
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup has always been one of my favorite comfort foods because it is rich, creamy, and full of mellow cheddar flavor. Making it at home feels like such a win because it tastes just as cozy but is even creamier and more customizable.
I just found this recipe yesterday and made it for dinner today. It was delicious. My kids loved it and said it was as good as panera. It was easy and much cheaper plus we have left overs. Thank you so much for posting this.
-Laura
Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a bowl of something soothing, this soup always hits the spot. Add a crusty bread bowl, and you may never go back to the restaurant version again!
If you love this Easy Soup Recipe, you must try this broccoli soup with cheddar cheese or Copycat Chicken noodle soup!
Ingredients
- Melted Butter – We used unsalted butter
- Onion – Chop onion ahead of time and learn how to freeze onion
- Flour – Helps to thicken the broth
- Heavy Cream – Added for a creamy broth
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth – If you are out see Chicken broth substitutes
- Fresh Broccoli – Feel free to add in other veggies. Chopped Cauliflower would be a great addition
- Shredded Carrots – Matchstick Carrots work best
- Nutmeg – Added for warm flavors
- Cheddar Cheese – Use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and to easily melt
- Salt and Pepper to taste – Simple spices
Scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe.
How to Make Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1 – Sauté the Onion – In a large pot, sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon melted butter until onions are soft.
Step 2 – Make a Roux – Add in the flour and ¼ cup melted butter. Stir with the onions over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3 – Add in Liquids – Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and chicken stock. Let this simmer for about 20 minutes on the stove-top.
Step 4 – 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 5 – Add in the Seasoning – Add nutmeg, salt and pepper. Add in the sharp cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt and then serve. For a smoother and to thicken the soup you can puree with a immersion blender. But we love the bite size pieces!
Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy – Serve this soup in regular bowls or a bread bowl. Add extra sharp cheese to the top when serving.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ medium onion chopped
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ lb fresh broccoli (chopped into bite size pieces)
- 1 carrot (peeled and shredded0.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté chopped onion in melted butter until the onions are soft.
- Add all purpose flour and melted butter to the pot. Stir with the onions over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Slowly whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth until combined.
- Add fresh broccoli chopped into bite-size pieces and peeled and shredded carrot. Cover and simmer on medium-low for about 25 minutes until the broccoli and carrots are tender.
- Stir in nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste, and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt completely.
- Enjoy!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
- Add Flavor – Feel free to change the seasoning to what you prefer in this broccoli cheddar soup at home. You can add in garlic, paprika, or ground mustard.
- Vegetable Stock – If you prefer you can use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.
- Frozen Broccoli – You can use frozen broccoli, but I would recommend allowing the broccoli to thaw before adding to the soup.
- 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.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Suggestions
This Panera broccoli cheese soup recipe is delicious just the way it is. But we also to make sure to serve our favorite crusty bread to get every last drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store broccoli cheese soup Panera recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or stovetop depending on how much you have left.
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.
More Easy Panera Copycat Recipes
- Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
- Panera Bread Tomato Soup Recipe
More Easy Soup Recipes
We love hearing from you. If you make this Panera broccoli cheddar soup recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Creamy, delicious and so easy to prepare!
Susan, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
I love broccoli, so I will make this recipe this weekend
Love it, super easy to make and so good on a fall day!
I’m so glad you loved it, Rose! It really is the perfect easy and comforting meal for a fall day.
This is our favorite soup. My daughter loves it as the cheese sauce for Mac and cheese!
I made this for my husband just yesterday.
I don’t like broccoli at all, I don’t even like the food that broccoli is cooked into , example fettuccine Alfredo with broccoli, chicken rice broccoli casserole. But Panera broccoli soup is my husband’s favorite soup!!! So I used this recipe and he loved it!!! He was eating it right out of the pot! When he does that, I know it’s good
This made my day, Maria! I’m so glad your husband loved it so much that he ate it right from the pot. Thank you for giving the recipe a try!
Will be making this again and again! So delicious and saved a lot of money, with the bonus of leftovers! Thank you for the “better than” dupe!
I love hearing this, Julie! I’m so glad it was delicious, helped you save money and gave you plenty of leftovers. Thank you for trying it!
I am so excited to find this recipe. Although temps are still in the 90’s here in Texas, I have been craving all the yummy soups that the cooler fall weather brings. Broccoli is the only green vegetable everyone in my family actually likes, so I’m excited to make this soup as soon as I can get the ingredients. It sounds delicious!
I understand craving soup even when it’s still hot outside! I hope your family loves this one, especially since broccoli is already a favorite. Let me know what everyone thinks!
Easy recipe to make with great flavor! I just added garlic
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Pat! Adding garlic sounds delicious. Thank you for sharing!
Never had Panera, but this looks good.
This is my favorite soup at Panera. Looking forward to trying!
I hope you enjoy it! It’s an easy way to make a restaurant favorite at home.
Can’t wait to try this recipe.
I hope you love it! Let me know how it turns out.
I have had this soup before but didn’t add the nutmeg added this time it was really good. Amazing what adding a little spice can do.
Loved this soup!
Hoping to enter for the Amazon card , to give my mom. She uses tons of your recipes every month!
I’m so glad you loved the soup! It means so much to hear that your mom enjoys so many of my recipes too.
Sorry Panera . . . we can make it ourselves now! Thank you, Carrie !!!!
Sorry Panera . . . we can make it ourselves now! Thank you, Carrie ????
Exactly! It’s so nice being able to make this favorite at home. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I can’t wait to try this recipe. I love the soup, but not the price tag. Plus I love the idea of making it at home so I can control the ingredients.
Shirley – Hey! Yes, we love saving money too! Hope you enjoy the soup!
I hope you enjoy it! Making it at home is a great way to save money and control exactly what goes into it.
I can’t waitto try this copy cat broccoli soup! I can easily substitute lactose free and gluten free ingredients and finally enjoy one of my favorite soups again! Thank you for the recipe!
Elisha – You’re welcome! I hope you love it!
I’m so glad you can adapt the recipe with lactose-free and gluten-free ingredients! I hope you enjoy it.
Delicious!!
Lisa – Thanks so much!
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Can’t wait to try this.
Amanda – I hope you enjoy!
I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think.
Broccoli cheddar soup is one of our favorite soups . I need to make this often
Eva – It is one of our favorites too! Hope you enjoy making it at home!
It’s one of my favorites too! I’m glad you’ll be making it again.
Delicious! Can’t wait to make it again!
Tracy – Thanks so much! I’m glad it was a hit!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it and can’t wait to make it again!
This recipe tastes better than the restaurant! Living in Arizona, I rarely eat soup but this one is worth it!
Jessica – Wow! Thank you so much!
I love hearing that you enjoyed it even more than the restaurant version! Soup is always worth it, even in warm weather.
This is my all time favorite, can’t wait to make it homemade! Cheaper and healthier!
Alexandra – Yes! You will save so much money! Hope you enjoy the recipe.
I agree! Making it at home is less expensive, and you can control the ingredients too.
One of my favorite soups but I will have to substitute milk or evaporated milk for heavy cream for my own health reasons. Wish I could use it though!
Cannot wait to make this!!
Jessica – Hope you enjoy it!
Jessica: I hope you enjoy it!
Love this soup!! Always a favorite in our family.
Lois – Thanks so much!
I’m so glad this soup is a favorite with your family!
One of my favorite soups! Going to be trying this one soon!
This looks amazing! I love Panera breads soup and now I can make it myself! Thanks guys!!
Tara – You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy!
I hope you enjoy it! It’s so nice being able to make a restaurant favorite at home.
I love this soup!
Donna – I’m so happy to hear this. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Thank you! I’m so glad you love it.
This is now in my weekly dinner rotation.
That is great to hear. Thank you so much.
This soup looks so yummy and I can’t wait to make it! The only thing that I would have to leave out would be the onions because I’m allergic to them now. I’m sure that it will still taste awesome without them though. Thank you for sharing this recipe!!
This was an excellent soup ,ty for the copycat soup it was so good taste just like pannaras
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much!
This is one of my all time favorite soups. This is the simplest recipe I have ever seen for it and it does not disappoint! I hope my freezer can hold all the soup I will be making this winter!
Suzanne – I love that you are freezing some for winter! Thanks for sharing.
The broccoli soup is excellent. I made it and really enjoyed it.
Judith – I’m so glad you enjoyed the soup!
I enjoy Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup and anxious to try this recipe. As soon as the cool Fall weather come this will be the first soup to try.
Love Panera Bread! Can’t wait to try this at home!
Mindy – Hope you enjoy! It is so easy!
Love this! A big chunk of crusty homemade bread! Don’t even care about calories with this one!!!
I love cheese and broccoli soup! I will try this one for sure.
Let me know what you think!
Broccoli and cheese make such a delicious combination! I hope you love it.
Thanks for this recipe. I will definitely be making it!
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy.
Better than Panera!!! Really easy and delicious!
Andi – Aww thank you so much!
Can not wait to try this
A tasty, easy to make soup, a recipe worth saving and cooking again!
Joe – You are too kind. Thank you so much.
Made this and man oh man rich and savory really hit the spot as mother nature flip her switch to cooler weather around here. Thank you for awesome recipes ?
Deadra – You’re so welcome. Glad you loved it!
100 degree weather can’t stop me from devouring this incredible soup…YUM
Yes! It’s so good anytime!
trying it tonight ??
Let me know how it turns out!
This recipe is easy to make and my family loved it. Definitely in my recipe circuit.
April – Thank you for your positive feedback! I’m excited that it will be in your menu plan!
I love hearing that your family enjoyed it! I’m glad it’s going into your recipe rotation.
I really want to make this. I love this kind of soup
Can not wait to make this soup. My family loves to eat it at the restaurant. I can make more and it will be cheaper. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
I absolutely love Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup! This recipe is hands down a perfect copy cat version! Thank you so much! It’s definitely in my soup rotation!!!
Kathi – Thank you SO much! I appreciate this comment! You made our day!
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed this copycat version and will be making it again.
I was a little skeptical about the heavy cream, but it’s delicious. It’s easy to make. I don’t make it all the time, but it is a keeper.
Bee – I’m so glad you tried it and enjoyed it!
Love love love this one!
Adding some brown rice takes it up a notch, especially if you’re looking for something a bit heartier.
Faith – That’s for your tips! Sounds yummy!
Adding brown rice sounds like a delicious way to make the soup even heartier!
I thought I was at Panera when I made this.
Oh wow! Thanks so much!
Definitely going to make this since I like Panera’s version. Thanks!
Cindy – Hope you love it!
This is exactly what I love about Eating on a Dime! Super recipe! Yum!
Gwen – Thank you so much!
I cannot wait until the fall temperatures come and I can warm my soul with this Panera Broccoli Cheese soup recipe!!
Love broccoli soup, can’t wait to try this one
I hope you enjoy!
Love it and the ease of preparation
Thanks so much! Have a great day.
Sounds great. Thank you
Theresa – You’re welcome. Hope you enjoy!
You’re welcome! I hope you give it a try.
This is my sons favorite soup. He gets upset if I make anything other than brocolli and cheddar soup.
Sarrah – That is so sweet! He will always remember that!
I love hearing that it’s your son’s favorite! That is quite the compliment.
Simple and delicious. I use frozen broccoli and omit carrots.
Lori – So glad you love it and can make it work for your family!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Frozen broccoli is such a convenient option.
This is the best broccoli cheese soup l have ever tasted. A One.
David – Wahoo! Thank you so much!
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled that this is the best broccoli cheese soup you’ve tasted.
Yum and yum! Love everything about this soup and the recipe ingredients are perfect, again the only thing I did different was lactose free half and half from horizon:). Still ahmazing!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you could make it work for your family!
Definitely one I will be trying, hav eaten this at Panera bread so looking forward to making this.
Barbara – Let me know what you think!
Yummy, I love this soup
Sandra – Wahoo! So happy to hear!
Oh, how I love Panera’s Broccoli Cheese soup! BUT I don’t love their prices!! So, being able to make it at home is the best thing!!!
You will love saving money at home! Hope you enjoy!
This looks delicious. I love soup and also Cheddar cheese. Also want to try Chicken and Rice. Thank you.
Love this soup!
Pam – I’m so happy to hear this. Thanks so much!
This is my favorite soup!
Even better than Panera!
Karisa – Thank you so much!
Delicious ?? will be frequently made soup. Thank you for sharing ?
Lisa – I’m so happy to hear this! That’s great.
I definitely plan on making this soon! Can’t wait until the weather cools down for a proper fall comfort food.
Stephanie – We are ready for Fall too! Hope you enjoy!
This will be perfect for cooler weather! I hope you enjoy it.
Yum, turned out perfect. Followed the recipe exactly.
I’m so glad! Thanks for sharing.
Sounds wonderful, but I can’t eat broccoli ?. Maybe I could use the base of the soup, and put in a different veggie…?
Cauliflower would be a great substitute for the broccoli! Add it as directed for the broccoli, but check it as it cooks since cauliflower may become tender a little faster.
I can’t wait to try this soup. Sounds delicious.
Hope you enjoy!
This is my favorite soup. I will stop at Panera and have a bowl. Now I can do it at home anytime I want. Excited. Thank you for sharing your recipes with us as always. 🙂
You’re very welcome! Thank you for your kind comment. I appreciate it so much!
Amazing taste
Liza – Thanks so much!
This sounds really good. This is my wife’s favorite Panera soup. I think I would leave out the nutmeg though.
I absolutely adore this recipe, especially since where I live now there is not a Panera close! Even the kids will eat broccoli when I make this. Yum!
Hi, I’ve made this twice. It’s so easy and unbelievably delicious! I use fresh herbs, heavy cream, real butter and Maggi brand chicken broth, which is very flavorful and rich.The second time, I fried bacon and added it. It’s perfect for a chilly night. Added some Italian bread and side salad. It is a great meal! The leftovers freeze well. I don’t use the same amount of nutmeg the recipe calls for. Nutmeg is a strong spice and easy to use too much. I simply add a dash. I make it in a stock pot then transfer to the crockpot on low. I can’t recommend this recipe enough!
Thank you so much for your kind review – you made my day! I’m so glad you enjoy this recipe and glad you took the time to share the review.
I wish there were more stars!!!!! This is the BEST Broccoli Soup ever. Don’t skip the heavy cream. I almost did but made a special trip to the store to pick it up.
My Adult Son loved this a he is not a soup person ??
Wow Debbie! Thank you SO much! I’m so happy to hear this! Thank you for leaving a comment.
Delicious soup! Made this twice now and we all love it! Followed directions exactly as posted by Carrie and it came out perfect!
I’m so glad. Thank you, Lori!
I wish there were more stars!!!!! This is the BEST Broccoli Soup ever. Don’t skip the heavy cream. I almost did but made a special trip to the store to pick it up.
My Adult Son loved this a he is not a soup person ??
Wow Debbie! Thank you SO much! I’m so happy to hear this! Thank you for leaving a comment.
This is the best Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup ever. Glad I made a special trip to get the Heavy Cream ????????????
Can you use frozen chopped broccoli
Yes — you can absolutely use frozen chopped broccoli in this soup.
Here are a few tips if you plan to use frozen broccoli.
No need to thaw — just add it straight to the soup.
Add it a bit later than you would fresh broccoli since frozen broccoli is partially cooked and softens faster.
Chop larger pieces if needed so they match the small florets typical of Panera’s soup.
Hope this helps. Let me know once you make it!
I just found this recipe yesterday and made it for dinner today. It was delicious. My kids loved it and said it was as good as panera. It was easy and much cheaper plus we have left overs. Thank you so much for posting this.
Laura – That’s awesome. So glad you all loved it and saved money!
I am making the soup now but there is an error in your recipe. At the beginning it says to use half and half but in the recipe it says to use heavy cream. I am making it with half and half since that is what I saw originally. Just wondering which is correct so I can make your original recipe.
I’m so sorry for the confusion. I use heavy cream in this recipe and I have updated the post.
Half & Half or Whipping Cream
Whipping cream
Can this be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze this after it cooked in a freezer bag for up to 3-6 months.
That is one of my fave meals!
Carrie,You are a wonderful cook. Thank you for your recipes.
Just made this and absolutely loved it ??
Could I make this in the crock pot? If so what settings and time would you suggest? Thank you!
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!
Can you freeze some for later?
What is a serving size?
Can I freeze leftover soup?
Do you think this soup can be frozen? It sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it!! 🙂
When do you add the extra 1/4 cup butter and are there extra onions or is this just a typo? (Instruction #3)
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! 🙂