Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup, this copycat recipe is the perfect way to bring that delicious, creamy, and comforting soup right into your kitchen. With tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and a rich cheddar cheese base, it’s a satisfying meal that’s just as good as what you’d find at the café. Plus, making it at home means you can enjoy it anytime you want and customize it to your taste. Whether you’re having it for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack, this soup will surely become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy

The combination of cheddar cheese, milk, and butter creates a luscious, creamy texture that coats the vegetables perfectly, making each bite indulgent.

2. Quick and Easy

This soup is easy to make in just about 30 minutes, so you can enjoy a bowl of comforting, homemade broccoli cheddar soup in no time.

3. Customizable

Whether you prefer a smooth soup or a chunkier version, this recipe allows you to adjust the consistency to suit your taste.

4. Perfect for Any Meal

Serve it with a side of bread for a hearty lunch or dinner, or enjoy it as an appetizer for a larger meal. It’s a versatile soup that fits any occasion.

5. Healthy and Filling

Packed with vegetables and rich in flavor, this soup is a great way to enjoy healthy ingredients while still feeling full and satisfied.

Ingredients

• Butter (cut into chunks)
• Garlic (minced)
• Yellow onion (chopped)
• Carrots (peeled and julienned)
• Celery (sliced)
• Salt
• Pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Chicken stock or broth
• Broccoli florets
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Omit the flour and use a thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead to make it gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock to make the soup entirely vegetarian.
• Add More Veggies: Try adding cauliflower, mushrooms, or bell peppers to enhance the soup’s flavor and texture.
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the soup a nice kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, julienned carrots, sliced celery, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Soup Base

Add the flour to the vegetables and stir until they are evenly coated. Gradually add the milk, stirring after each addition to ensure the mixture stays smooth. Then, pour in the chicken stock or broth.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Turn the heat to medium-high. When the mixture just begins to bubble, lower the heat to a simmer (medium-low). Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the soup and continue to simmer, still covered, for another 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the soup and the mixture becomes smooth.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the soup hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this creamy, cheesy broccoli soup.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Blending the Soup: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your preferred consistency. If you like it chunkier, just leave the soup as is.
• Thickening Options: If you want a thicker soup, you can replace the milk with heavy cream or increase the amount of flour used for the roux.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
• Watch the Broccoli: For a slightly firmer texture, add the broccoli toward the end of the cooking process, ensuring it doesn’t overcook and lose its vibrant color.

How to Serve

This Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup is best served piping hot. Pair it with a warm, crusty bread or a side salad for a full meal. You can also serve it in a bread bowl for a fun, restaurant-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra milk or broth if needed to restore its creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

When reheating, add a bit of milk or broth to return the soup to its desired consistency. Heat gently to avoid curdling the cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Simply omit the flour and use a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, just swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth, and it’s vegetarian-friendly.

3. How can I make the soup thicker?

You can use more flour to create a thicker roux, or replace the milk with heavy cream for a richer, creamier soup.

4. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is preferred for the best texture, but you can use frozen broccoli if needed. Just make sure it’s thawed and drained before adding it to the soup.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes! Feel free to add cauliflower, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and variety.

6. How do I make the soup spicier?

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the soup.

7. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

8. How can I get the soup to be smooth?

You can blend the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender to achieve a smooth texture.

9. What kind of cheese should I use?

Sharp cheddar cheese works best for flavor, but you can use mild cheddar or a combination of cheeses if you prefer.

10. Can I serve this in a bread bowl?

Absolutely! This soup is great served in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and delicious presentation.

Conclusion

This Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup brings all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the beloved restaurant version right to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, it’s the perfect comfort food that’s rich in flavor and texture. Customize it to your liking, and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or making it in advance for leftovers, this soup is sure to become a go-to favorite!

Print