Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Recipe Details

• Author: deesviral
• Cuisine: American
• Category: Soup / Comfort Food
• Keywords: Broccoli Cheese Soup, Panera Copycat, Cheddar Soup, Cozy Soup, deesviral
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk (or half & half)
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, then add the milk. Stir until smooth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the chopped broccoli and carrots. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
5. Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture, or leave chunky for a heartier soup. Serve hot with crusty bread!

Why This Recipe Works

This creamy soup is comfort food at its best—made with simple pantry ingredients, packed with real cheddar, and full of fresh veggies. It’s the perfect cold-weather dish, and it reheats beautifully. Homemade always beats takeout, and this deesviral version of Panera’s classic is no exception!

Expert Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and flavor.
• Swap in half & half for an ultra-rich texture.
• Like it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
• Serve in bread bowls for the full Panera experience!