Cozy Bowl Magic: Hearty Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of panera broccoli cheddar soup that warms both body and soul.

Creamy textures mingle with vibrant green florets, creating a symphony of flavor.

Cheese melts into rich, velvety layers, promising pure deliciousness in every spoonful.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers with elegant simplicity.

Home cooks can easily recreate the beloved restaurant classic with a few fresh ingredients.

The secret lies in balancing sharp cheddar with tender broccoli and smooth cream.

Prepare to transport your taste buds to a cozy culinary paradise that beckons you to savor each delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 556 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Soup at Home

• Butter: Creates rich, velvety foundation and carries deep flavor for sautéing vegetables.
• Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic base that adds depth and complexity to soup's overall taste.
• Garlic: Delivers sharp, pungent undertone that elevates entire soup's flavor profile.
• Flour: Crucial thickening agent that creates smooth, luxurious soup texture.

• Chicken Broth: Delivers robust, savory liquid base that infuses soup with hearty character.
• Half-and-Half: Introduces creamy, silky texture and softens soup's overall taste.
• Milk: Adds additional smooth, mild liquid component for perfect consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Provides extra luxurious, decadent richness to final soup.

• Broccoli: Brings vibrant green color, nutritional punch, and signature texture to soup.
• Carrots: Adds subtle sweetness, beautiful orange color, and extra vegetable complexity.
• Mustard Powder: Contributes tangy, sharp undertone that brightens overall flavor profile.
• Paprika: Introduces warm, slightly smoky note that enhances soup's depth.
• Salt: Balances and heightens all other ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle, spicy kick that complements creamy base.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers signature rich, sharp flavor and creates signature golden color.

Cooking Tools for Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and cooking the entire soup, preferably with a thick bottom for even heat distribution.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending broth, milk, and creating a lump-free roux without clumpy texture.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for finely dicing onions, mincing garlic, and chopping broccoli and carrots.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and scraping bottom of pot during cooking.
• Cheese Grater: Ideal for shredding fresh cheddar cheese for the best melting consistency.
• Ladle: Helps serve soup neatly into bowls or bread bowls.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for perfect soup flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheddar Broccoli Soup

• Warm Up the Base

Melt butter in a big pot over medium heat, creating a golden foundation for your soup adventure. Toss in diced onions and let them dance until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

• Build Flavor Layers

Sprinkle garlic into the pot, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Dust flour over the mixture, creating a silky base that will make your soup rich and creamy. Stir constantly to eliminate any raw flour taste.

• Create Liquid

Slowly pour in broth and milk, whisking gently to blend everything smoothly. Watch as the liquid transforms into a velvety canvas for your soup, bringing all ingredients together in delicious harmony.

• Introduce Veggie Heroes

Drop chopped broccoli and shredded carrots into the simmering liquid. Sprinkle in a touch of mustard powder and paprika for unexpected depth. Let everything bubble gently, allowing vegetables to become tender and infuse the soup with their wholesome goodness.

• Cheese Finale

Lower the heat and introduce shredded cheddar, stirring until it melts into a luxurious blanket of cheesy goodness. Swirl in a splash of heavy cream for extra indulgence, creating a soup that’s both comforting and exciting.

• Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, ready to transport whoever enjoys it to a world of pure deliciousness. Pair with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Flavor Adjustments for Broccoli Soup You’ll Love

• Shred cheese at room temperature and add it gradually while stirring to prevent clumping and ensure a silky smooth texture.
• Chop broccoli and carrots into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Swap dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar for a vegan-friendly version that keeps the creamy, cheesy flavor.
• For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, or add extra flour to the roux for a heartier consistency.
• Stir in cooked, diced chicken or crispy bacon bits for added protein and a flavor boost that transforms the soup into a more substantial meal.

Best Serving Ideas for Broccoli Cheddar Bowls

• Bread Bowl Brilliance: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out sourdough or round bread loaf for a rustic, edible container that soaks up the creamy goodness.
• Topping Treasure Trove: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, or croutons on top to add crunch and extra flavor layers.
• Sidekick Pairings: Complement the soup with a fresh garden salad, warm garlic bread, or a light grilled cheese sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal that brings comfort and warmth.
• Creamy Combo Kick: Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light beer to enhance the rich, cheesy flavors and create a delightful dining experience.

How to Preserve Broccoli Cheddar Soup After Serving

• Store the soup in airtight containers with tight-fitting lids, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months, removing dairy ingredients before freezing to maintain best texture and quality.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add splash of broth if soup appears too thick, preventing separation of cheese and cream.
• When reheating, refresh the soup's flavor by adding fresh chopped broccoli or extra shredded cheese. Avoid microwaving to maintain smooth consistency and prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating.

FAQs

• What makes Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup so creamy?

The rich creaminess comes from a combination of half-and-half, heavy cream, and melted cheddar cheese. The roux made with butter and flour also helps create a thick, smooth texture that coats your spoon perfectly.

• Can I make this soup healthier?

Yes! Use low-fat milk instead of half-and-half, choose reduced-fat cheddar cheese, and add extra vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini to boost nutrition. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! The soup stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy consistency. Pro tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore its original texture.

• How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based cheese alternatives. The basic recipe remains the same, ensuring you still get a delicious, creamy soup without meat products.

Hearty Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Panera broccoli cheddar soup brings classic comfort to home kitchens with creamy, cheesy goodness. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this restaurant-inspired recipe a delightful winter meal you can enjoy without leaving home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (180 grams) broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup (80 grams) shredded carrots
• 2 cups (200 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) half-and-half or whole milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Foundation Creation: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing onions until they become translucent and tender.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Add garlic and cook briefly, releasing its fragrant notes into the butter-onion base.
3. Thickening Process: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth roux that eliminates raw flour flavor and provides structural integrity to the soup.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth and half-and-half into the pot, whisking continuously to develop a uniform, silky liquid base without any lumps.
5. Vegetable Infusion: Introduce chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, allowing ingredients to meld together during a gentle 15-20 minute simmer.
6. Cheese Transformation: Reduce heat and gradually fold in cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a luxuriously smooth, creamy consistency.
7. Final Touch: Stir in heavy cream for additional richness, then ladle the soup into serving bowls or a hollowed bread bowl for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Lumpy Roux: Whisk flour consistently and vigorously to eliminate raw flour taste and ensure a smooth base for the soup.
• Control Cheese Melting: Reduce heat to lowest setting when adding cheese, stirring gradually to prevent separation and maintain creamy consistency.
• Vegetable Texture Management: Chop broccoli and carrots into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced texture throughout the soup.
• Dairy Sensitivity Adaptation: Substitute half-and-half with lactose-free milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for those with lactose intolerance or dairy restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 556
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 797 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 96 mg