Name: Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup: A Comforting Classic at Home
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter, cut into chunks; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 2 large carrots, peeled and julienned (1 heaping cup total); 2 stalks celery, sliced (1 heaping cup total); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 16 ounces chicken stock or broth; 3 cups broccoli florets; 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever enjoyed the rich, creamy broccoli cheese soup from Panera Bread, you know it’s the perfect combination of velvety cheese, tender broccoli, and flavorful vegetables. Now, you can make this beloved soup right in the comfort of your own kitchen. This copycat recipe captures the same delicious flavors as the restaurant’s version, with a few simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or a comforting dish to share with family and friends, this homemade broccoli cheese soup is the perfect choice. With the addition of fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and just the right seasonings, every spoonful is a burst of warmth and comfort.

Making this soup at home means you can customize it to your taste—whether you prefer a smoother consistency or want to load up on extra veggies, this recipe gives you the flexibility to make it your own. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight or prepare ahead of time for a delicious meal later in the week. Get ready to enjoy this restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Restaurant-Quality Flavor

This copycat Panera Bread broccoli cheese soup brings the same rich, cheesy flavor you love from the restaurant, right to your kitchen.

2. Creamy and Velvety

The combination of butter, milk, and cheese creates a luxurious, creamy texture that’s comforting and satisfying in every bite.

3. Simple Ingredients

With just a handful of ingredients—like fresh broccoli, carrots, and celery—you can create a flavorful soup that tastes like it took hours to make, but only takes a fraction of the time.

4. Customizable

Make this soup exactly to your liking, whether you prefer a chunkier texture or a smoother blend, or if you want to switch up the veggies or add some extra heat.

5. Easy to Make

This recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require any special skills or equipment.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

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: Omit the flour to make the soup gluten-free. For extra thickening, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the soup a little heat.
Richer Soup: Replace milk with heavy cream for a thicker, more decadent consistency.
Veggie Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower, mushrooms, or green peppers to change things up.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk and cheese with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

In a large Dutch oven or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, chopped onions, julienned carrots, sliced celery, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Flour and Stir

Add the flour to the pot, stirring to coat the vegetables. Continue stirring for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add Milk and Chicken Stock

Gradually add the milk, stirring after each addition. Then, pour in the chicken stock or broth. Turn the heat to medium-high, and when the mixture just begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Simmer

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

Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve

Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the soup is creamy. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh carrots, celery, and broccoli make a big difference in the flavor and texture of this soup.
Adjust Consistency: For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the soup. If you prefer it chunkier, simply skip the blending step.
Make It Ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, so feel free to make it in advance.
Avoid Overcooking the Broccoli: To maintain a slight texture, avoid overcooking the broccoli. It should still be tender but not mushy.

How to Serve

This broccoli cheese soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal. If you’re hosting a meal, consider serving it with crackers or fresh baguette slices for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the soup has thickened too much.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat the soup, heat it gently over low heat on the stovetop. If the soup is too thick, add a little extra milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, you can omit the flour to make it gluten-free. Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to help thicken the soup if needed.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

While sharp cheddar is classic, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

3. How do I make the soup spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Cauliflower, mushrooms, or green peppers are great additions that complement the broccoli.

5. Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?

Yes, replacing milk with heavy cream will make the soup richer and thicker.

6. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth works well if you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup.

8. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

9. Can I make this soup vegan?

To make this soup vegan, use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk. You can also replace the butter with olive oil.

10. How do I adjust the consistency of the soup?

For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender. For a chunkier texture, simply leave the soup as is.

Conclusion

This Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and creamy goodness. It’s easy to make and offers endless customization options, whether you want to make it gluten-free, spicier, or even richer with heavy cream. Whether you’re enjoying it as a solo meal or sharing it with loved ones, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Grab a bowl, some bread, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!