If you’ve ever craved something warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying, Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is the ultimate answer. This delicious blend of tender broccoli and melted cheese delivers that perfect combination of comfort and flavor that’s ideal for chilly days or whenever you need a tasty pick-me-up. Rich, cheesy, and with just the right hint of freshness, it’s no wonder this soup has won hearts worldwide as the go-to cozy meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort food classic: The creamy cheese mixed with fresh broccoli creates a soothing and nostalgic flavor that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Simple yet flavorful: With a few well-chosen ingredients, this soup balances richness and freshness perfectly without feeling heavy.
Versatile meal option: Whether as a lunch, dinner starter, or snack, it adapts easily for any occasion or craving.
Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to adults appreciates this hearty soup’s mild, cheesy appeal.
Easy to customize: You can tweak the cheese variety, add spices, or include extra veggies to make it truly your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a vital role—broccoli for color and a mild earthiness, cheese for that creamy indulgence, and a smooth broth to unify the flavors.

Fresh broccoli: Chopped florets that give the soup its signature green texture and subtle crunch.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that melts perfectly, adding richness and depth.
Butter: Adds smoothness and enhances the soup’s velvety finish.
Onion and garlic: Provide a savory base that rounds out the flavor profile.
All-purpose flour: Used for thickening, creating a luscious consistency without heaviness.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Creates a flavorful soup base that blends all ingredients harmoniously.
Milk or half-and-half: Contributes to that creamy texture while keeping the soup light and drinkable.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate the natural flavors.

Variations for Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

One of the best things about Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and modify this classic to suit you best.

Dairy-free version: Substitute vegan cheese and use coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, allergy-friendly take.
Extra veggies: Add cauliflower, carrots, or kale to boost nutrition and texture variety.
Spicy kick: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle heat boost.
Cheese swap: Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or smoked cheddar for a different cheese flavor profile.
Protein add-in: Toss in cooked chicken, bacon bits, or chickpeas to make it a filling meal.

Why Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Is Perfect Comfort Food

How to Make Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Prepare the aromatics

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Create the roux base

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring continuously to combine, and cook for another 2 minutes. This will help thicken the soup beautifully.

Step 3: Add broth and broccoli

Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the chopped broccoli florets. Let it cook until the broccoli is tender but not mushy—about 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Blend (optional) for texture

For a smoother soup, carefully blend half or all of the soup using an immersion blender or countertop blender. Otherwise, leave it chunky for extra bite.

Step 5: Stir in cheese and milk

Lower the heat and gradually stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and silky. Add milk or half-and-half to reach your desired creaminess, heating gently without boiling.

Step 6: Season and serve

Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve piping hot, garnished as you like for a comforting finish.

Pro Tips for Making Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Use sharp cheddar: It melts smoothly and provides the robust cheese flavor this soup is famous for.
Don’t rush the roux: Cooking the flour with butter properly ensures a silky texture without a raw flour taste.
Simmer gently: Avoid boiling after adding cheese to prevent curdling or graininess.
Chop broccoli uniformly: This ensures even cooking and a consistent mouthfeel.
Customize thickness: Adjust flour and milk quantities to make the soup as thick or thin as you prefer.

How to Serve Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Garnishes

Top your soup with chopped fresh parsley, extra shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits to add color, flavor contrast, and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair it with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad to round out your cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in mini bread bowls for a fun presentation or drizzle with a little hot sauce or a swirl of cream for a restaurant-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and tasty.

Freezing

This soup freezes well; simply cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or scorching. Add a splash of milk if it’s thicker than you like after storage.

FAQs

Is Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it contains gluten. However, you can easily substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Swap out dairy cheese for vegan cheese varieties and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives to create a rich and creamy vegan version.

How long does it take to prepare Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup?

From start to finish, this soup takes about 30 to 40 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying comfort food option.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Frozen broccoli works well and can simplify prep time, though fresh broccoli provides a slightly better texture and flavor.

What can I do if my soup is too thick?

Simply stir in a bit more broth or milk gradually until you achieve your preferred consistency without losing flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bowl of Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup that makes any day better. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or looking for a delicious way to warm up, this recipe delivers comfort and joy with every spoonful. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cozy meal.

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Print Recipe

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup is a warm, creamy, and comforting classic that combines tender broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese and a smooth, velvety broth. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a hearty, flavorful meal, this recipe is simple yet rich, with a perfect balance of freshness and indulgence. Customize it easily with different cheeses, spices, or extra veggies to suit your taste.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Contains gluten (can be made gluten-free by substituting flour)

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped uniformly
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups milk or half-and-half

Pantry Items

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Create the roux base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring continuously to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes to develop a silky texture and avoid raw flour taste.
Add broth and broccoli: Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the chopped broccoli florets. Let it cook until tender but not mushy, about 10-12 minutes.
Blend (optional) for texture: For a smoother soup, carefully blend half or all of the soup using an immersion blender or countertop blender. Otherwise, leave it chunky for extra bite.
Stir in cheese and milk: Lower the heat and gradually stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and silky. Add milk or half-and-half to reach your desired creaminess, heating gently without boiling.
Season and serve: Taste and season the soup with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or crispy bacon bits.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melty cheese flavor.
Don’t rush the roux to ensure a smooth soup without raw flour taste.
Simmer gently after adding cheese to avoid curdling or graininess.
Chop broccoli uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture.
Adjust flour and milk quantities to customize soup thickness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: broccoli cheese soup, creamy broccoli soup, Panera copycat soup, comfort food, cheesy soup