Description

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.

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.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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