Oh, if you’ve ever craved that rich, creamy goodness from Panera and wished you could whip up their iconic broccoli cheddar soup right in your own kitchen, I’ve got great news for you! This Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe nails that velvety texture and bold cheddar flavor you remember, but it’s made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The beauty of this soup is how it warms you up from the inside out — perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a comforting bowl of yum.

When I first tried making this at home, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing any of that restaurant-quality taste. Plus, knowing everything going into it means you can adjust it just how you like—whether you want it a little thicker, cheesier, or with extra veggies. If you’re searching for a Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe that’s reliable and absolutely delicious, keep reading because I’m breaking it down for you step-by-step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe plays an important role in creating that creamy, cheesy soup you crave. I always recommend fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, as they bring the most flavor.

Butter: This forms the rich base that starts the soup off, helping to mellow out the vegetables and create that luscious finish.
Onion (finely chopped): Adds a gentle sweetness and depth without overpowering the soup.
All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give the soup that perfect creamy consistency.
Heavy cream: This ingredient is the secret to richness—I don’t recommend skimping here if you want authentic texture.
Chicken stock: Provides savory background flavor and helps keep the soup light enough so it’s not overly heavy.
Broccoli florets (small, bite-sized pieces): Fresh is best — the small size helps everything stay tender and delicious.
Matchstick carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and a slight crunch that balances the creaminess.
Celery (finely chopped): Contributes a wonderful aromatic layer to the vegetable mix.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For that signature tang and cheesy punch that makes this soup shine.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together perfectly.

Variations

I love making this Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe my own by mixing things up depending on what’s in the fridge or what I’m craving. You can definitely personalize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Vegetarian version: I swap the chicken stock for a rich vegetable broth and it still turns out amazing — so flavorful and just as comforting.
Extra spicy: Adding a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce really wakes up the soup without overpowering the cheddar goodness.
Lower cream version: Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream makes it lighter, and I usually add a little extra cheese to keep the richness.
Adding potatoes: Sometimes I toss in a small diced potato with the other veggies for an extra hearty feel — it blends beautifully.

How to Make Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s melted, toss in the finely chopped onions and cook them until they’re translucent and soft—about 5 minutes. This step is key because you want the onions to develop that natural sweetness without browning them. If you let them brown, it changes the flavor profile—so keep an eye on them and stir occasionally!

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir it into the butter and onions, cooking for about 2 minutes. This roux will thicken the soup later, but you want to cook off the raw flour taste without letting it get too dark — keep the heat moderate and stir constantly. It’s a bit like making gravy, so if you’ve done that before, this part should feel familiar.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Veggies

Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and chicken stock, making sure to break up any lumps from the flour. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—a bubbly boil is too harsh and might curdle the cream. Next, add your chopped broccoli, matchstick carrots, and celery. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. This simmering step really softens the veggies just right while keeping them bright.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese and Season

Turn the heat to low, then gradually stir in your shredded sharp cheddar cheese, letting it melt completely before adding more. This slow process prevents the cheese from clumping or getting grainy. Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste as you go here—I often add a pinch more salt to balance all that cheesy creaminess.

How to Serve Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A round bread bowl with a golden brown, crispy crust holds creamy white soup with visible small green broccoli florets and orange carrot strips. A shiny silver spoon lifts some soup, showing its thick texture and mixed vegetables inside. Next to the bread bowl is the bread top placed on a white plate with a white marbled surface under it. In the background, a white bowl with blue stripes holds more creamy soup. A woman's hand is holding the spoon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to top my soup with a little extra shredded cheddar cheese and freshly chopped chives or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for added texture and color. A swirl of heavy cream also looks pretty and makes it feel extra decadent. These simple garnishes turn a humble bowl into something special and inviting.

Side Dishes

For me, nothing beats pairing Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup with a warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic toast. A fresh green salad or a crunchy Caesar salad also complement the richness beautifully. If you’re feeling nostalgic, a soft pretzel on the side always brings that Panera café vibe home.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls, which impresses guests and doubles as an edible vessel! Another fun trick is layering the soup in clear mugs or jars with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs between layers for a colorful, takeaway-style presentation. It’s simple but makes the experience feel festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container to store in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. When I heat leftovers, I stir frequently over low heat to keep the cheese from separating and keep the soup smooth.

Freezing

Freezing a cheese-based soup can be tricky because the texture sometimes changes, but with this Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, I had decent luck freezing it in portions, then thawing overnight in the fridge. When reheating, I find a gentle simmer and stirring often helps restore the creamy texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up if needed. Microwave works too in short bursts, stirring in between, but I prefer the stovetop for better control and to avoid curdling.

FAQs

Can I make Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken stock for a good-quality vegetable broth. The soup will still taste rich and flavorful, especially with the sharp cheddar cheese and veggies. Just adjust salt as needed since vegetable broth can vary in seasoning.
What’s the best way to avoid grainy cheese in the soup?

Adding the shredded cheddar cheese gradually on low heat and stirring gently is key. Also, avoid boiling the soup after adding cheese because high heat can cause it to clump or separate. Patience here really pays off.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You can, but fresh broccoli keeps a better texture and flavor in this soup. If you only have frozen, thaw and drain it well to prevent extra water from thinning the soup.
Is this soup okay to make ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare it a day ahead and gently reheat before serving. If you want to impress, serve in small bread bowls for a cute presentation.

Final Thoughts

Making this Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe at home has become one of my favorite cozy kitchen rituals. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough to share with friends and family. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s such a satisfying feeling in ladling out a creamy, cheesy bowl filled with tender broccoli and just the right balance of flavors. Give it a try and soon you might be serving this comfort classic regularly in your own home, just like I do!