This Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is full of vegetables in a delicious cheesy cream soup base that will satisfy everyone at your dinner table.
Making soup is one of my favorite ways to provide comfort foods to my family. I know you will love my Clam Chowder Soup recipe that is also a delicious creamy recipe.
This recipe was originally posted “March 9, 2015, we’ve tweaked it a bit since then. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli
Carrots
Chicken Broth
Sharp Cheddar
Medium Cheddar
Swiss
Butter
Garlic
Heavy Whipping Cream
Flour
Onion
Salt
How to Make Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Before you begin, make sure to read through the complete recipe to understand the steps involved. You will begin with a large heavy-bottomed stockpot for cooking the onions, carrots, and garlic together. Once these vegetables are cooked as directed, you will begin making a roux with the butter and flour. Once your roux is ready according to the directions in the printable recipe, you will add in the other ingredients as directed and cook with the final steps being the cheese additions.
How to Get a Creamy Texture in Broccoli Cheese Soup
I recommend buying the cheese in blocks and shredding them yourself. Shredding your own cheese will give you a creamy consistency. If you buy already shredded cheese, it’s more likely going to curdle. Also, if you use fresh broccoli, make sure to blanch it in a pot of boiling water for 1 minute before adding it to the soup.
More Copycat Recipes
This Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is full of vegetables in a delicious cheesy cream soup base that will satisfy everyone at your dinner table.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 Onion about 1 1/2 cups
- 2 small garlic cloves minced
- 2 carrots diced (about 1 1/2 cup)
- 8 tbsp flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 16 oz frozen broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded
- 2 cups medium cheddar shredded
- 1 cup Swiss cheese shredded
- 1/2 tbsp salt
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In a Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot, melt butter over medium high heat. Add in the chopped onions, garlic, and carrot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
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Add the flour and stir just to brown it (about 2 minutes). Browning the flour will take away the taste of raw flour. Once the flour has been stirred for a few minutes, slowly add in the chicken broth.
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Let the broth simmer for about 15 minutes on medium heat (make sure to stir the soup occasionally). Add in the broccoli, half and half and let the soup come to a boil.
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Remove the pot from heat and add in the shredded sharp cheddar, medium cheddar, and Swiss cheese. Add salt and stir until the cheese is complete.y melted. Serve warm with croutons or french bread.
I recommend buying the cheese in blocks and shredding them yourself. Shredding your own cheese will give you a creamy consistency. If you buy already shredded cheese, it's more likely going to curdle. Also, if you use fresh broccoli, make sure to blanch it in a pot of boiling water for 1 minute before adding it to the soup.
Sherry says
February 20, 2019 at 4:51 pmJust made this for the first time. Always thought I didn’t like Broccoli-Cheddar Soup but if it all taste like this I love it! Thank you for sharing. I will make it again soon!
Sherry
simplyhomecooked says
February 20, 2019 at 5:16 pmThank you for your kind feedback, Sherry! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this broccoli cheddar soup recipe 🙂
Mariam says
January 20, 2019 at 1:56 pmI have tried a number of different broccoli cheddar soups and this by far is my favorite. Love how simple it is to make and I have made it so many times that I now know it by heart! Thank Dina!!
simplyhomecooked says
January 20, 2019 at 5:04 pmThank you so much, Mariam!I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy this broccoli cheddar soup recipe so much! 🙂
Hannah says
December 13, 2017 at 10:59 amCan you freeze this soup?
simplyhomecooked says
December 20, 2017 at 8:35 amHi Hanna, I’m not too sure. I’ve never tried freezing this soup.
SB says
January 3, 2016 at 5:21 pmHow do I make sure the soup doesn’t have a GRITTY consistency
simplyhomecooked says
January 4, 2016 at 12:12 amTo ensure your soup doesn’t have a gritty consistency, avoid pre-shredded cheese. Shredding your own cheese will give you a smooth consistency. Also, make sure to add the shredded cheese after you remove the pot from the stove.
Olya says
March 19, 2015 at 10:37 pmDina,
I always felt intimidated when it came to this soup, but I saw how simple your recipe was and just HAD to try it! I must say it turned out Delish! Thank you!
(I can’t wait for my hubby to try it)!!!
admin says
March 20, 2015 at 12:24 amThank you so much for your feedback 🙂 I’m so glad you liked it 🙂