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 cheese
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
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 Onion chopped, about 1 1/2 cups
- 2 small garlic cloves minced
- 2 carrots diced, about 1 1/2 cup
- 8 Tbsp all-purpose 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
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add in the chopped onions, garlic, and carrot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- 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 the chicken broth, while mixing.
- Let the broth simmer for about 15 minutes on medium heat (make sure to stir the soup occasionally). Add in the frozen broccoli florets and heavy cream and let the soup come to a simmer. Tip: Try blending part of the soup with an emersion blender for creamer soup. Just be careful not to puree too much or you will lose all the delicious chunks of broccoli.
- 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 completely melted. Serve warm with croutons or french bread.
Notes
Nutrition
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Melissa Siebert says
Hi! I was just wondering if you think chicken could be added to this recipe?? Thanks!!
Dina says
Hi Melissa 🙂 I haven’t tried adding chicken to this broccoli cheddar soup so I can’t say how it would taste. Technically, yes you can add that to this recipe. It really comes down to personal preference. I hope that helps and I hope you love this recipe! 🙂
Sherry says
Just 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
Thank you for your kind feedback, Sherry! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this broccoli cheddar soup recipe 🙂
Mariam says
I 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
Thank you so much, Mariam!I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy this broccoli cheddar soup recipe so much! 🙂
Hannah says
Can you freeze this soup?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Hanna, I’m not too sure. I’ve never tried freezing this soup.
SB says
How do I make sure the soup doesn’t have a GRITTY consistency
simplyhomecooked says
To 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
Dina,
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
Thank you so much for your feedback 🙂 I’m so glad you liked it 🙂