Dreamy Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup captures the essence of comfort food with its velvety texture and robust flavor profile.

Creamy and indulgent, this beloved soup blends vibrant green vegetables with sharp, melted cheese in a harmonious dance of taste.

Generations of home cooks have embraced its simple yet sophisticated charm, redefineing basic ingredients into a memorable culinary experience.

The magic happens when sharp cheddar meets tender broccoli, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each spoonful promises warmth, nourishment, and a connection to classic home cooking traditions.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how this soup balances nutritional value with pure comfort.

Fresh ingredients and careful seasoning elevate this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Pro Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Soup Success

• Chop Broccoli Uniformly: Cut broccoli into small, even-sized florets to ensure consistent cooking and a smooth texture throughout the soup.
• Control Cheese Melting: Add cheese gradually off direct heat to prevent clumping and maintain a silky, creamy consistency.
• Monitor Simmering Carefully: Keep soup at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent cream from separating and maintain a rich, velvety base.
• Layer Seasoning Strategically: Season in stages—first with salt and pepper during sautéing, then adjust final taste after cheese incorporation for balanced flavor.
• Store Smartly: Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days, gently reheating to preserve its creamy texture.

Store It Right to Keep It Café-Worthy the Next Day

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half if the soup seems too thick during reheating. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the cheese to separate and create an uneven texture.
• Freezing: While possible, dairy-based soups like this can sometimes separate when frozen. If you choose to freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, whisking to restore the creamy consistency.

Bread, Salads, and Sips That Pair With This Bowl

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice a warm, crusty sourdough bread to dip into the creamy broccoli cheddar soup. The tangy bread complements the rich, cheesy flavors and provides a satisfying crunch.
• Complement with Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the soup's heaviness. The fresh, acidic notes will cut through the creamy texture and refresh your palate.
• Match with Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc: Select a crisp white wine that offers bright acidity to contrast the soup's richness. Chardonnay's buttery undertones or Sauvignon Blanc's herbal notes will enhance the broccoli and cheese flavors.
• Serve with Roasted Garlic Herb Crackers: Offer crispy herb-infused crackers alongside the soup for added texture and a complementary garlic flavor that echoes the soup's aromatic base.

Add-Ins That Level Up Every Bite

• Spicy Kick Soup: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during the onion cooking stage for a zesty heat level that complements the creamy base.
• Protein Power Bowl: Incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon bits into the finished soup to create a more substantial meal with extra protein.
• Green Veggie Boost: Mix in additional vegetables like chopped spinach or diced zucchini during the broccoli simmering process to enhance nutritional value and provide more texture.
• Creamy Herb Edition: Stir in fresh chopped herbs like thyme or parsley just before serving to introduce a bright, fresh flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.

Why This Soup Tastes Just Like the Café Favorite

• Savor Creamy Comfort: Dive into a velvety soup that wraps you in warmth with its rich, smooth texture and deep cheese flavor that instantly soothes your soul.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this restaurant-style soup in under 40 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet meal that looks like you've been cooking all day.
• Nutrient-Packed Deliciousness: Packed with protein, fiber from broccoli, and a balanced mix of vegetables and dairy, this soup delivers a wholesome meal that tastes indulgent while keeping you nourished.
• Weeknight Wonder: Perfect for busy families or solo diners craving a satisfying meal that requires minimal prep, uses basic pantry ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

The Key Ingredients for That Cheesy, Broccoli-Rich Base

• Butter: Rich, creamy fat that provides a smooth foundation for sautéing vegetables and building soup flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a deep, savory base for the soup with their robust flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and signature texture to the soup.
• Broth: Liquid base that provides depth and helps cook the vegetables while building soup consistency.
• Half-and-Half: Creamy dairy product that adds richness and smooth texture to the soup.
• Mustard: Tangy condiment that introduces a subtle complex flavor to the soup.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Flavorful cheeses that melt smoothly, creating a rich, creamy, and indulgent soup texture with sharp and nutty undertones.

How to Recreate Panera’s Soup at Home—Fast

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Broccoli and Liquid Ingredients

• Broth
• Mustard

• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until broccoli becomes tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Creamy Element

Pour in half-and-half, returning the soup to a light simmer. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Melt the Cheeses

• Cheddar cheese

Stir until completely melted and smooth.

Step 6: Finish With Parmesan

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine thoroughly.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy broccoli goodness.

Paneras Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup delivers creamy comfort with Wisconsin cheddar and tender broccoli florets. Rich, velvety goodness fills your spoon with hearty warmth that whispers classic American comfort cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 8 cups broccoli florets
• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cloves minced garlic

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups fresh shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup half & half or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 28 ounces (796 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Melt unsalted butter in a large soup pot over medium-low heat, sautéing diced onions and minced garlic with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Add fresh chopped broccoli florets to the aromatic base, then pour in chicken broth and Dijon mustard, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
3. Elevate the heat to create a gentle simmer, allowing the broccoli to become tender and infuse the broth with its vibrant flavor, stirring occasionally for 15-20 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and slowly stream in half-and-half cream, maintaining a low simmer to prevent curdling and allowing the liquid to warm through for 5-7 minutes.
5. Gradually sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth, then fold in grated Parmesan cheese for additional depth of flavor.
6. Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed, ensuring a balanced and rich profile before ladling into warm serving bowls.

Notes

• Butter and aromatics create a flavor foundation, gently coaxing out sweet onion and garlic notes before building the soup’s robust profile.
• Broccoli transforms into tender, vibrant green pieces during the simmering process, absorbing the rich broth’s savory essence.
• Creamy half-and-half introduces luxurious texture, softening the soup’s intensity and creating a velvety smooth consistency.
• Melted cheddar cheese delivers a sharp, tangy undertone that complements the vegetable’s earthy characteristics.
• Final seasoning adjustments ensure each spoonful delivers a perfectly balanced, comforting warmth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 347 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 503 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 76 mg