Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Panera Copycat Recipe)

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup on a chilly day. This easy Panera copycat recipe is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — made right at home with simple ingredients. It’s thick, rich, and full of tender broccoli and sharp cheddar in every bite. 

Years ago, my daughter used to go to Panera often for lunch. Whenever we went together, we both ordered the broccoli cheddar soup — sometimes in a bread bowl, sometimes not. We always loved it, but no matter how many times we tried making it at home, it never quite tasted like Panera’s. Well, I think I finally nailed it!

💛 Why You’ll Love This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Panera Copycat Recipe)

• Creamy and cheesy – This broccoli cheddar soup is rich, velvety, and full of that sharp cheddar flavor we all crave.
• Tastes just like Panera – It’s the perfect Panera copycat recipe, made with simple ingredients right in your own kitchen.
• Quick and easy to make – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a cozy weeknight meal.
• Family favorite – Everyone loves this soup, from kids to adults, especially served with crusty bread or in a bread bowl.

This soup is perfect for cozy nights at home, just like my Spicy Shrimp and Rice Soup and Slow Cooker Turkey Chili.

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🥣 Main Ingredients Needed:

• Butter – Creates a rich base for sautéing aromatics and helps make the soup creamy.
• Onion – Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Celery – Provides subtle aromatic flavor and a slight crunch.
• Garlic – Adds savory warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
• All-purpose flour – Thickens the soup, giving it that velvety, restaurant-style texture.
• Chicken or vegetable broth – Forms the liquid base.
• Half-and-half – Makes the soup creamy and rich; can substitute with milk + cream.
• Broccoli florets – The star of the soup, providing texture, color, and flavor.
• Shredded carrots – Adds sweetness, color, and extra nutrition.
• Smoked paprika – Adds warmth, subtle smokiness, and depth to the soup.
• Salt & black pepper – Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
• Cheddar cheese – Provides the rich, sharp, cheesy flavor for the soup.

🍲 Step-by-Step Directions to make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Like Panera:

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and fragrant.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking to prevent lumps, then stir in the half-and-half until fully combined.

Add the broccoli florets, diced celery, shredded carrots, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli and celery are tender. Use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup for a smoother texture, leaving some chunks if desired.

Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Do not boil after adding the cheese.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with an optional splash of heavy cream or extra shredded cheese on top.

Can I make this Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure the cheese is vegetarian-friendly.

How can I make broccoli cheddar soup taste like Panera?

To get that classic Panera flavor at home, start by sautéing onions, and garlic to build a flavorful base. Make a roux with butter and flour to give the soup a creamy, velvety texture. Use sharp cheddar cheese and a touch of smoked paprika to enhance the flavor. Simmer the broccoli until tender, then blend part of the soup if you want a smooth, restaurant-style consistency.

Storing and Reheating:

This broccoli cheddar soup keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to that creamy, velvety consistency. I don’t recommend freezing this soup, as the broccoli can become mushy and the creamy cheese base may separate, affecting the texture and flavor.

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Panera Copycat Recipe)

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• Author: Lori
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stove-Top
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

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Instructions

1. Melt the butter and sauté aromatics:
   In a large pot or dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and fragrant.

2. Make the roux and add liquids:
   Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes. Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking to prevent lumps, then stir in the half-and-half until fully combined.

3. Add the vegetables and seasonings:
   Add the broccoli florets, diced celery, shredded carrots, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer:
   Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli and celery are tender.

5. Blend (optional):
   Use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup for a smoother texture, leaving some chunks if desired.

6. Add the cheese:
   Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Do not boil after adding the cheese.

7. Finish and serve:
   Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with an optional splash of heavy cream or extra shredded cheese on top.