Love Panera but want to save a little money? This Broccoli Cheddar Soup brings all the creamy, cheesy goodness of your favorite menu item right to your kitchen! Ready in under 30 minutes, this copycat recipe is the perfect bowl of comfort food for busy nights or cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fast and Easy: Making this soup at home takes less time than a trip to Panera!
- Family Favorite: Loaded with veggies and cheese, it’s perfect for even the pickiest eaters.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer it chunky or smooth, this recipe is easy to adapt.
Ingredient Highlights
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen both work wonderfully.
- Broth: Swap chicken broth for veggie broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for that classic Panera flavor.
Cooking Options
- Instant Pot: Dinner is ready in no time with this hands-off method.
- Slow Cooker: Perfect for a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy soup with:
- Beer Bread: Buttery, soft, and great for dipping.
- Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls: Fluffy and flavorful.
- Puff Pastry Breadsticks: A quick and delicious option.
Or make it extra special by serving in a bakery-style bread bowl for that true Panera vibe.
More Copycat Panera Recipes
If your family loves Panera, try recreating these favorites at home:
- Panera Mac and Cheese
- Orange Scones
- Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Strawberry Pecan Salad
This homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup proves you don’t need to leave the house to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal. It’s comforting, delicious, and sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
This creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup delivers all the comforting flavors of Panera’s classic favorite—made at home in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup diced onions (yellow or white)
1 cup shredded carrots (cut matchsticks into ½-inch pieces)
2 ½–3 cups broccoli florets (chopped small)
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup milk (skim/fat-free works well)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (or more for extra heat)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Sauté the vegetables:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and broccoli. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Adjust the time depending on the size of your cuts.
- Add liquids and thicken:
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring constantly to combine. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cook until thickened:
- Reduce heat to medium and continue stirring as the soup thickens, about 10–15 minutes.
- Add cheese:
- Once the soup is thick and creamy, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until fully melted and smooth.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Pair with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or serve in a bread bowl for a cozy meal.
- This Broccoli Cheese Soup is a quick, satisfying way to bring restaurant-quality comfort food to your kitchen. Perfect for weeknights or anytime you’re craving Panera’s cheesy goodness!