Description

This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and comforting soup just like the beloved original. Featuring fresh broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and a smooth, velvety roux base, it’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a hearty, cheesy soup that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half

Vegetables

3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 cup carrots, julienned or grated

Cheese and Seasoning

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Forging the Soup’s Foundation: Begin by heating a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt until shimmering. Add finely diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to build a savory base.
Crafting the Velvety Thickener: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the softened onions and garlic. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the flour, eliminating raw flavor and developing a smooth, velvety texture for the soup.
Building the Liquid Base: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth little by little, ensuring the roux dissolves without lumps. Once smooth, pour in the half-and-half and bring the soup to a gentle simmer over low heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally as it thickens slightly.
Introducing the Core Ingredients: Add the chopped broccoli and julienned carrots to the simmering soup. Reduce heat and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the broccoli is tender but retains slight firmness. For a smoother texture, optionally blend part of the soup using an immersion blender while leaving some chunks intact for contrast.
The Rich Finishing Touch: Remove the pot from heat or reduce to the lowest setting. Stir in the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese gently until fully melted and combined. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Avoid boiling after adding cheese to maintain a silky, grain-free texture.

Notes

Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level effectively.
To make the soup vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Half-and-half can be replaced with a mix of whole milk and heavy cream if preferred.
Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts better and provides superior flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Allow the soup to rest a few minutes before serving to thicken further and deepen flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Panera Copycat, Creamy Broccoli Soup, Cheese Soup, Comfort Food, Homemade Soup