Cozy Panera Style Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Creamy Panera-style broccoli cheese soup whispers comfort on chilly afternoons, promising warmth in every spoonful.

Memories of cozy cafes dance through this recipe’s rich, velvety landscape.

Careful ingredient selection ensures an authentic taste that mirrors the beloved restaurant classic.

Unexpected depth comes from sharp cheddar melting into tender broccoli florets.

cheese lovers will adore how each bite delivers intense, smooth flavors that feel simultaneously nostalgic and exciting.

Simple kitchen tools and straightforward techniques make this soup accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

You can recreate restaurant magic with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Prepare to be transported by this soul-satisfying culinary adventure.

Ingredients Checklist For Broccoli Cheese Soup Lovers

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that provides the core flavor and texture of the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that creates a rich and creamy base for the soup.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Liquid base that enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a deep and complex flavor foundation for the soup.
• Carrots: Sweet vegetable that adds subtle sweetness and color to the soup.

• Heavy Cream, Flour: Combination that creates a smooth and luxurious texture in the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the soup.

How To Make Broccoli Cheese Soup Just Like Panera

Step 1: Kick Off The Flavor

Grab a spacious pot and let butter dance over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and garlic, allowing them to become wonderfully soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic magic.

Step 2: Introduce Veggie Stars

Drop in vibrant broccoli florets and shredded carrots.

Let them mingle and soften, creating a colorful vegetable party in your pot.

Step 3: Liquid Magic Begins

Pour in your choice of broth and water.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then dial back the heat and let everything simmer gently.

Watch the broccoli transform and become perfectly tender in about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Smooth Transformation

Grab an immersion blender and transform your chunky mixture into a silky smooth sensation.

No immersion blender?

No worries!

Carefully transfer soup to a standard blender, working in batches to create a creamy consistency.

Step 5: Thickening Trick

In a separate bowl, create a magical slurry by whisking flour with a splash of heavy cream.

Introduce this mixture to your soup and let it simmer, watching it thicken and become luxuriously rich.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Stir in the remaining heavy cream and let a waterfall of shredded cheddar cheese cascade into the pot.

Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a dreamy, creamy texture.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 7: Serve With Love

Ladle your masterpiece into warm bowls, ready to comfort and delight anyone lucky enough to taste this incredible soup.

Tips For Extra Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup At Home

• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Use high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for a richer, more intense flavor that mimics Panera's signature taste.
• If using a standard blender, work in small batches and remove the center lid piece to allow steam to escape, preventing pressure buildup.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version of this creamy soup.
• For a chunkier soup, reserve some broccoli florets before blending and stir them back in after pureeing for added texture and visual appeal.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Variations For Every Taste

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains the creamy texture and cheesy flavor profile.
• Vegan Cashew Cream Soup: Swap dairy ingredients with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based vegetable broth for a dairy-free, protein-rich version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and ensure all broth is gluten-free certified to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Add diced green chiles, a pinch of cumin, and top with jalapeño slices to create a zesty southwestern-inspired soup variation.

Ways To Serve Panera-Style Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair with a warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the creamy goodness.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken strips, or toasted pumpkin seeds for extra protein and crunch.
• Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a light, fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar, chopped chives, or a dollop of sour cream on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

Storing Broccoli Cheese Soup For Next Day Enjoyment

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with cream to maintain best texture.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or water to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
• Transfer soup to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup is hot and smooth.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure you use vegetarian cheese.

• How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?

Reduce heat to low when adding cheese and stir slowly to create a smooth texture. Shred the cheese yourself for better melting.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy consistency.

• Can I freeze this broccoli cheese soup?

Yes, you can freeze it. Just note that the texture might slightly change upon thawing, so stir well when reheating.

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup To Warm Any Night

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this comforting soup with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills required, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a delicious meal.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables, using different cheese types, or adding protein like cooked chicken to make it your own special version.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with veggies, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dinner option that everyone will love.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreate the beloved Panera broccoli cheese soup in your kitchen, saving money and enjoying a gourmet-style meal without leaving home.

Panera Style Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Panera-style broccoli cheese soup delivers comfort in every spoonful, blending creamy Wisconsin cheddar with tender broccoli florets. Homemade goodness brings restaurant-quality warmth to your kitchen, inviting you to savor each rich, cheesy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 12 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 medium onion, chopped

Liquid Base:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasoning and Thickeners:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm butter in a spacious pot over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and aromatic garlic until they turn translucent and release their fragrant essence.
2. Introduce broccoli florets and delicate carrot shreds into the pot, allowing them to soften and develop a tender texture for approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, combining with water to create a flavorful liquid base. Elevate to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes until broccoli reaches optimal tenderness.
4. Transform the soup’s consistency using an immersion blender, methodically pureeing until achieving a silky, uniform texture. For those without an immersion blender, cautiously transfer soup in measured batches to a standard blender.
5. Craft a smooth slurry by whisking flour with a portion of heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Integrate this mixture into the soup, stirring consistently and allowing it to thicken for 4-5 minutes.
6. Introduce remaining heavy cream and generously sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy consistency. Season judiciously with salt and freshly ground pepper.
7. Ladle the velvety soup into warm bowls, serving immediately to preserve its rich, comforting temperature and texture.

Notes

• Choose sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor that elevates the soup’s taste profile.
• Consider using an immersion blender for smoother blending without transferring hot liquid between containers, reducing potential mess and burn risks.
• For a healthier version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream and use low-fat cheese to decrease overall calorie content.
• Make this soup vegetarian by swapping chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 247 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg