Panera Bread’s broccoli cheddar cheese soup has been an all-time menu favorite since its debut at the popular bakery-cafe chain. A quick trip to Panera for this delicious bowl of soup may not always be in the cards. But, preparing this dish yourself is anything but difficult. Our copycat Panera broccoli cheddar cheese soup is brimming with tender broccoli, onions, and carrots, in a velvety, creamy, cheese sauce. You won’t believe how good this soup is! And the best part is, you only need one pot!
Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, diced finely
- 12 ounces (1 bag) broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup butter, salted
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half cream
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- salt and pepper, to taste
Supplies
- large pot
- whisk
Directions
Wash and dry the produce. Finely dice the onion, and chop the broccoli florets into small bite-size pieces. Set aside.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add and sautee the onions until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the flour and continue to cook an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
Next, slowly pour in the half-and-half and chicken broth, while continually whisking to ensure that the mixture is smooth.
Carefully add the broccoli and carrots. Cook over low heat for 25 minutes or until the vegetables are fork-tender. Stir occasionally.
After 25 minutes, add the cheddar cheese and blend until completely melted. Stir in nutmeg, then add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with baguettes.
Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Diet-Friendly Variations
Some ingredients in this copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup recipe are not suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Dairy-Free And Vegan
If you or a guest are dairy free, and or vegan, don’t worry! Our copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup is not off limits!
- Replace butter with vegan butter such as Earth Balance
- Replace half-and-half with full-fat coconut milk
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable stock
- Substitute Daiya’s cheddar style shreds for cheddar cheese
Gluten-Free
If you’re gluten-free, replace the flour with almond flour or all-purpose gluten-free flour when preparing the roux for an easy substitution.
What To Serve With Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Being a hearty and delicious meal, the copycat Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe is easy to pair up with other simple foods. A french baguette is rustic, and uncomplicated – a perfect pairing to this soup. You can also serve your broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl for a harmonious twist. A side salad with a few of your favorite toppings can also create a wonderful meal without weighing you down.
Our copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup copycat recipe is sure to be a hit at your home. With its incredible flavor and ease, it’s no wonder why this iconic soup is a true crowd-pleaser.
