Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Panera Copycat) Recipe
This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy homemade version inspired by Panera’s classic. Featuring fresh broccoli, sautéed aromatics, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a perfect cozy meal packed with flavor and simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound Broccoli (cut into chunks)
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 2–3 cloves Garlic (crushed)
- 1 Carrot (grated, large)
Dairy and Cheese
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 2 cups Half & half (or whole milk)
- 8 oz Cheddar cheese (grated)
Pantry Items & Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Chicken or vegetable stock
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes, until the mixture turns lightly golden and develops a slightly nutty aroma.
- Add liquid and vegetables: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable stock while whisking to prevent lumps. Add the broccoli chunks, grated carrot, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Finish with dairy and cheese: Stir in the half & half (or whole milk) and grated cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the soup attains a creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, top with extra cheddar cheese or crunchy croutons for added texture.
Notes
- You can substitute half & half with whole milk for a lighter version, though the soup will be less rich.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- To make the soup smoother, you can blend part or all of it after cooking.
- Adding croutons or a sprinkle of extra cheddar on top enhances texture and flavor.
- This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Copycat Panera Soup, Easy Soup Recipe, Creamy Broccoli Soup, Comfort Food, Vegetarian Soup
