panera cheese broccoli soup recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
panera cheese broccoli soup recipe
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The Best panera cheese broccoli soup recipe

I’m so excited to share my Panera Cheese Broccoli Soup recipe with you. I’ve been making this soup for years, and it’s always a hit with my family.

The combination of tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and savory broth is just perfect. I love that it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.

My kids adore it, and it’s become a staple in our household. Whether we’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or need something quick and easy for a busy weeknight, this soup always delivers.

Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the broccoli and cheese, making it a guilt-free option for our family. I’ve tried many variations over the years, but this original recipe remains my go-to.

It’s simply the best. I like to serve it with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping into the cheesy goodness.

The flavors are rich and satisfying without being too heavy or overpowering. This soup is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want something delicious for a weeknight dinner.

Panera Bread Copycat Cheese Broccoli Soup

Panera Bread Copycat Cheese Broccoli Soup

4.7 from 1305 votes

A creamy and comforting soup packed with broccoli florets and cheddar cheese, inspired by the classic Panera Bread recipe. This soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Soup Base

2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 cups broccoli florets

Cheese Mixture

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
4Add the chicken broth and water to the pot.
5Bring the mixture to a boil.
6Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
7Add the broccoli florets and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and bright green.
8In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth.
9Gradually add the cheese mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
10Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
11If the soup is too thick, add a little more milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
12If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.
13Season with salt and pepper to taste.
14Using a blender or immersion blender, puree half of the soup until smooth.
15This will give the soup a creamy texture while still leaving some broccoli chunks for texture.
16Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir to combine.
17Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese or chopped broccoli if desired.
18Enjoy your homemade Panera Bread Copycat Cheese Broccoli Soup.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Whisk
Blender or immersion blender

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a healthier option, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. To make this soup vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

Watch Video Of How Panera Bread Copycat Cheese Broccoli Soup Works

This Panera Cheese Broccoli Soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want something delicious for a weeknight dinner.

It’s easy to make ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

When reheating, simply add more broth if necessary and stir in some additional cheese if desired.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Panera Bread Copycat Cheese Broccoli Soup

Q1: What type of cheese is best for this soup?

For this recipe, I recommend using a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The sharpness of the cheddar pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of the broccoli, while the Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor. You can adjust the ratio of cheddar to Parmesan to your liking, but this mix provides a great balance of flavors.

Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh in this recipe. Simply thaw the broccoli according to package instructions before adding it to the pot. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli may have a slightly different texture than fresh, but it’ll still yield delicious results.

Q3: How do I make this soup creamier?

To make your soup creamier, you can add more cheese or try using half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk or water. Additionally, adding some cooked potatoes or cauliflower can help thicken the soup without adding extra fat.

Q4: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, simply add more broth if necessary and stir in some additional cheese if desired.

Q5: What other ingredients can I add to customize this recipe?

You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like diced ham, cooked chicken, or sliced mushrooms to suit your taste preferences.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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