
Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
User Reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
5 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
638 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Soup
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Cuisine
American

Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
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This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is ultra creamy and cheesy—perfect for cozy meals! The ingredients list keeps it simple with fresh flavors, just like the Panera favorite.
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Ingredients
- ½ lb fresh broccoli chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion diced
- 1 talk celery petite diced
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups half-and-half cream or whole milk
- 2 cups chicken broth or stock or vegetable broth
- 1 cup carrot freshly shreeded, julienned, grated, or matchstick style
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated (plus extra for serving)
- salt and pepper to taste
- Crusty bread or bread bowl for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Broccoli: Add olive oil and broccoli to a large pot or Dutch oven. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 3-5 minutes to flavor. Remove from pot and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: Melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Make the Roux: Stir in the flour, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and golden. This forms the base that thickens the soup.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the half-and-half (or milk) and chicken stock until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens a bit.
- Add Veggies & Season: Add the broccoli, carrots, and nutmeg into the pot. Cook on medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender and the flavors meld together. You can leave it chunky or, optionally, blend 1-2 cups of the soup in a blender until smooth, then return to the soup pot and stir to combine. I like to mash some of the broccoli with a wooden spoon in the pot for terrific texture without blending, but all methods are great!
- Add Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until completely melted—season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls (or a bread bowl if you want classic Panera style). Garnish with extra cheddar cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
- Enjoy this delicious, comforting, and cheesy soup! Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Notes
- Here’s a quick Instant Pot method for Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup:
- This method keeps it fast, creamy, and delicious in just one pot!
- Sauté: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Melt butter, then add onions and celery, cooking until soft. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add Ingredients: Slowly whisk in chicken stock, then add half-and-half, broccoli, carrots, and nutmeg.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 5 minutes. Quick release the pressure when done.
- Add Cheese: Set to “Sauté” again, add the grated cheese, and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls or a bread bowl and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
638kcal
(32%)
Carbohydrates
23g
(8%)
Protein
22g
(44%)
Fat
52g
(80%)
Saturated Fat
29g
(145%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
15g
Trans Fat
0.5g
Cholesterol
142mg
(47%)
Sodium
1040mg
(43%)
Potassium
604mg
(17%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
7205IU
(144%)
Vitamin C
55mg
(61%)
Calcium
617mg
(62%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 638 kcal
% Daily Value*
Calories | 638kcal | 32% |
Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
Protein | 22g | 44% |
Fat | 52g | 80% |
Saturated Fat | 29g | 145% |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
Cholesterol | 142mg | 47% |
Sodium | 1040mg | 43% |
Potassium | 604mg | 13% |
Fiber | 3g | 12% |
Sugar | 10g | 20% |
Vitamin A | 7205IU | 144% |
Vitamin C | 55mg | 61% |
Calcium | 617mg | 62% |
Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
18 reviews
Excellent
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