Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe (Copycat)

This delicious, creamy Panera broccoli cheese soup recipe is an exact replica of Panera’s famous soup. Enjoy a comforting, quick and easy meal that will warm you up. This dinner is easy to make in your kitchen using just a few simple ingredients!

Original recipe posted: January 2016 | Recipe updated: October 2019 and November 2024

Why This Recipe Works

• Calling all soup lovers! Your taste buds are about to sing after your first spoonful of this creamy broccoli cheese soup.
• Skip the line at Panera Bread and make this creamy soup at home!
• This recipe is a spot-on replica of Panera’s famous broccoli soup recipe and it is nearly impossible to stop eating. 
• You haven’t experienced true, delicious comfort food until you try this recipe.
• The creamy texture, cheesy goodness and tender broccoli make the perfect soup to enjoy on a cold winter day.
• Just a few simple ingredients, 30 minutes of cooking time and this easy soup is done!
• Made with fresh ingredients. No canned ingredients involved!

Recipe Ingredients for This Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Butter – Salted or unsalted. Can be substituted with olive oil.

Garlic – Use fresh minced garlic for best results. Replace fresh garlic with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, if desired.

Yellow onion – Can be substituted with white onion.

Carrots – Start with 2 peeled carrots or ~15 baby carrots. You can either take the time to julienne the carrots or simply chop them. Either way, it should amount to 1 heaping cup.

To save time, you can purchase pre-julienned carrots at the grocery store.

Celery – Start with 2 stalks of celery and thinly slice them. It should amount to 1 heaping cup.

Salt and pepper – Simple, powerful seasoning duo.

Flour – I always use all-purpose flour, but feel free to swap this out with any variety. Use your favorite gluten-free flour to make it a GF recipe.

Milk – Any variety of milk works great, including skim, 1%, 2%, whole milk or almond milk. Heavy cream can be used as a milk replacement for an even creamier dish. 

Chicken stock – Can be replaced with chicken broth, vegetable broth, bone broth or vegetable stock.

Fresh broccoli florets – Cut into bite-sized pieces before adding to the soup. Alternatively, you can pulse the broccoli florets in a food processor to create smaller pieces of broccoli.

Cheese – Use shredded sharp cheddar cheese for best results.

How To Make Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1

Melt butter in a Dutch oven or large skillet. Add garlic, onions, carrots, celery, salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat until veggies are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add the flour and stir until veggies are coated.

Gradually add the milk, stirring after each addition. Add the chicken stock or broth.

Step 3

Set burner to medium-high heat. When the mixture just begins to bubble, lower it to a simmer (medium-low heat) and let cook for 15 minutes, covered. Stir a few times throughout.

Step 4

Add broccoli florets.

Simmer (still covered) over medium-low heat for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the shredded cheese. Stir until cheese is melted. Serve hot!

Recipe Notes

• For a smoother soup consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture. For a chunkier consistency, serve as-is.  
• Cauliflower, mushrooms and green peppers can be great additions to change up the soup. 
• Serve in a bread bowl for a touch of delicious fun! 
• To spice up this easy soup recipe, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Just before serving, sprinkle with black pepper and/or red pepper flakes!

How To Make Instant Pot Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

If you prefer to make this soup in your Instant Pot, I have a version for you to follow. Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup allows your Instant Pot create a veggie-packed, cheesy, hearty and comforting dinner that everyone at the table will love. Done in just 20 minutes!

How To Add Flavor To Soup

Check out these tips to learn how to add flavor to your next batch of soup!

What To Serve With Broccoli Cheese Soup

If you plan on serving this creamy broccoli cheddar soup as a main dish, click over for ideas about what to serve with broccoli cheese soup!

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli

You certainly can! Frozen broccoli might cook at a different rate depending how frozen it is, so keep an eye on it. Thaw and pat it dry before adding it to the soup for best results.

How to Store Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Allow the leftover soup to cool to room temperature. Ladle it into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How To Reheat Soup

For best results, reheat leftover broccoli cheddar soup on the stove top. Transfer to a large saucepan or Dutch oven and set to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. 

More Comforting Soups

• Instant Pot Ham Bone Soup – Use your leftover ham bone to make this comforting, hearty Ham Bone Soup in your Instant Pot! 
• Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Packed with flavor, it is super easy to make and it tastes like it’s been cooked low and slow all day long.  
• Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup – Transform Chicken Fajitas into a delicious, savory soup that will quickly become a family favorite! Mix and match vegetables to your liking! Chicken Fajita Soup is great served for family dinner 
• Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup – Delicious soup does not have to be difficult! This Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup tastes like the real deal, but requires half the effort.  
• Loaded Potato Soup – A loaded baked potato is transformed into a warm, delicious, comforting soup! The perfect fall or winter meal! 
• Butternut Squash Soup – This is the perfect, most delicious way to use up butternut squash in the fall! Butternut Squash Soup is creamy, packed with comforting flavor and super easy to prepare.  

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