The Coziest Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Panera’s broccoli cheese soup has captured my culinary curiosity since forever.

I stumbled upon this creamy delight during a chilly afternoon lunch break.

Comfort wrapped in a warm bowl became my instant obsession.

Hearty vegetables swimming in rich, velvety cheese sauce create magic on your spoon.

Memories of cozy restaurant moments inspired me to recreate this classic recipe at home.

Every kitchen should have this simple yet remarkable soup in its repertoire.

You will fall in love with how easily these ingredients come together.

Dive into this delectable journey and transform your dinner tonight!

Why Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Feels Like a Hug in a Bowl

• Stress-Free Cooking: Easily adapt this recipe with flexible ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Quick Comfort Food: Whip up a creamy, hearty soup that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for satisfying hunger and warming the soul.
• Customizable Culinary Creation: Swap ingredients based on what's in your pantry, allowing you to make this soup your own unique masterpiece without strict rules.
• Nutritious Meal Solution: Packed with vegetables and protein, this soup offers a balanced, wholesome dish that can be paired with salad or grilled chicken for a complete meal.

Ingredients for Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Main Ingredients:

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable with dense, tree-like florets.
• Bell Pepper: Colorful sweet pepper for extra flavor.
• Carrot: Orange root vegetable with natural sweetness.
• Onion: Aromatic base ingredient for depth of flavor.
• Celery: Crisp green vegetable with subtle taste.

• Butter: Rich and creamy fat for sautéing.
• Milk or Half & Half: Smooth dairy liquid for creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp yellow cheese for rich flavor.

• Chicken Broth or Water: Liquid base for soup.
• Wheat Flour: Light powder for thickening the soup.

• Garlic: Pungent aromatic for enhanced taste.
• Salt: Basic seasoning for flavor enhancement.
• Pepper: Spicy ground seasoning for added warmth.

Cooking Directions for Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Prepare Vegetable Base

Grab a large skillet and melt butter over medium heat.

Dice up onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers.

Toss these colorful veggies into the sizzling butter and let them dance and soften for about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and stir, allowing the aromatics to release their magical flavors for 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Create Creamy Roux

Sprinkle wheat flour over the softened vegetables, stirring carefully to coat every single piece.

This will help thicken the soup and create a velvety texture.

Step 3: Pour Liquid Gold

Slowly pour in cold milk or half & half along with chicken broth (or water with bouillon).

Whisk gently to combine all ingredients smoothly.

Step 4: Chop Broccoli Beauties

Wash and chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces.

The smaller the chop, the easier it will be to eat and enjoy.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add chopped broccoli.

Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until broccoli becomes tender but still maintains a slight crunch.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Reduce heat and sprinkle in sharp cheddar cheese.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich and creamy consistency.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheese if desired.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Broccoli Soup

• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Thoroughly coat vegetables with flour before adding liquid to create a smooth, thickened base without lumps.
• Reduce heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a creamy, silky consistency.
• Feel free to substitute ingredients based on availability – chicken broth can be replaced with water and bouillon, and cheese varieties can be swapped.
• Pair the soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or grilled protein for a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Keep Broccoli Cheese Soup Fresh and Warm

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freezes perfectly for up to 2 months.
• Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add splash of milk or broth if soup thickens too much during reheating.
• Cheese might separate when reheating, so stir constantly and avoid boiling to maintain creamy consistency.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Craft Complementary Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes to balance the soup's creamy richness and enhance its cheesy undertones.
• Elevate Bread Companion: Toast crusty sourdough or rustic whole grain bread, brushed with garlic butter, to provide a crunchy contrast against the soup's smooth texture and add depth to each spoonful.
• Design Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled lemon-herb chicken or roasted turkey breast, which will complement the soup's mild flavor profile and add lean protein to the meal.
• Create Salad Sidekick: Prepare a fresh mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing to cut through the soup's creaminess and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich broccoli cheese base.

Variations for Panera-Style Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter for a completely meat-free soup experience.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to maintain creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or xanthan gum for thickening, and reduce total vegetable quantity to lower carbohydrate content while keeping soup's essential nutrients.
• Vegan Adaptation: Combine dairy-free milk, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, and cashew cream to create a rich, cheese-like soup without animal products, adding extra seasonings like smoked paprika for depth.

FAQs

• Why is roux important in this soup recipe?

Roux helps thicken the soup by creating a smooth base with flour and butter, which prevents lumps and provides a rich, creamy texture to the broccoli cheese soup.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, while cheddar is traditional, you can substitute with similar melting cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend to suit your taste preferences.

• Is it necessary to use specific vegetables?

No, the vegetable mix is flexible. You can adjust the vegetables based on what you have available or your personal preference, keeping the core components like onions and carrots for flavor depth.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

You can reduce butter, use low-fat milk, incorporate more vegetables, or add Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to lower the calorie and fat content while maintaining a creamy consistency.

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Panera broccoli cheese soup brings comfort and warmth to chilly days with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Rich, velvety textures and wholesome ingredients combine perfectly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this classic comfort classic.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 3 to 4 cups broccoli, chopped
• 1 grated carrot
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 small bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 to 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 2 cups whole milk or half & half or whipping cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 2 tablespoons wheat flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups hot chicken broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a flavorful base by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté diced onion, grated carrot, chopped celery, and bell pepper until vegetables become tender and translucent.
3. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence.
4. Sprinkle wheat flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth, even coating.
5. Gradually pour in cold milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky texture.
6. Carefully chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
7. Gently add broccoli to the simmering liquid, cover the pot, and allow to cook until vegetables become vibrant green and tender.
8. Reduce heat and incorporate sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a creamy consistency.
9. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting flavors to personal preference.
10. Optional: Serve in a hollowed bread bowl alongside a crisp salad and grilled chicken for a complete meal.
11. Remember that cooking is flexible; feel free to substitute ingredients or adjust quantities based on availability and taste.

Notes

• Always use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture, ensuring crisp, vibrant green florets that enhance the soup’s overall quality.
• Grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded varieties, as freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and provides a richer, more authentic taste.
• Adjust the liquid consistency by adding more broth or milk if the soup becomes too thick, creating a perfect creamy texture that’s not too heavy or runny.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with low-fat milk and use reduced-fat cheese, maintaining the delicious flavor while cutting down on calories.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg