Broccoli Cheese Soup

Dinner is ready in 30 minutes with this comforting, creamy, hearty Broccoli Cheese Soup that's a meal by itself.

Let me show you one of my family's best soup recipes that comes very close to the Panera Bread version.

Grab a spoon because we’re serving up soup for dinner tonight!

It seems everyone has their own copycat version of Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe from Panera Bread. However, I think my version is the best.

The first time I made this recipe, I followed the online recipe. But over the years I've made a few adjustments and I believe I've come up with a very easy soup recipe that's perfect to serve all year long.

If you enjoy Panera Bread soups, you're going to want to try my Loaded Potato Soup which is another copycat version. What makes both of these recipes even more delicious is serving them in semi-homemade bread bowls instead of a soup bowl.

Looking for Family Dinner Ideas? Check out these dinner suggestions for Stuffed Zucchini, Easy Beef Ramen Stir Fry or my Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce with Meatballs.

Table of Contents

• Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Helpful Kitchen Tools
• Main Ingredients Needed
• Step-by-Step Directions
• Add the Chopped Broccoli
• Serving Tips
• Before You Begin!
• Storage Tips
• Freezing Tips
• Frequently Asked Recipe Question
• More Recipes to Love
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Comments

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This is a rich, creamy soup ready in 30 minutes. It makes enough for 6 people, so if you're preparing it for a larger crowd, you definitely need to double the recipe.

I use frozen broccoli florets that I hand chop. Using broccoli florets is better than frozen chopped broccoli, which in my opinion is full of broccoli stalks.

You can also use fresh broccoli, which I have done plenty of times. I've also substituted the half and half with fat free half and half. The recipe still tastes creamy and delicious.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

Stoneware Soup BowlsMore InformationLe Creuset Enameled Cast IronMore InformationSet of 4 French Onion SoupMore InformationKnorr Cube Bouillon, ChickenMore InformationTaste of Home Soups, Stews andMore InformationThe Ultimate Soup Cookbook: Over 900More Information

 

Main Ingredients Needed

Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!

• Butter
• Flour
• Half and half
• Chicken stock - you can substitute vegetable stock if you want to keep this recipe vegetarian.
• Chicken bouillon cube - I always add a bouillon cube or two to my homemade soup recipes.
• Broccoli - I use frozen broccoli florets. You can also use fresh broccoli.
• Carrots - finely grated which will help give the soup the flavor without the texture of chunks of carrots.
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste. I almost never need to add salt to this recipe.

Step-by-Step Directions

• Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or stock pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Step 2: Then add the the flour and cook together until it turns golden.
• Step 3: Next, pour in the chicken stock and then the half and half.
• Step 4: Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer until the mixture thickens.

Add the Chopped Broccoli

• Step 5: Add in the chicken bouillon cube followed by the chopped broccoli. It's okay if the broccoli is still frozen.
• Step 6: Then add the grated carrots. Again, allow everything to return to a boil and cook until the soup is thickened.
• Step 7: Then add the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Step 8: Season the soup with salt and pepper if needed before serving.

Serving Tips

• Garnish with extra shredded cheese and serve immediately. One of our favorite ways to enjoy Broccoli Cheese Soup at Panera Bread is in a bread bowl.
• Have you ever tried making your own bread bowls to serve soup? They're not that difficult; especially if you follow my recipe that starts out with frozen bread dough.

Storage Tips

• Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container before storing it in the refrigerator.
• Store the soup in the refrigerator as soon as possible after it has cooled down. The longer it sits at room temperature, the higher the risk of bacteria growth.
• Use the leftover Broccoli Cheddar Soup within 4-5 days.

Freezing Tips

• If you don't plan on using the soup within four days, consider freezing it.
• Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags.
• Make sure to leave some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
• Label each container with the date for easy reference.
• Soups can generally be kept frozen for around three months.

Frequently Asked Recipe Question

More Recipes to Love

• Potato and Corn Chowder - this recipe is made using the crock pot and is very economical.
• Three Bean Minestrone Soup - another soup recipe that can be served like a meal.
• Homemade Beef Barley Soup - I grew up on this recipe but never enjoyed it when I was younger! That's not the case now with this recipe!

📖 Recipe Card