Broccoli Cheese Soup

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Broccoli Cheese Soup - dinner is ready in 30 minutes with this comforting, creamy, hearty 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.

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.

broccoli cheese soup with garlic bread on side.

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Main Ingredients Needed

This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.

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.

ingredients for copycat Panera Bread broccoli cheese soup.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1 | Make the Broth

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

melt butter, add flour, chicken broth and cream to stock pot.

Step 2 | Add the Chopped Broccoli

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

add broccoli, carrots and cheese to soup base in dutch oven.

Step 3 | 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.

broccoli cheese soup in white bowl with garlic bread on side dish.

Frequently Asked Recipe Question

Is there meat in Panera broccoli cheddar soup?

While there is no meat in this broccoli cheese soup, I do use chicken broth. Therefore, you cannot consider this soup vegetarian. You can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth if you want.

Ready for more great recipes? Try these other soup recipes:

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!

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Yield: 6 servings