Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup

Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup with this easy-to-follow recipe that brings the beloved café classic right to your kitchen. Packed with fresh broccoli florets, sweet matchstick carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese, this homemade version strikes the perfect balance of rich, velvety texture and hearty, wholesome ingredients. The soup starts with a buttery roux that creates its signature creamy base, while an optional touch of nutmeg enhances the cozy, savory notes. Whether served in a rustic bread bowl or alongside crusty artisan bread, this copycat broccoli cheese soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or comforting gatherings. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in just 45 minutes!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 3 cups Fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup Matchstick carrots
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.125 teaspoon Ground nutmeg (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This step ensures the soup will thicken properly.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth until smooth and lump-free. Then, add the milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Step 5

Add the chopped broccoli florets and matchstick carrots to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 6

Using an immersion blender, carefully puree a portion of the soup to achieve the desired consistency. Alternatively, transfer 1-2 cups of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. Leave some chunks of broccoli for texture.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese to prevent it from curdling.

Step 8

Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 9

Serve the broccoli cheese soup hot with crusty bread or in a bread bowl for an authentic Panera Bread experience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1903.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2621.3

Total Fat 210.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 129.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 633.3mg	0%
Sodium 4778.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 97.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.8g	0%
Total Sugars 33.1g
Protein 81.8g	0%

Vitamin D 155.4IU	0%
Calcium 2182.0mg	0%
Iron 6.5mg	0%
Potassium 2542.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 72.5%

Protein: 12.5%

Carbs: 15.0%