Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup

If you’ve ever tasted the creamy, comforting goodness of Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheese Soup, you know it’s a meal that’s hard to resist. This homemade version brings the same delicious flavors right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps. The combination of tender broccoli, savory cheese, and creamy broth creates a soup that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day or serving it alongside your favorite sandwich, this Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Authentic Taste

This recipe brings the same comforting flavors as the beloved Panera Bread version, with rich cheese, tender vegetables, and a creamy base.

2. Simple Ingredients

Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this homemade version of the soup ensures you can make it without any special trips to the store.

3. Customizable Texture

Whether you prefer your soup creamy and smooth or chunky with bits of veggies, this recipe offers you the flexibility to adjust the consistency to your liking.

4. Quick and Easy

In just under 45 minutes, you’ll have a steaming bowl of soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup makes great leftovers and can be easily stored and reheated for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Butter
• Garlic
• Yellow onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Salt
• Pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Chicken stock or broth
• Broccoli florets
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

How Much Time Will You Need

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30-45 minutes

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large Dutch oven or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper, and cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir until the veggies are evenly coated. Gradually add the milk, stirring after each addition to prevent lumps from forming. Then add the chicken stock or broth, stirring to combine.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Turn the heat to medium-high. When the mixture just begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli

Stir in the broccoli florets and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, still covered, until the broccoli is tender.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely into the soup, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy, ladle into bowls and serve hot. This soup is great on its own or paired with a fresh bread roll or sandwich.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Smoother Soup: If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup.
• Chunkier Soup: For a heartier feel, serve the soup as is with the veggies left intact.
• Gluten-Free Version: Skip the flour and use a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option.
• Add Extra Veggies: Cauliflower, mushrooms, or green peppers can be great additions to this soup for added flavor and texture.
• Healthier Option: You can substitute olive oil for butter if you’re looking for a healthier fat option, and swap out heavy cream for milk for a lighter version.
• For Extra Spice: Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat that balances out the creamy soup.

How to Serve

This Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s also a great pairing with a crusty bread bowl or a sandwich for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a simple side salad for a fresh contrast to the rich soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add more milk or broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère. However, sharp cheddar will give the best flavor.

2. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil, the milk with a non-dairy alternative (like almond milk or oat milk), and the cheese with a dairy-free cheese substitute.

3. What can I use instead of chicken broth?

Vegetable broth is a great alternative if you want a vegetarian or vegan version of this soup.

4. How can I make the soup spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add in other vegetables such as cauliflower, spinach, or even zucchini for added flavor and nutrients.

6. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Frozen broccoli works fine, though fresh broccoli will give a better texture. If using frozen, ensure it is thawed and drained.

7. How do I make this soup thicker?

If you want a thicker soup, you can blend some of the soup or use less milk when cooking. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the soup.

8. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup a day ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

9. How long will leftovers last?

Leftover soup will stay good for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

10. Can I add meat to this soup?

While this soup is already packed with flavor from the vegetables and cheese, you could add cooked chicken, bacon bits, or even sausage for a heartier dish.

Conclusion

This Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup brings all the delicious comfort of the original recipe right into your home. With its creamy, cheesy base and tender vegetables, it’s the perfect bowl of warmth on a chilly day. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s guaranteed to please!

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