This Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is a rich, creamy, and comforting soup made with tender broccoli, shredded carrots, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety homemade broth. It recreates the beloved café favorite with simple pantry ingredients and is perfect for cozy lunches, weeknight dinners, or serving in bread bowls.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
1 cup shredded carrots
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2½ cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Bread bowls or crusty bread for serving (optional)
Instructions
Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and celery, then cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
Add the milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Add the broccoli florets and shredded carrots.
Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in both cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
Blend part of the soup with an immersion blender if you prefer a creamier texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot with crusty bread or in bread bowls.
Notes
Always use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the smoothest texture.
Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese to prevent curdling.
Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
Blend only part of the soup to keep some broccoli pieces for texture.
Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors develop.
