Cheddar Broccoli Soup from Scratch (Panera Style)

If you’re in search of an incredible Panera-style soup recipe, this homemade cheddar broccoli soup is a deliciously close match. Packed with comforting goodness, it’s an excellent choice for lunch or dinner, especially in colder months. Feel free to treat your guests to this crowd-pleasing recipe; they’re sure to love it!

This post is all about a cheddar broccoli soup from scratch. It contains affiliate links, meaning, I might receive a small commission, but at no cost to you.

Printable Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Ingredients

We doubled this cheddar broccoli soup from scratch recipe to feed a family of 5 and have some leftovers. 😋

1/2 Stick Unsalted Butter
1/2 Medium Yellow Onion, Diced
1/2 Cup Diced Celery
1 Cup Shredded Carrots
4 Cups Frozen or Fresh Broccoli Florets
1/4 Cup Flour
2 Cup Chicken Broth, Stock, or Bone Broth
1 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
2 Cups Half and Half
2 Cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

In your favorite soup pot or Dutch oven (click here to see our favorite) melt the butter and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Meanwhile, steam the broccoli florets until they’re tender.

Once the butter-sautéed veggies are soft, stir in the salt, pepper, and flour. Then, add the broccoli and chicken broth, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Finally, add the half-and-half and cheddar cheese. Remove the pot from the heat and stir until the cheese is melted. Serve this delightful soup in your favorite soup bowls. Bon appetite! 😋

FAQ’s

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Some great side-kicks with broccoli cheddar soup include:

Great broccoli cheddar soup toppings are:

Shredded Chesse
Red or Green Onion
Croutons
Bacon Bits
Crackers
Fresh Herbs
Yogurt
Parmesan Cheese
Pumpkin Seeds
Avocado
Sour Cream
Pretzels
Pesto
Salt and Pepper or Peppercorns
Mushrooms
Seaweed
Pumpkin Seeds
Sautéed Celery, Onions, or Peppers
Lime or Lemon Zest

What is Broccoli Cheddar Soup Made of?

Broccoli cheddar soup is made up of a cluster of basic ingredients including; butter, flour, broccoli, carrots, onions, celery, cheddar cheese, half-and-half or cream, chicken broth, and chicken broth/bone broth. Because this recipe is a homemade broccoli cheddar soup, it comes with the benefit of having no artificial ingredients and no preservatives. Pardon my silly humor when I say, “Your gut will thank you.” 😉

Does Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Have Meat?

Panera bread incorporates chicken base, chicken juices, and chicken fat, contributing to the flavor profile of their soup. The delicious taste of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup and this recipe also derives from savory chicken juices. Details are sourced here.

Is Broccoli Cheddar Soup Healthy?

This question requires a personalized response. While certain ingredients may be suitable for one individual, they might not be safe for another due to allergens, genetics, and overall health. It’s not necessarily “bad,” but moderation is key.

For those who value clean fats, this soup offers such goodness. However, combining fats with starches might not suit everyone, especially those with health issues or aiming for weight loss. Enjoying this soup occasionally as comfort food can be beneficial while considering your body’s needs.

To make a gluten-free Panera bread cheddar soup, substitute white flour with arrowroot flour. For a keto broccoli cheddar soup, omit the flour. It might lose some thickness but remains delicious.

Other Soups to Check Out

Creamy Chicken Vegetable Wild Rice Soup

Delicious Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes

Mexican Style Chicken Tortilla Soup

Indulging in this creamy cheddar broccoli soup made from scratch will enamor your taste buds with a Panera Bread knockoff, crafted in the comfort of your cozy home. It promises a comforting experience, ideal for cooking enthusiasts or anyone yearning for a soul-warming, hearty meal.