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Cooking & Baking
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe (Better Than Panera!)
If you love cozy comfort food, this homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup is about to become your new favorite recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli, it tastes just like the famous Panera Bread version—but even better because it’s made fresh in your own kitchen!
This easy broccoli cheese soup recipe is ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a comforting weekend dinner. Pair it with a warm crusty baguette, and you’ve got the ultimate bowl of comfort.
Why You’ll Love This
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Panera copycat flavor – tastes just like the restaurant classic.
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One-pot recipe – easy cleanup and beginner-friendly.
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Customizable – leave it chunky or blend for a creamier texture.
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Family favorite – even picky eaters love cheesy broccoli!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Guiseppe
6
10 minutes
25 minutes
413
American
Soup
This creamy broccoli cheddar soup combines tender broccoli florets, sweet carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich, velvety broth. It’s a hearty vegetarian-friendly soup (when made with veggie broth) that works beautifully as a starter, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.
Whether you’re serving it on a chilly fall evening or craving comfort food year-round, this broccoli cheese soup is always a winner.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/2 medium Onion (chopped)
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 cups Half-and-Half Cream (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 2 cups low-sodium Chicken or Vegetable broth
- 1/2 lb Broccoli (about 3 cups, chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup Carrots (chopped, or store-bought matchstick carrots)
- 1/8 tsp Nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese (shredded, about 8 oz)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the base: In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes until golden (this thickens the soup).
- Add liquids: Slowly whisk in half-and-half and chicken (or veggie) broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.
- Cook veggies: Stir in broccoli and carrots. Simmer on medium-low for 20–25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Blend (optional): For a creamier soup, blend 1 cup of the soup with an immersion blender, then stir back in.
- Add cheese & season: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Add nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or in a bread bowl for the ultimate Panera-style experience.