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    Cincy Shopper / Recipes / Soup

    CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

    March 24, 2014 by Jen Cincyshopper 69 Comments

    563850 shares
    • Facebook2499
    Jump to Recipe Leave a Review
    4.85 from 13 votes

    This CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe will be a hit with you I promise. If you love Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup you are going to be amazed on how easy it is to make at home. After enjoying the CopyCat Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich the other day I was ready to make some of my favorite CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup to pair up with the sandwich for our lunch today. I made this recipe back in December to share with all of you and forgot to place it on the blog. That was a big mistake as this soup is now my favorite soup. Since my photography skills have gotten better lol, I took a new picture of the CopyCat Panera Broccoli Soup we enjoyed today. Trust me the other pictures were not so good ha ha.

    CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. YUM! Pair this yummy soup with a salad for lunch or dinner. Save $$'s and make your favorites at home!

    CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

    But back to the soup… Brocccoli Soup has always been a hit in our house. I love ordering a bowl at every restaurant we eat at (if on the menu). Up until making this recipe back in December Kroger Broccoli Soup was my brand I enjoyed at home. I could never find a quick and easy canned Broccoli Soup that we really liked. Kroger brand can get quite expensive and picking up Panera Broccoli Soup can cost a small fortune to feed my crew.

    CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. YUM! Pair this yummy soup with a salad for lunch or dinner. Save $$'s and make your favorites at home!
    I had set out to make a CopyCat of my favorite Broccoli Soup.. Panera Bread. I was amazed that this recipe turned out PERFECT. I no longer needed to head to Panera bread to enjoy my favorite soup. I can now just whip up this CopyCat Panera Broccoli Soup right at home.

    CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. YUM! Pair this yummy soup with a salad for lunch or dinner. Save $$'s and make your favorites at home!

    I love making this Broccoli Soup recipe as everything is fresh. I usually have to pick up some fresh broccoli and fresh carrots (which is usually when I spot a great sale). I usually have everything else on hand in the pantry and fridge.

    CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. YUM! Pair this yummy soup with a salad for lunch or dinner. Save $$'s and make your favorites at home!

    INGREDIENTS
    1/2 chopped Onion
    1/4 cup melted Butter
    1/4 cup Flour
    2 cup Half and Half
    2 cup Chicken Stock
    2 large bunches Broccoli
    2 Carrots
    1/4 tsp Nutmeg
    8 oz shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
    Salt and Pepper to taste

    CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. YUM! Pair this yummy soup with a salad for lunch or dinner. Save $$'s and make your favorites at home!

    DIRECTIONS
    Cut carrots into small strips.
    Break apart broccoli florets into small pieces.
    Saute Onion in 1 tbsp of melted butter until transparent.
    Make a roux using remainder of melted butter and flour. Cook about 5 minutes over medium heat.
    Add in half and half stirring constantly.
    Add in chicken stock and simmer for 20 minutes.
    Add vegetables and cook for 25 minutes over low heat.
    If you want a smooth soup, at this point puree in a blender and return to heat or use immersion blender.
    Add cheese and nutmeg.
    Add salt and pepper to taste.

    CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. YUM! Pair this yummy soup with a salad for lunch or dinner. Save $$'s and make your favorites at home!

    If you are looking to make a great soup and sandwich for lunch or dinner give this CopyCat Panera Broccoli Soup and the CopyCat Panera Tuna Salad Sandwich a try. You can have Panera Bread at home for a fraction of the cost.

    CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. YUM! Pair this yummy soup with a salad for lunch or dinner. Save $$'s and make your favorites at home!

    CopyCat Recipes are a great way to enjoy your favorite restaurant foods at home. The savings will really add up. Eating out can really break a bunch if done too frequently. Check out some of my other great CopyCat Recipes to help you with savings. I have made a great CopyCat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich, CopyCat Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade, CopyCat Starbucks Lemon Loaf, CopyCat Bonefill Grill Bang Bang Shrimp, CopyCat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits, CopyCat Wendy’s Chili,  CopyCat Red Robin Freckled Lemonade and the CopyCat Shamrock Shake.

    CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. YUM! Pair this yummy soup with a salad for lunch or dinner. Save $$'s and make your favorites at home!

    CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. YUM! Pair this yummy soup with a salad for lunch or dinner. Save $$'s and make your favorites at home!

    RECIPE
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    CopyCat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

    Author Jen CIncyshopper

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 chopped Onion
    • 1/4 cup melted Butter
    • 1/4 cup Flour
    • 2 cup Half and Half
    • 2 cup Chicken Stock
    • 2 large bunches Broccoli
    • 2 Carrots
    • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
    • 8 oz shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
    • Salt and Pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Cut carrots into small strips.
    • Break apart broccoli florets into small pieces.
    • Saute Onion in 1 tbsp of melted butter until transparent.
    • Make a roux using remainder of melted butter and flour. Cook about 5 minutes over medium heat.
    • Add in half and half stirring constantly.
    • Add in chicken stock and simmer for 20 minutes.
    • Add vegetables and cook for 25 minutes over low heat.
    • If you want a smooth soup, at this point puree in a blender and return to heat or use immersion blender.
    • Add cheese and nutmeg.
    • Add salt and pepper to taste.
    Have you made this recipe?Snap a pic and show us on Instagram or Facebook.Tag me @Cincyshopper or #cincyshopper.

    More Soup

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    563850 shares
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    Filed Under: CopyCat, Soup

    About Jen Cincyshopper

    Learn about me here.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Meg

      March 26, 2023 at 7:36 pm

      5 stars
      This soup was delish! I rarely alter recipes, but after reading the comments I made some.

      Definitely increased the liquids by another cup per ingredient- so the chicken broth and the half and half.

      I added some minced garlic to the onions.

      I only used (1) crown of broccoli vs. two. Just didn’t seem to have enough soup base to add in two heads. Even after adding more liquid.

      This was a fab recipe and a huge hit. Thanks for sharing! 🖤

      Reply
    2. Kathleen Truluck

      August 31, 2021 at 2:28 pm

      Can you freeze this soup??

      Reply
    3. Not that Karen

      February 04, 2021 at 3:44 pm

      5 stars
      Ten stars if I could! Better than Panera. This soup is amazing!!! It’s in my two week me u rotation in the winter. One thing I do though. I cook up a small amount of bacon, one or two slices, and sprinkle on top to make it a little extra.

      Reply
    4. Sue

      December 27, 2020 at 6:22 pm

      5 stars
      Very good. Will definitely make again but will double the recipe because can’t stop eating at one bowl. I did not add the nutmeg. I put a dash of garlic powder in instead!

      Reply
      • Rachel

        December 31, 2020 at 6:34 pm

        You gotta add the nutmeg next time, its makes this dish! I was skeptical at first and left it out then added it to my bowl and was amazed how much better it was 🙂

        Reply
    5. Gerry

      May 23, 2020 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this soup, it is the best broccoli soup ever, easy to make, the only thing I changed is instead of the nutmeg I added 1 tsp. Of garlic powder. If serving for more then 4 people I’d double the recipe.

      Reply
    6. michelle

      October 29, 2019 at 10:04 pm

      5 stars
      excellent. used homemade chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream and one cup 2% milk in place of half and half. Made this as an appetizer and seconds were requested by all! Will be making again.

      Reply
    7. Megan

      February 10, 2019 at 2:01 pm

      How many does it serve?

      Reply
    8. Hope Whaley

      January 29, 2019 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness! This soup rocks. Big fan of the Panera version and this is equal to it! I made a recipe and a half and we had plenty and enough for lunch the next day. Rich and delicious, perfect blend of flavors. I finally found my go to broccoli cheddar soup recipe. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    9. Vadette

      January 11, 2019 at 9:47 am

      5 stars
      I did not add the nutmeg and I chopped the broccoli very small and did not use as much as recipe called for . This is really close to Panera and we all liked it. It is even better the next day. I will make this again, but I will double the recipe. Thank you Jen for this recipe.

      Reply
      • Jen

        January 11, 2019 at 11:56 am

        So glad you found a variation you liked best Vadette! I am about to make a batch this weekend for when allt he cold and snow hit us here in Cincy. Have a great weekend.

        Reply
        • Brittany H

          June 19, 2020 at 4:14 pm

          5 stars
          Do you have a copycat Panera bread bowl recipe for us?? I want to make sure I get it to taste just like theirs! I didn’t know if I needed a sourdough dough or what dough to get and how to make it!! I live here in Northern Kentucky so I am not too far away from Cinci!! Much love to you and can’t wait to try this recipe out and I’ll make sure to let you know what we think!! ♡︎♥︎♡︎♥︎♡︎♥︎♡︎♥︎♡︎

          Reply
    10. Stephanie

      November 28, 2018 at 8:28 pm

      I made this today and it was way too thick and had no flavor except carrots. I couldn’t taste broccoli or cheese at all. And I followed the recipe exactly, no substitutions.

      Reply
    11. Annie

      October 13, 2018 at 5:02 pm

      5 stars
      Omg! I just made this today and it’s soooooooo good!!! Thank you!

      Reply
    12. MK

      August 20, 2018 at 1:01 pm

      4 stars
      This was quite a bit of work that yielded only about 4 servings. If you make this, do yourself a favor and go ahead and double it.

      Reply
    13. Nicole

      February 23, 2018 at 7:16 pm

      Did anyone else find that it was way too much broccoli for the amount Of liquid? It wasn’t really soupy. I had to add a lot more half and half and stock.

      Reply
    14. Amy

      February 22, 2018 at 1:55 pm

      This looks so good!! I live 4 hrs from the nearest Panera and I can’t wait to try making this at home :) I’d love to make it for my son’s birthday party in a few weeks and I was wondering if I could make it in the Crock-Pot and what steps I’d have to follow to get the same out come. Mmm!!!

      Reply
    15. Megan

      February 11, 2018 at 4:27 pm

      I’m so disappointed my husband followed the recipe exactly as it said and there wasn’t even enough for 3 whole servings.

      Reply
    16. Paula Shelley

      January 14, 2018 at 12:01 am

      How much soup does this make? Can I use frozen broccoli?

      Reply
    17. mary

      December 31, 2017 at 11:09 am

      if you are vegetarian can this be made with vegetable broth and also how do i get the bread bowls what type of bread do I get or can I get a recipe to bake my own.. thanks I love broccoli soup can’t wait to see if I can mke this

      Reply
    18. Renee Roberts

      September 20, 2017 at 5:34 pm

      My daughrer made this lasy night. It was delicious! I will be making this soon.

      Reply
    19. Iris

      March 21, 2017 at 5:01 pm

      Made this soup and it’s so yummy. I’ll be making it all the time. Thanks

      Reply
    20. Chris kozen

      January 16, 2017 at 9:25 pm

      Made this soup and added more chicken broth to liquify more. It was delicious will make again. Pan eras soup is my fav thanks for sharing

      Reply
    21. Kim

      January 07, 2017 at 1:09 pm

      I make this often but I use 1/2 broccoli and 1/2 cauliflower…love it! This soup freezes well too…for those busy evenings or weekends.

      Reply
    22. Eltalena

      January 03, 2017 at 9:52 pm

      How many servings do you get from this recipe?

      Reply
      • Megan

        February 11, 2018 at 4:29 pm

        We barely got 3.

        Reply
    23. Shaily

      January 02, 2017 at 9:16 pm

      How many people will this recipe feed? I’m making it for a potluck. Thanks!

      Reply
    24. Deb Dunn

      December 16, 2016 at 11:21 am

      This was delicious, my family ate it up! Thanks.

      Reply
    25. Linda

      December 14, 2016 at 3:27 pm

      How many people does this recipe feed?

      Reply
    26. Jen

      November 14, 2016 at 4:32 pm

      Really Great soup! I hate altering recipes, but when I had it all in the pot simmering it looked like it was perfect, but I needed to add volume to feed everyone so in a separate pot I made more base, 2 tbsp flour 2 tbsp butter and 1 cup each of broth and half and half and added another 4 ounces or so of cheese and just added to my soup and it came out great! Thanks for the recipe, I’ll def make it again this winter.

      Reply
    27. barbara

      November 12, 2016 at 3:12 am

      Omg! I don’t usually comment on recipes, but this was amazing! My son said”you nailed it!” I did not have nutmeg in the house so I omitted that. Soup really did taste like panera! Thanks!!!!!

      Reply
    28. Lydia

      November 02, 2016 at 4:26 pm

      How many people does this recipe feed!

      Reply
    29. Megan

      October 30, 2016 at 6:28 pm

      Easy to make. Simple ingrediants. And amazing flavor!! Now if I only had a bread bowl!!

      Reply
    30. Gina

      October 17, 2016 at 9:43 pm

      Came out amazing. … i doubled the recipe so i can have left overs. Made my own chicken broth. But followed exactly how to make it. Will make again….

      Reply
    31. Mariam

      October 07, 2016 at 11:10 am

      Where do you get that bread from? What is it called?

      Reply
    32. Andrea

      August 22, 2016 at 5:17 pm

      I’m alittle nervous about making this. I made one a handful of years ago and it turned out horrible. Few questions I have about this as I’m making it now. When simmering the half and half and broth I am getting a film on top that looks almost like scalded milk. Is that normal? Also at anytime should the soup be covered while simmering? Fingers crossed it turns out as good as it looks.

      Reply
    33. Chris moore

      July 16, 2016 at 2:18 pm

      What pots and pans do you use? Do you make the roux in the same frying pan you sautéed the onion or do you make it separate?

      Reply
      • Patti

        January 28, 2019 at 11:35 pm

        I made the roux in same pot that I sauté the onion, did exact amounts of butter and flour. Don’t know what happened, but after following the rest of the steps, the soup had an odd texture and actually had a bit of flour taste!. We were a bit disappointed !

        Reply
    34. Rachel Bartolomeo

      May 26, 2016 at 8:52 am

      I made this recipe yesterday and it was delicious! Now I have no reason to go to Panera lol

      Reply
    35. Rachel Bartolomeo

      May 25, 2016 at 4:29 pm

      I made this soup today and it is absolutely delicious! The only thing I did differently was omit the nutmeg (because I don’t have any). I used to go to Panera just for their broccoli cheese soup and now I have no reason to go. Thanks for a great recipe!

      Reply
    36. Cassie

      December 27, 2015 at 1:04 pm

      Can you puree the broccoli or do you recommend keeping the florets?

      Reply
    37. Michelle

      December 18, 2015 at 10:55 pm

      Did not like the added nutmeg, had an absolutely terrible after taste.

      Reply
    38. Emily

      October 21, 2015 at 7:52 pm

      Hi, this recipe is good with a few alterations. First, do not use all the broccoli because it will be all broccoli and a little soup. Second, add a little more chicken broth or half and half. Lastly add more cheese. Other than that it is very good.

      Reply
      • Crystal

        November 26, 2015 at 1:11 pm

        Did you make it in the crock pot?

        Reply
        • Emily

          December 21, 2015 at 9:54 pm

          Yes, but it wasn’t thick enough so I added some cornstarch but then it tasted like the cornstarch didn’t get mixed up.

          Reply
    39. Emily

      October 17, 2015 at 2:02 pm

      Can this be made in a crockpot?

      Reply
    40. Becky Teeters

      September 30, 2015 at 12:59 pm

      This soup is pretty delicious. I just made it last night. Personally, I would add more cheddar to it. That makes it taste more “spot on”. But that’s just me…I’m kinda cheesy like that. ?

      Reply
    41. Lauren

      February 28, 2015 at 3:59 pm

      Made this last night and I was nervous since i’ve heard making soup can be a challenge but i’m so happy it turned out delicious! The only thing i did different was i added 2 cloves of minced garlic to the onions when i sautéed them. For those asking how much it serves, it made about 4 big bowls worth for me! I already have plans to make it again this week, just have to buy some more cheese!

      Reply
    42. casey

      February 13, 2015 at 7:47 pm

      This was so on point!! It’s such a hit. My fiancé and I love it. Thank you!!

      Reply
    43. Lindsey

      January 20, 2015 at 7:29 pm

      Easy and delicious!

      Reply
    44. Donna Hight

      November 25, 2014 at 4:21 pm

      Can you freeze this soup after it is made? thanks! love it.. did you some 1/2 and 1/2 and some milk as I made a double batch and did not have enough 1/2 and 1/2… thanks! Donna

      Reply
    45. Caroline

      October 18, 2014 at 10:47 pm

      This recipe is amazing! Tastes just like Panera’s! Thanks!

      Reply
    46. Tracey

      October 13, 2014 at 9:41 am

      Can I use frozen chopped broccoli florets? If so, how much? Also, could this be made in the crockpot?

      Reply
      • Kellie

        December 15, 2018 at 6:07 pm

        4 stars
        I use frozen broccoli florets when I make mine. I cut the florets into smaller pieces so it cooks through. I use 2 small bags but it really depends on how chunky you want your soup. I also add crushed garlic to the onions and butter. 😊

        Reply
    47. Teri@The Freshman Cook

      October 11, 2014 at 11:14 pm

      So glad it is cooling down some outside, because this soup looks amazing, and I need to put it on our weekly menu! I would love if you would stop by and share this post at my blog party, Celebrate It! It’s all about celebrating the everyday things we do!
      http://thefreshmancook.blogspot.com/2014/10/celebrate-it-blog-party-12.html

      Hope to see you there!

      Reply
    48. jesse

      October 11, 2014 at 6:45 pm

      How much does this recipe feed?

      Reply
    49. Miz Helen

      October 10, 2014 at 2:10 pm

      This soup is so rich and delicious, I really need to make this one. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend!
      Hope to see you again real soon,
      Miz Helen

      Reply
    50. Colleen

      October 09, 2014 at 1:45 pm

      Would it work to use whole milk instead of half & half? That is what I have on hand. Wondering if it would significantly alter the consistency. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Colleen

        February 08, 2017 at 2:50 pm

        Whole milk will work fine, just use a little more butter

        Reply
    51. Allison

      October 08, 2014 at 1:10 pm

      Are you kidding me!? This looks amazing!!!! With the temps dropping I’m going to have to try this. I’ve seen some copy cat recipes but not with whole, real ingredients like yours! I’m excited to try it. I found you through the Works for Me Wednesdays link party. Glad I did! :)

      Reply
    52. chris

      October 07, 2014 at 11:05 am

      Half and half , in the dairy section, is half cream/half milk. The cream makes it thicker and creamer for the cream soup. Not low calorie, but makes it delicious!

      Reply
    53. Michelle @TheGraciousWife.com

      October 06, 2014 at 7:07 pm

      Mmmm! This is my absolute favorite at Panera! It LOOKS just like it! Pinning so I can try it! Thanks for sharing!
      -Michelle @TheGraciousWife.com

      Reply
    54. Hesther

      September 13, 2014 at 8:57 pm

      I just wanted to let you know how much my family enjoyed this recipe. We had it twice this week. My picky 3 year old can’t get enough!

      Reply
    55. Joyce Roach

      July 17, 2014 at 5:32 pm

      Your recipes are awesome. Please, please, do a copycat of Applebee’s cheese Queso. They don’t carry it anymore, and it’s a favorite!

      Reply
    56. carmel mc hale

      April 12, 2014 at 10:53 am

      what is half and half ??? this recipe sounds delicious but i never heard of this item

      Reply
      • Jessica

        September 26, 2014 at 8:59 am

        Half and half is like heavy cream. You will find it in th dairy section.

        Reply
      • kristina

        September 29, 2014 at 4:04 pm

        Half & half can be found in the milk section of your local grocery store. It is a type of creamer for coffee that doesn’t make it super sweet. We’ve used it for years. (: Hope this helps!

        Reply
      • natalie

        November 06, 2015 at 7:02 am

        If you’re living outside the US your local grocery store may not carry half and half. Half and half is 10-12% milk fat so when looking on the back of the cream variations in your store’s dairy section the equivalent will be something that has 10-12g of fat. If you go a little over with the amount of fat you shouldn’t have any problems, but if you go too far under the flavor and consistency may change.

        Reply
      • Nikki

        November 27, 2016 at 12:45 pm

        It’s like a thick milk. It’s right with all the coffee creamers. I cook with it a lot!!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm JEN! A lover of food and frugal living. A wife to a wonderful hubby, momma to 5 fun kiddos. Welcome to my blog. You will find REAL TASTY RECIPES. Be sure to subscribe to my email list and follow me on social media, to never miss a recipe.

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