Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate cozy soup recipe! Filled with tender chunks of broccoli in a rich and cheesy broth, this easy recipe delivers the flavor of Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup in under 30 minutes!
Looking for more Copycat Panera Recipes? Don't miss Copycat Panera Greek Salad, Instant Pot Egg Bites, Roasted Turkey and Apple Sandwich, and Puff Pastry Quiche Cups.
![Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Broccoli Cheddar Soup in white bowl next to fresh broccoli florets](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Broccoli-Soup-1024x576.jpg)
Better Than Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is famous for good reason. It is rich, creamy, and loaded with perfectly cooked broccoli and cheese--lots of cheese!
My recipe for Broccoli Cheddar Soup allows you to enjoy the same velvety, cheesy broccoli soup at home in under 30 minutes. Did I mention it comes together at a fraction of the cost and with significantly less fat and calories than Panera's famous soup? Now we are really talking!
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Sauté Onion in Butter. Sauteing a minced yellow onion in butter until translucent helps to build rich, buttery, slightly caramelized notes in the soup.
- Add Flour. Whisking flour into the melted butter and onion until a thick paste forms (a roux), will help to thicken up the broccoli soup. Be sure to let the flour mixture cook for 1 minute, as this give the roux a nutty flavor.
- Slowly Whisk in Broth. Using either vegetable broth or chicken stock (if you don't need this soup to be vegetarian), whisk in small amounts until smooth broth is formed.
- Season Well. Adding a pinch of grated nutmeg will add warmth to the soup and seasoned salt will round out the flavors in the soup.
- Simmer Broccoli Until Tender. Once the broth is formed, stir in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots, cover, and let simmer until the broccoli is tender.
- Add Milk and Cheese. Once the broccoli is tender, whisk in the evaporated milk and cheese, until the cheese is melted.
![Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup Collage of four photos showing stock pan with sauteed onions, roux, broth with broccoli and carrots, and broth with cheese.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Panera-Copycat-Broccoli-Cheese-Soup.jpg)
Tip for the Creamiest Results
Be sure to freshly grate the cheese yourself for this soup instead of using pre-grated bagged shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in an anti-caking agent, which will prevent it from melting evenly into the soup.
Recipe Modifications
- Gluten-Free Broccoli Cheese Soup: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 Gluten-Free flour blend and check to ensure your broth is gluten-free as well.
- No Seasoned Salt? Feel free to replace the seasoned salt with kosher salt.
- Use Frozen Broccoli Florets: Steam the broccoli according to the package directions and stir into the soup RIGHT before serving.
- Make it Richer: Evaporated skim milk is a great low-fat swap for heavy cream or half and half, as the evaporated milk has been condensed, giving it a rich flavor without the fat. That said, if you would rather use whole milk or half and half, go for it!
- Have an Instant Pot? Make Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Allow leftover Broccoli Cheddar Soup to cool slightly. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this soup, as the milk can separate when thawed.
- Reheat: It is best to reheat broccoli cheese soup in a small or medium saucepan over medium-low heat until warm rather than heating the soup in the microwave. Gently heating the soup will prevent the broth from separating and allow you to retain the same creamy consistency as when first prepared.
More Vegetarian Soup Recipes
- Potato Corn Chowder
- Instant Pot Tomato Soup
- Easy Potato Soup
- Instant Pot Vegetable Soup
- Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Instant Pot Lentil Soup
If you tried this recipe for Broccoli Cheddar Soup, I would love for you to leave a review and comment below.
![Bowl of Broccoli Cheddar soup in white bowl with nutmeg in background.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Broccoli-Cheddar-Soup-Recipe-360x360.jpg)
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ medium onion finely minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken stock
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets chopped
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated whole nutmeg optional
- 12 ounces evaporated skim milk or half and half
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Over medium-high heat, melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed soup pot. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion begins to soften and become translucent.
- Once the onion has softened, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onions and butter and whisk together to form a thick paste or a roux. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the flour to toast lightly.
- Slowly add the 3 cups of broth, ½ cup at a time, whisking well to incorporate. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking often. Once lightly boiling, add in 1 cup shredded carrots, 3 cups broccoli florets, ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and let cook for about 10 minutes, or until broccoli is cooked through.
- Once the broccoli is tender, remove the lid, and whisk in 1 cup of cheddar, ¼ cup parmesan, and 12 ounces evaporated milk. Allow the soup to cook over low heat for an additional 2-5 minutes, to let the cheese melt, stirring constantly.
- Remove the soup from the heat, taste, and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Broccoli Cheddar Soup was originally published in 2018 but has been updated with new photos and video.
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