Join the club! Subscribe Here

  • About
  • Collaborate
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Fresh Cooky new logo.

The Fresh Cooky

Real Food with a Healthy Twist

  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • By Course
      • Apps & Snacks
      • Breads
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Salads & Dressings
      • Sandwiches
      • Sauces & Condiments
      • Side Dishes
      • Soups & Stews
      • Sweets
    • By Cuisine
      • Asian
      • German
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
    • By Diet
      • Egg-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Low Carb
      • Vegetarian
    • By Meal Type
      • 30 Minute Meals
      • Breakfast
      • Brunch
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Easy Weeknight
      • Freezer Friendly
      • Kid-Friendly
      • Make Ahead
      • Copycat
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Crockpot
      • Grilled
      • Instant Pot
      • One Pot
      • Sheet Pan
      • Stovetop
  • Holidays
    • Patriotic Recipes
  • Most Popular
  • For Subscribers
Recipes โ€บ Courses โ€บ Soups & Stews
26 Comments

Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Panera Copycat)

Kathleen

by Kathleen Pope Feb 24, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Long pin for Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup with top image of spoon holding thick, rich broccoli cheese soup and bottom image of bowl of soup looking from top down.
Pin for HOmemade Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup with cup of creamy cheesy soup.

This Broccoli Cheddar Soup has been saved over 15,000 times—and it’s ready in about 30 minutes! Fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese come together in a creamy, perfectly balanced broth that’s both easy and quick to make. This all-natural, healthier recipe can be adapted to gluten-free and vegetarian diets with simple swaps. Love Panera’s version? This homemade soup might just become your new favorite!

Vera gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ : “I love this soup!”

Bowl of broccoli cheese soup with a spoon grabbing a bite, with a chunk of broccoli, carrots, cheese and creamy soup.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure & privacy policy.

Originally published in 2019, this recipe now includes updated directions and tips for an even better cooking experience.

I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!

Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

I’m all in for a great soup any day, but when it’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup? Count me in! This has been a family favorite for years—I’ve made it hundreds of times, and it’s the one our youngest requests over and over again. Now that he’s off to college, I’ve even taught him how to make it himself! This Broccoli Cheese Soup is the perfect blend of comfort, real ingredients, and it’s healthier than you’d think—no unpronounceable ingredients here!

Soup has always been a big thing in our house. My family, all soup lovers from an early age, practically grew up on favorites like Zuppa Toscana and creamy Chicken Poblano. And this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is no exception! It’s flavorful, incredibly easy to make, and satisfies those cozy cravings every time.

Here’s why this Broccoli Cheddar Soup is such a winner:

  1. Simple and Comforting – Quick to make, with all the cozy, familiar flavors we love.
  2. Made with Real Ingredients – Fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and no fillers, just wholesome goodness.
  3. Panera-Inspired – If you’re a fan of Panera’s version, this homemade take might just become your go-to, with all the flavor and none of the extras.

Perfect for any soup lover, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup will surely become a favorite in your family, too!

Top down image of large bright green bowl filled with creamy broccoli cheese copycat Panera soup.

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Butter or Oil: Used to caramelize the onions and make a roux to thicken the soup.
  • Onion: A simple flavor booster! Caramelize it for more flavor!
  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour; both work great!
  • Half-and-half: whole milk can also be used, which gives it that beautiful creaminess!
  • Chicken stock: If you can make vegetarian broccoli cheese soup, then use a good veggie broth.
  • Fresh Broccoli: I used organic fresh broccoli; you can use frozen broccoli as well, but it will have a slightly different texture.
  • Carrots: These help give the soup that beautiful orange-tinted color, naturally.
  • Nutmeg: Fresh grated (or bottled) nutmeg brings out the flavor of the cheese!
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Use the real stuff. Shred it off the block, as packaged shredded cheese use anti-caking agents to preserve, which can interfere with smooth melting. Use white or orange cheddar, your choice.
Bright green bowl filled with creamy broccoli cheese panera soup with spoon and sprigs of parsley laying around.

I hope you try this—it’s way better than any version using condensed soups or Velveeta. There is no fake cheese here! I wanted a soup where you can taste the sharp cheddar, not just see an orange tint. The color comes from the fresh carrots instead! And honestly, it couldn’t be easier to make.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Cook Onions

In a medium-sized soup pot, heat a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Toss in onions, browning or caramelizing them, stirring occasionally.

chopped white onion in a saucepan.

What’s a Roux and how do you make it?

A roux (pronounced “roo”) is a mixture of fat and flour used as a thickening base in soups, sauces, and stews. It’s a classic technique in French cooking, giving dishes like Broccoli Cheddar Soup rich, creamy texture.

To make a roux, melt equal parts butter (or oil) and flour in a pan over medium heat, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and the flour loses its raw taste. For a light roux, cook briefly; for a deeper flavor, cook longer until it reaches a golden or brown color. Then, slowly whisk in your liquid to create a smooth, creamy base.

Step 2: Make Roux

Melt ยผ cup of butter in the pot used to brown your onions. Then add all-purpose flour (or sub with Gluten Free All-Purpose flour) and whisk or stir it until it thickens and turns a golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Slowly pour in half and half, whisking while you do, until the roux and fully incorporated with the cream, creating a nice, thick creamy base.

Next add your chicken stock or veggie broth. Whisking to combine.

whisking flour into butter mixture to make a roux for broccoli cheese soup
pouring in half and half into roux mixture with whisk sitting in a medium pot.
Pouring chicken stock into sauce pan filled with thickened roux and whisk sitting on side

Step 3: Make Soup

Increase the heat to bring the soup to a simmer, watching closely to prevent it from boiling over. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Meanwhile, chop the broccoli and grate or use pre-shredded carrots. Add broccoli, carrots, and caramelized onions to the pot.

Once the veggies are tender, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or remove 1-2 cups to blend in a blender, then return it to the pot for a creamier texture. Adjust for your preferred level of chunkiness.

Shredded carrots in saucepan on top of thickened soup base.

Fresh Tips

  • *Pre-shredded carrots from the grocery store are a bit thicker than home shredded, so be prepared to simmer your soup a bit longer, making sure your carrots are tender before blending. 
Immersion blender in 2 cup liquid measure blending some of the soup until smooth.

Step 4: Make it Cheesy

Next, add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, sea salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Taste before adding salt, it might be salty enough.

Finally, add nutmeg. Why? Its subtle nuttiness blends beautifully with the cheese and milk, enhancing all of the soup’s flavors. Fresh grated is best, but ground is fine, too!

adding a ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the broccoli cheese soup.

Storage Tips

Fridge: Cool the soup fully before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a splash of broth, milk or cream for the best consistency.

Freezing: Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly, stirring to restore creaminess.

A large soup cup filled to the bring, with blended broccoli cheese soup, garnished with some fresh parsley.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Gluten-Free Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Replace regular all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour in the roux, and be sure to use freshly grated cheese, as pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents with gluten that may impact the soup’s texture. Some gluten-free flours thicken differently, so adjust the amount slightly if needed.
  • Vegetarian Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly. For added depth, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or nutritional yeast to bring in that savory umami flavor often found in meat-based broths.
  • Dairy-Free & Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Use a quality dairy-free shredded cheddar or add nutritional yeast for a “cheesy” flavor. Swap milk or cream with coconut milk, almond milk, or a neutral dairy-free milk, or try a dairy-free cream for added thickness. Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use vegetable broth for a vegan base.
  • Low-Carb Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Skip the roux altogether and thicken the soup by blending some of the cooked broccoli and carrots. For a richer consistency, add a bit of cream cheese, or swap milk with heavy cream, which is lower in carbs and adds a silky texture.
  • Extra Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Add more cheddar, and for extra richness, try a bit of cream cheese or a handful of Gruyère. Substitute some of the milk with heavy cream for a luxurious texture, or blend more of the soup for an ultra-smooth consistency.
  • Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Extra Veggies: Add even more nutrients by including cauliflower, celery, or zucchini, all of which pair beautifully with broccoli and cheddar. Finely chop or roast these veggies first to bring out more flavor before adding them to the soup.
  • Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup FAQs

Can I make this Broccoli Cheddar Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain its creaminess. If needed, add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Can I freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the soup to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Typically though, cream soups texture will change slightly when reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat on the stovetop, stirring well and adding a splash of half and half to restore creaminess.

What’s the best cheese to use for Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

A sharp cheddar works best, as it provides a rich, tangy flavor that complements the broccoli. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.

What Can I Serve with Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

  • A hunk of crusty bread, you might try a delicious French or Italian Bread, Focaccia or this Irish Soda Bread or easy Copycat Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
  • Or, if you are feeling really adventurous, make these AH-Mazing Oatmeal Dinner Rolls, Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread, and Easy Beer Bread. 
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a bowl, with a salad and biscuit.

Our Favorite Panera Copycat Recipes

Orange Scones

Pickled Red Onions

Green Goddess Salad Dressing

More Great Soup Recipes:

  • Easy Ham, Mac & Cheese Soup | A great use for leftover ham
  • Beer Cheese Soup | creamy, delicious, no fake cheese here either!
  • Italian Wedding Soup | a traditional chicken noodle soup, slightly varied Italian style!
  • Best Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup | Heals what ails ya!
  • Bacon Beef Minestrone | another winner, this is a clean-out-the-fridge soup!
  • Creamy Cauliflower Soup | is so good!

More Popular Recipes from The Fresh Cooky

  • Zuppa Toscana
  • Sourdough Pancakes
  • Shish Kabob
  • Crumbl Cookie Recipe
  • Pink Lemonade Vodka
  • Pretzel Bites Recipe

Like this recipe?

Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!

Recipe Card
Top down image of large bright green bowl filled with creamy broccoli cheese copycat Panera soup.

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

5 from 8 readers
Author: Kathleen Pope
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Print Pin SaveSaved!
Delicious, better-than-Panera Broccoli Cheese soup. Fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, rich in a flavorful beautifully balanced, cream soup base, finished with sharp cheddar cheese. Easily convert to gluten-free and/or vegetarian.

Video

Equipment

  • Simply Calphalon Nonstick 4-Quart Saucepan
  • Mueller 500 Watt 9-Speed Immersion 
  • OXO SteeL 9-Inch Better Wire Whisk

Ingredients 
US Customary – Metric

  • ยผ cup butter + 1 tablespoon butter
  • ยฝ medium onion chopped
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour or swap out All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour
  • 2 cups half-and-half whole milk can also be used
  • 2-4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • ยฝ pound broccoli about 3 cups chopped into bite size pieces, fresh is best
  • 1 cup carrot grated/shredded (about 1–2 large carrots)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt to taste, watch this, taste before adding salt, cheese can be salty]
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg fresh ground or jarred
  • black pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar grated, white or yellow cheese (about 2 cups)
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, saute onion in 1 tablespoon of butter until caramelized (browned), remove from pot and reserve. About 5-7 minutes.
  • Place remaining ยผ cup of butter in the same saucepan, melt completely, whisk in flour, whisking constantly over medium heat until thickened and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Slowly, while whisking pour in half-and-half, will thicken up very quickly, keep adding until combined.
  • Add chicken broth (start with 4 cups) and whisk well to combine, bring to simmer (it’ll take 3-5 minutes, watch closely, it will rise up quickly). Add broccoli, carrots and reserved caramelized onions, cover, simmering about 15-20 minutes until tender. If too thick, add more broth, up to 2 cups.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove 1-2 cups of the chunky mixture and blend in blender or lightly blend directly in the pot using an immersion blender. Return to soup pot and stir to combine. This will yield a smoother, creamier soup, but it’s not necessary. Return to low heat and adding shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted.
Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.

Notes

This recipe easily doubles and can be kept warm in a crockpot!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 530kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 620mg | Potassium: 511mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 7203IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 575mg | Iron: 1mg
Top down image of large bright green bowl filled with creamy broccoli cheese copycat Panera soup.
Did you make my Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe?Show it off! Share on Instagram, tag @thefreshcooky, and use the hashtag #thefreshcooky!
Tag on Insta Leave a Rating

Share This!

15.2K shares
  • Share
  • Flipboard
  • Email
  • SMS

Hello, Sunshine!

My 2025 Summer Recipe Round-up

FREE EMAIL BONUS: 5 days of summerโ€™s greatest hits

Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, Iโ€™m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

Read More

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Have a question, comment, or suggestions about this recipe? If you had any trouble, I would love a chance to help you troubleshoot before you rate. Constructive criticism is welcome, but please be respectful. Rude or inappropriate comments will not be approved. Your email address will not be published.

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Penney

    Thu, May 1, 2025 at 6:54 am

    5 stars
    We loved this soup! Itโ€™s definitely a keeper! I shared with one of our adult daughters who also thought it was delicious. Thank you for your โ€œreal-lifeโ€ recipes made with ingredients I usually have on hand. I also enjoy the little bits of inspiration you add at the end of your posts.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Thu, May 1, 2025 at 8:19 am

      Awe Penney, thank you for making my day! So happy you enjoyed this soup — it’s one of my personal favorites too! May God bless you today and always!

      Reply
  2. Jamie

    Wed, Jan 1, 2025 at 1:53 pm

    Mine came out too thin. What can I do?

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Wed, Jan 1, 2025 at 2:15 pm

      Did you mix it up a bit with a blender? That will thicken it, it shouldn’t taste badly. If you want it really thick, make a roux in a separate pan. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and then whisk in 2 tablespoons flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes, then whisk mixture into the soup. Let me know how that works!

      Reply
  3. Vera

    Thu, May 14, 2020 at 10:26 pm

    5 stars
    I love this soup!

    Reply
  4. Lynn Spencer

    Thu, Mar 5, 2020 at 7:18 am

    It is a rainy day here on the East Coast and this sounds soooo good! May have to make a run to the grocery store.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Thu, Mar 5, 2020 at 10:48 am

      The perfect meal for a rainy day!

      Reply
  5. Marlene

    Wed, Mar 4, 2020 at 2:27 am

    5 stars
    I made this soup without the carrots and used gluten free flour. It was so delicious and thick and creamy. I will definitely make this again.

    Reply
  6. jen

    Thu, Oct 24, 2019 at 11:24 am

    Excellent recipe! Everyone in my family couldn’t get enough! I added some cooked rice to mine. I didn’t blend. Such great flavor. I will definitely make this again. I give this recipe a 10+! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Thu, Oct 24, 2019 at 3:05 pm

      Awe, Jen, thank you! Love the idea of adding cooked rice, fills up tummies even more! THank you for sharing!

      Reply
  7. Megan

    Fri, Sep 20, 2019 at 4:29 pm

    I made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious! I blended half of it and used 4 cups of stock. My husband insists on having meat with all dinners so I added rotisserie chicken to it at the end. Again, it was soooo good! My husband loved it.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Fri, Sep 20, 2019 at 7:16 pm

      Oh I love that you added chicken to it!! So glad you enjoyed it Megan, thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  8. Anonymous

    Sun, Jun 23, 2019 at 2:44 pm

    5 stars

    Reply
  9. Anonymous

    Mon, Jun 17, 2019 at 11:19 pm

    5 stars

    Reply
  10. Anonymous

    Mon, Jun 17, 2019 at 11:19 pm

    5 stars

    Reply
  11. Anonymous

    Thu, May 16, 2019 at 5:48 am

    5 stars

    Reply
  12. Kristen Chen

    Sun, Apr 14, 2019 at 11:53 pm

    I made this today for my parents who are visiting from CA and who eat at Panera often. THEY LOVED IT! My mom, who is a great cook, agreed that it is WAY better than Panera’s version. They were dipping french bread into it and devouring it. My kids loved it too! Thank you, Kathleen!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Mon, Apr 15, 2019 at 5:37 am

      Yay!!! Thanks Kristen! You just made my Monday!

      Reply
  13. Anonymous

    Wed, Apr 3, 2019 at 2:05 pm

    5 stars

    Reply
  14. Debby

    Sun, Mar 31, 2019 at 10:10 am

    This looks so good! I’m bookmarking this page to try the recipe sometime soon.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Sun, Mar 31, 2019 at 7:14 pm

      YAY! I’m excited to hear what you think, when you do make it! Thanks Debby!

      Reply
  15. Lana Eckel

    Thu, Mar 14, 2019 at 9:08 pm

    Made this on Sunday. LOVED it. Itโ€™s so nice. So creamy. Just perfect. We will make this again and again. Itโ€™s our new fave

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Fri, Mar 15, 2019 at 6:38 am

      Iโ€™m so tickled to hear this Lana!! Enjoy your new fave!

      Reply
  16. Lisa

    Sat, Jan 26, 2019 at 9:21 am

    Delicious!!! Did not need to blend it cause it appeared thick enough for us. Great recipe thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Mon, Jan 28, 2019 at 8:29 am

      Hi Lisa, that is wonderful to hear! Yes, blending is certainly a matter of preference!! So glad you enjoyed the soup!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Hey there! I'm Kathleen Pope, a proud wife, mom of two awesome college boys, and recipe nerd. Welcome to my world of easy recipes with a healthy twist! Join thousands who trust The Fresh Cooky as their go-to recipe source. Let's cook up some magic!

Read More

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Hello, Sunshine!

My 2025 Summer Recipe Round-up

FREE EMAIL BONUS: 5 days of summerโ€™s greatest hits

Trending Now

  • Crumbl cookie with milk chocolate chips.Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Best shaved steak recipes, round up picture with Philly cheesesteak, steak bomb, steak fajitas and stuffed peppers.39 Best Shaved Steak Recipes (Easy Steak Meals)
  • Square image of whole easy key lime pie with dollops of whipped cream and decorated with wedges of key limes.Award Winning Recipe for Key Lime Pie
  • Easy and Quick Pizza Dough Recipe with dough on floured surface square.Easy No Rise Pizza Dough Recipe
  • Philly cheese steak sandwich on a tray with french fries surrounding it.Best Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
  • Fresh peach bundt cake on pedestal with drips of glaze.Best Peach Cobbler Pound Cake Recipe
The Fresh Cooky
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Subscribe Now

by Course

  • Appetizers & Snacks
  • Breads
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Salads & Dressings
  • Sauces & Condiments
  • Side Dishes
  • Sweets

Holidays

  • Thanksgiving
  • Holiday Appetizers
  • Holiday Breakfast
  • Holiday Drinks
  • Holiday Main Dish
  • Holiday Side Dish
  • Holiday Sweets
  • Game Day Recipes

By Cuisine

  • Asian
  • German
  • Italian
  • Mexican

By Diet

  • Gluten-Free
  • Low Carb
  • Vegetarian

By Meal Type

  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Easy Weeknight Meals
  • Freezer Meals
  • Kid-Friendly
  • Make Ahead

By Method

  • Air Fryer
  • Crockpot
  • Grilled
  • Instant Pot
  • One Pot
  • Sheet Pan
  • Stovetop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • Subscribe

Copyright © 2025 ยท The Fresh Cooky ยท Privacy & Disclosure Policy

15.2K shares
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • Email

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe.

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required