This easy broccoli cheddar soup whips up in minutes and is the perfect way to get your Panera fix at home! Serve soup with lots of crusty bread for dipping.
We’re giving the beloved Panera favorite a serious run for its money today! Introducing my version of broccoli cheddar soup made impossibly easy in one pot in only 30 minutes.
And dare I say, even creamier and cheesier than Panera?? This stuff is the real deal and you’d better have ALL the bread on standby for dipping.
Similar to the Panera version, this broccoli cheddar soup includes tender chopped broccoli and shredded carrots in a thick and creamy cheddar soup base but this version has that unmistakable homemade taste that just can’t be beat.
Better have another bowl just to make sure.
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup features…
- A rich and creamy texture
- Lots of tender broccoli and carrots
- Melted cheddar cheese
- Ready in only 30 minutes with a handful of ingredients
Making the Broccoli Cheddar Soup
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- Unsalted butter
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Half and half cream
- Carrot
- Broccoli
- Nutmeg
- Cheddar cheese
Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Finely chop broccoli – this will make the soup easy to eat and cook up quickly.
- Puree part of soup – remove 1/2 cup of the soup and puree until smooth in a blender. This step makes the soup extra creamy and hearty.
- Add cheddar after simmering soup – adding the cheddar at the end of cooking will keep it from seizing up.
Recipe Variations
Try these ideas for a different twist on this soup.
- Add more veggies – try adding a handful of baby spinach, mushrooms, corn, or cauliflower.
- Make it meaty – add shredded chicken, turkey, browned sausage, or bacon bits.
- Use another cheese – replace the cheddar with pepper jack, colby jack, or a sharp cheddar.
Storing and Freezing Soup
This soup stores well in refrigerator up to 6 days. You can reheat individual servings 2-3 minutes in the microwave or heat larger quantities in a pot on the stovetop until soup registers 165F.
To freeze soup, allow to cool completely then transfer in a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 2 months. Allow soup to thaw in refrigerator, then reheat on stovetop or in microwave.
If you’ve always wanted to recreate this Panera classic at home, look no further than this simple recipe! It’s so similar to the real thing in flavor but also even better since we’re using real cheese and fresh ingredients.
Soup’s on!!
Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on with #wholeandheavenlyoven.
More easy soups to add to your soup menu!
Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 medium cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half cream
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 3 cups finely-chopped fresh broccoli
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 3-5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and flour and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Slowly drizzle in chicken broth, stirring constantly until evenly incorporated into flour. Add half and half, shredded carrot, broccoli, and pinch of nutmeg and bring soup to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer 8-10 minutes until broccoli is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Scoop out 1/2 cup soup and blend smooth in a standard blender or with an immersion blender until smooth. Add back to soup pot and fold in cheddar until melted. Season soup with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This post was updated with new recipe adjustments and photos on 10/1/25.
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
I hope you saved me a bowl because I am ready for soup!!! This looks amazing Sarah and I am adding it to my meal plan this week. By the way, I made your white chicken chili this past week for dinner and it turned out amazing!! Thanks for that.
Your new profile picture is absolutely adorable! I love it!! Have a great weekend. 🙂
Sarah says
I’m SO happy to hear that this white chili was a hit!
Oh, and thanks for noticing my new profile! Hope you’re having a good weekend, too! 🙂
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
Hooray for saved calories and MORE flavor!!!! Your version looks a billion times better than Panera’s! Plus…I used to work at Panera in High School and I just never got over how gross the soup looked in the plastic bags they ship and warm it in. Pinned!
Sarah says
That’s so cool that you worked at Paneras! I’ll bet you got all kinds of awesome freebies! 🙂 Thanks for pinning, friend!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
This soup looks incredible, Sarah!! I love Panera’s version, but this definitely looks like it rivals it. And by saving 100 calories a bowl?! Count me in! This looks like the perfect bowl of comfort food to me
Sarah says
Thanks so much Gayle! This version definitely blow Paneras outta the park! 🙂
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Mmmm I love Panera but your soup definitely looks a bazillion times better! I am always ready for soup and could go for a big bowl right now! Pinning!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Kelly! Hope you’re having a great weekend girl!
Momma Baker says
I love Panera, but I do agree there bowls are tiny and there prices are way too high for a bowl of soup.And fewer calories you say,count me in!Pinned!
Sarah says
It’s a total win-win for sure! 😉 Thanks for pinning!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong says
Sarah you always get this amazing dishes on the table.. oh how i love this soup.. love the flavours.. so beautiful.. 🙂
Sarah says
Aww thanks Arpita! You’re too sweet. 🙂
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
I love broccoli soup like this!! I’ve never had it at Panera, but it looks just like this soup I always order at a restaurant in Lake Geneva. I am definitely making this soon!!!
Sarah says
I hope you’ll LMK how this soup turns out, Liz!
P.S. Lake Geneva isn’t too far away from where I am in WI! 🙂
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
I love broccoli and cheese soup! It’s one of my favorites! This version looks delicious!
Sarah says
Thanks Kelly! It sounds like you would love this soup!
Danielle says
Hope you had a great time in Arkansas! This soup looks deeeliiiccccious! Josh is obsessed with Panera’s broccoli cheese soup, but this looks better 😉
Sarah says
We had a great time! Happy to be home though. 🙂 And you should totally make this soup for Josh! He’ll love you forever I guarantee. LOL. 😉
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Hope you are having a great time! That is a long time to be away from home. I’m spending my third night in a hotel room and can not wait to get home and see my dog!
This soup looks totally amazing. Love ordering soup at Panera, but this one looks so much better!
Sarah says
I heard about you and your sons college visits—Hope that’s going well for you guys!
And you would totally love this soup, girl! Blows Panera away. 😉
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
Oh yeah, yum! I love how chunky this soup is… sometimes broccoli-cheese soups are too runny. Chunks are the best! This looks so hearty and delish.
Sarah says
That’s so true—I can’t stand runny broccoli cheese soup. Thick and chunky is definitely the way to go! 😀 Thanks Jess!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
Sarah! A Panera just opened next to my work, and I’ve gotten broccoli cheese soup for lunch a few times a week ever since. I’m obsessed! I can’t wait to make it myself!
Sarah says
Ahh!! LUCKY. I would probably end up going there for lunch everyday! 😀 LMK if you make this soup, Natalie! 😉
Serena Fuson says
I don’t see the recipe… is there a link?