Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup (Panera-style) is a rich, creamy, and comforting soup loaded with tender broccoli, carrots, and a velvety cheddar cheese base. This cozy restaurant-inspired recipe is perfect for cold days, family dinners, or when you\u2019re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ingredients<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4 tablespoons butter<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 small onion, diced<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2 cloves garlic, minced<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00bc cup all-purpose flour<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 cup carrots, shredded or finely chopped<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00bd teaspoon salt<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00bd teaspoon black pepper<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00bc teaspoon paprika (optional)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Optional: \u00bd cup heavy cream for extra richness<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instructions<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stir in flour and cook for 1\u20132 minutes to form a roux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Slowly whisk in milk and broth until smooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Add broccoli and carrots and simmer for 10\u201315 minutes until tender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Serve warm with bread or in a bread bowl if desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notes<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t boil after adding cheese to prevent graininess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soup thickens as it cools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blend part of the soup for a thicker, creamier texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Add extra cheese for a richer flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Serve in a sourdough bread bowl for restaurant style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Servings<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 servings<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nutritional Info (Approx. Per Serving)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Calories: 380<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Protein: 16g<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carbohydrates: 18g<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fat: 28g<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fiber: 3g<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefits<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rich in calcium and protein<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Comforting and filling meal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Great for cold weather<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Family-friendly recipe<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Homemade version of a restaurant favorite<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q&A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I use frozen broccoli?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, just thaw slightly before cooking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do I make it thicker?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Add more cheese or blend part of the soup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I make it gluten-free?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How long does it last?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Store in the fridge for up to 3\u20134 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I freeze broccoli cheese soup?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, but texture may slightly change after thawing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup (Panera-style) is a rich, creamy, and comforting soup loaded with tender broccoli, carrots, and a velvety…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2923,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2922","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food"],"yoast_head":"\n