Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A Pot of Comfort

Hello, my dear. Come sit. Let’s talk about soup. This broccoli cheddar soup is a hug in a bowl. I truly believe that. It’s creamy and rich. It makes any day feel a little cozier.

My grandson once called it “green gold.” I still laugh at that. He would eat three bowls if I let him. That’s why this matters. Good food brings people together. It creates happy, silly memories around the table. What’s a food that feels like a hug to you? I’d love to know.

The Simple Start

We begin with butter, onion, and garlic. Melt the butter in your big pot. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s the best start to any good meal. Let them get soft and friendly.

Then comes the broccoli and carrot. Use fresh ones if you can. They just taste brighter. In go the broth and cream. The bay leaves are important. They add a little secret woodsy flavor. Fun fact: bay leaves are from the laurel tree. Ancient Romans made crowns from them!

The Magic of Thickening

Now, here’s my mini-anecdote. I once forgot the cornstarch. The soup was thin and sad. A little slurry fixes everything. Just mix cornstarch with water. Stir it in and watch the magic.

The soup turns silky and perfect. Then you take out the bay leaves. Finally, stir in all that cheddar cheese. It melts into a golden pool. This step matters. It teaches patience. Good things come to those who stir!

The Bread Bowl Question

Now, the fun part. Do you use a bread bowl? It’s a treat. You cut the top off a small loaf. Scoop out the soft inside. Be careful to leave a good shell.

Then you fill it right up with hot soup. The bread soaks up the cheesy goodness. It’s the best part to eat last. Are you a bread bowl person, or a regular bowl person? Tell me your style.

Make It Your Own

Soup is made for sharing. And for topping! I love a little extra cheese on top. A sprinkle of nutmeg is nice, too. It makes the flavor sing. My husband always adds bacon crumbles.

That’s the second reason this matters. You can make it just how you like. Cooking is about joy, not rules. What’s your favorite soup topping? Croutons? Crackers? Something else? Let’s swap ideas.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Butter, cubed	1/4 cup
Chopped onion	1/2 cup
Garlic cloves, minced	2
Fresh broccoli florets	4 cups (about 8 oz)
Large carrot, finely chopped	1
Chicken stock	3 cups
Half-and-half cream	2 cups
Bay leaves	2
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg	1/4 teaspoon
Pepper	1/4 teaspoon
Cornstarch	1/4 cup	For thickening
Water or additional chicken stock	1/4 cup	To mix with cornstarch
Shredded cheddar cheese	2-1/2 cups
Small round bread loaves	6 (about 8 oz each)	Optional, for serving
Optional toppings		Crumbled cooked bacon, additional cheese, nutmeg, pepper

My Cozy Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Hello, my dear! Come sit. Let’s make that famous broccoli cheddar soup. It’s a hug in a bowl. I love making it on chilly afternoons. The kitchen fills with the most wonderful smell. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

This is my version of the one from the bakery cafe. It’s creamy and full of good things. My grandson, Sam, asks for it every visit. He likes it in a bread bowl, of course! I still laugh at that. He always gets cheese on his nose.

Let’s get our pot ready. It’s very simple, I promise. Just follow these steps with me. We’ll have a steaming bowl ready before you know it.

• Step 1: Melt your butter in a big pot. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Let them sizzle until they are soft and friendly. This smell is the start of everything good. (A hard-learned tip: don’t let the garlic burn! It turns bitter fast.)
• Step 2: Now, toss in the broccoli and carrot. Pour in the chicken stock and cream. Don’t forget the bay leaves and spices. Bring it all to a gentle bubble. Then let it simmer until the veggies are tender. This is when the magic starts.
• Step 3: Time to thicken our soup. Mix cornstarch with a little water first. Stir this slurry into the pot. It will get nice and creamy. Take out the bay leaves—their job is done! Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar. What’s the secret to smooth cheese? Share below!
• Step 4: If you have bread bowls, now’s the fun part. Cut off the top like a little hat. Scoop out the soft middle carefully. Leave a sturdy wall for your soup. Fill it up right before you eat. No one likes a soggy bowl!
• Step 5: The final touch is yours. Add more cheese, some bacon bits, or a sprinkle of nutmeg. I love a little extra pepper on mine. It makes the flavor sing. Now, ladle it up and enjoy.

Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Lunch, Soup

Three Fun Twists to Try

This soup is like a favorite sweater. You can dress it up in new ways! Here are three ideas I love. They make it feel brand new again.

• The Veggie Swap: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken. It’s just as cozy. Perfect for my meatless Monday friends.
• The Little Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. It gives a warm, happy tingle. Sam says it’s “awesome.”
• The Autumn Version: Swap half the broccoli for cubed butternut squash. It adds a sweet, earthy flavor. Tastes like falling leaves.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

This soup is a full meal by itself. But a little friend on the side is nice. I suggest a simple green apple salad. Or just some crisp crackers for dipping. They add a lovely crunch.

For a drink, I think of two choices. A cold, fizzy apple cider is perfect. For the grown-ups, a glass of pale ale is nice. The bubbles cut through the rich cheese.

So, what will it be for you tonight? A classic bread bowl or a simple mug? A cider or something stronger? Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cozy Soup Cozy

Let’s talk about keeping your soup for later. First, let it cool completely. I leave mine on the counter for an hour. Then, it goes in the fridge for up to four days.

You can freeze it for three months. Use a freezer-safe container. Leave an inch of space at the top. The soup will expand as it freezes.

Reheat it gently on the stove. Use medium-low heat. Stir it often so the cheese stays smooth. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

I once reheated it too fast. The cream separated! Low and slow is the secret. Batch cooking saves busy weeknights. It means a warm meal is always ready. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Soup Troubles? Easy Fixes Right Here

Is your soup too thin? Make a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water. Stir it into the simmering soup. It will thicken right up.

Is the cheese clumping or grainy? Turn off the heat first. Then stir in the shredded cheese. High heat can make cheese oily. This gentle method keeps it creamy.

Are the veggies too crunchy or too soft? Cut them the same size. This helps them cook evenly. I remember when my broccoli was mushy but my carrots were hard. Same-size pieces fix that.

Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn how ingredients work. It also makes the flavor just right. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Soup Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! The soup itself has no flour. Just use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Check your chicken stock label too.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Make the soup fully, but don’t add the cheese. Cool and store it. Reheat, then stir in the cheese just before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have half-and-half? A: Use whole milk. For richer soup, add a tablespoon of butter. It will still be delicious and creamy.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You sure can. Use your biggest pot. Just keep all the cooking times the same.

Q: Are bread bowls necessary? A: Not at all! A regular bowl works perfectly. *Fun fact: The first “bread bowl” was likely a stale loaf used to hold stew.* Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this cozy soup. It always makes my kitchen smell wonderful. Making it yourself is so rewarding.

I would love to see your creation. Did you use a bread bowl? What toppings did you choose? Sharing food stories connects us all.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at @ChloesCozyKitchen. I look at every single photo. Thank you for cooking with me today.

Happy cooking!
—Chloe Hartwell.