Our Most-Saved Soup Recipe of All Time Has More Than 1,000 5-Star Reviews

Panera Bread has a devoted following of fans that love their menu. While I rarely find myself in a Panera, there are several menu items that stick out to me in memory and flavor—and their creamy Broccoli Cheddar soup is certainly one of them. 

It’s a cheesy, velvety recipe made with chicken stock, sweetened subtly with carrots and dotted with broccoli and onions. This fan-favorite soup is not only a top recipe at Panera Bread, but it’s our most-saved soup recipe of all time. 

That’s right. Our Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is one the Allrecipes community has saved more than any other soup recipe. This comfort meal has over 1,400 5-star reviews, which shows how true to the original this is and how delicious this soup turns out. See why the Allrecipes community comes back to this recipe again and again.

Why You Should Try This Copycat Soup

This recipe is pretty close to the real deal, according to countless reviewers. And while it’s technically based on a restaurant menu item, it’s not a difficult dish to make.

“When my kids were little, they were crazy for Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup. They would eat one bowl there and take another to have at home,” says reviewer Lou Rou. “Needless to say, this added up. I tried numerous versions but none were quite right. Until I made this recipe. Spot on!”

From start to finish, the recipe takes about 45 minutes, but much of that time is spent letting the soup simmer and thicken while whisking. Sharp Cheddar cheese is the key to getting the proper tangy, cheesy flavor—as is a nice, rich chicken stock. Fresh vegetables bring a mellow sweetness and milk fills out the recipe. 

While this recipe may not include as many aromatics as Panera Bread’s recipe, there is always room for your own seasonings. Garlic, a pinch of mustard powder, paprika, ground nutmeg, or cayenne pepper are all great additions. The only other thing you need is some fresh, crunchy bread.

How to Make This Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Cook diced onions in butter until soft, then set aside. In a separate saucepan, make a roux by whisking butter and flour together. Cook until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken stock. Let it simmer until thickened. Add the broccoli, carrots, celery, and cooked onions, simmering until the vegetables are tender. Finish by stirring in the cheese until melted, then season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

Tips and Tricks

1. Go big with a bread bowl. If there is one way to make soup a meal, it’s with a bread bowl. Making homemade bowls is an exciting way to shake up dinner, but a store-bought loaf is all you need if you’re looking for convenience. 
2. Grate the carrots. While this recipe calls for carrots in matchstick form, chopping all of those can be a mission. For a quick work around, grab your box grater and shred the carrots.
3. Blend the soup for a smooth finish. While unlike the texture of Panera’s soup, some reviewers use an immersion blend at the end to make a creamier dish. While some like the bite of broccoli, celery, and carrots, others prefer a smooth soup with all the ingredients blended as one. 
4. Use half and half instead of milk. For a thicker, creamier consistency, consider swapping out the milk for a heftier ingredient like half and half. The extra fat will bring a richer, bolder taste.

Praise From the Allrecipes Community

• “I think this is the best copycat recipe I’ve ever made!” says Allrecipes member Samantha. “Made it exactly like the recipe says, and it turned out delicious and tasted the exact same as Panera’s! I will be making this again real soon!”
• “This soup was so creamy and good,” says reviewer Sally Wilsey. “I love the addition of carrots. I would double batch it if I was making it again because my family wanted more.”
• “All the other recipes for this soup that I have made were either too garlicky or too much onion,” says reviewer Alison Dukic. “This one is perfect for what it should be.”

Get the recipe: Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup