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A gorgeous, rich and cheesy broccoli cheddar soup, perfect for feeding the family, and your soul! Enjoy this delicious, rich and flavorful version of a classic.
Soup – glorious soup!! I love the soup they have at Panera Bread (Paradise Bakery in some places), and almost always opt for a big bowl of this when they have it. This soup is warming and really hits the spot on a cold winter day. I’ve been known to order this in summer, too.
After eating this at every opportunity in restaurants – making it at home was always going to happen – but it was a tall order. Could I really replicate it and love it as much as the original? Um. Yes.
The Husband, thankfully, is one of those people that agrees with me that soup can be an entire meal (if you have enough of it) and happily ate a big serving of this. He said “this is likely the best soup you’ve ever made, it’s a great recipe! Now… I make a LOT of soup, so hearing that made me sure that this version is a winner.
ABOUT THE CHEESE: DO take the extra step to grate your own. Pre-grated has additives that make this soup gritty and you really want it to be smooth and silky. You just DO.
It is absolutely delicious and ready in under 20 minutes. I hope you enjoy this delicious, rich and flavorful version of an old favorite!
Ingredients:
The full list of ingredients and quantities is found in the printable recipe card below.
How to make this recipe:
The full list of ingredients and quantities is found in the printable recipe card below.
Very simple! In a large pot or dutch oven, saute onions and garlic in melted butter, and add some flour. Let it cook a little, and add the half & half and chicken stock (vegetable stock or chicken broth may, of course, be used).
Simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened, then add the fresh broccoli.
Continue to simmer until the broccoli is tender, but still bright green, then remove half (or all) of the soup and puree in a blender, or use an immersion blender to get the consistency you want.
SAFETY TIP: if you are using a blender, please hang onto the lid! Heat/steam causes the soup to be a little volatile (aka explode-), so be careful!
Kylee’s Notes & FAQs
You may like to add shredded carrots at the same time as the broccoli if you are going for a full copycat of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
Want to use homemade chicken stock? Check out my recipe for how to make chicken stock!
What to serve with Broccoli Cheddar Soup? Crusty bread is always a good bet! How about this Oatmeal Bread? These Red Lobster Biscuits are also a HUGE favorite in my house!
Can you freeze this? You absolutely CAN, but because it is dairy-based, some separation may occur. Ensure it is totally cooled before packaging up. Fill a container til about a 1/2 inch from the top. Seal, and freeze. Devour within 2 months.
How long will this soup last? Because it is freshly prepared and does not contain preservatives, the soup is best eaten with 3 days. Be sure to store in the refrigerator, and heat until piping hot!
OTHER SOUPS YOU SIMPLY MUST TRY:
- Butternut Squash Soup (with apple) – my all-time favorite soup, it’s healthy AND low-fat!
- Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup – hearty and warming with just the right amount of spice, blended with cheese, topped off with jalapenos, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips.
- Thick & Creamy New England Clam Chowder – an old classic, but a good one! It has bacon, so I mean…
- Best Ever Corn Chowder – quite a lofty title, but it’s true. It really is the best!
- ALL SOUP RECIPES:
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Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Tbs butter
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 cup butter (melted) not a typo – you need 2 amounts of butter
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 4 cups half & half
- 4 cups chicken stock or vegetable (to be vegetarian)
- 1 lb broccoli stems included
- Salt and pepper
- 12 oz cheddar cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the butter until melted, then cook the onions until softened.
- Add the garlic, and cook 30 seconds more, then remove onions/garlic and set aside.
- Add the second amount of butter to the saucepan, melt, then blend the flour in with a whisk.
- Whisk in the half & half, then add the chicken stock.
- Simmer (do not boil) until thickened.
- Add the broccoli, cooked onions/garlic, and simmer over low heat until the broccoli is tender, but still bright green.
- Season to taste.
- Remove from heat and puree all or half (if you like it chunky) in a blender.
- Return to heat, and stir in the cheddar.
- Serve, with extra cheese on the top.
- Then, get a second bowl after you ate the first.
nutrition facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
Recipes written and produced on Kylee Cooks are for informational purposes only. Kylee is not a certified nutritionist. Nutritional data provided on Kylee Cooks has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration.
Update: This was originally posted in December of 2015, and has been updated to improve reader experience.
Framed Recipes says
Sounds delicious Kylee. – Sreelatha
Priya Shiva says
delicious and comforting soup! Perfect for the coming winter…
Molly Kumar says
There's nothig like a homemade broccoli cheddar soup in wnters n this looks scrumptious.
Jacqui Debono says
I love cheese and soup, so this could not be more perfect! This will be the first soup of fall!
Kelly Anthony says
Broccoli cheddar soup brings back so many childhood memories of spending time at my grandparents. My grandmother would always have a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup waiting for me when I came to visit. I can’t wait to make this recipe for my kiddos this fall.
Jess says
Oh this looks so good! You can’t go wrong with broccoli and cheese combos especially when they look this good!
Heather says
Oh I love broccoli cheddar soup! And thanks for the tip on shredding your own cheese. And definitely adding shredded carrots!
Gina Hoskins says
I have been looking for a quick and easy broccoli cheddar soup! This brings me back to my childhood! Thank you so much cannot wait to try it! Thank you for the tip about the cheese!
GUNJAN C Dudani says
My 10 month old is crazy for Broccoli cheddar soup. Its a regular for us when make a trip to Panera bread. But now, with the help of your recipe I can give her homemade soup.
Sophie says
I love broccoli cheddar so much and your recipe looks divine. Thank you for sharing.
shobee says
I haven’t tried Broccoli Soup until I came here in the USA,so this soup is still very new to me, and do not really make it. Seeing how easy it is to make, I am so inclined to try it now.
Tammy says
Looks so hearty and comforting and so easy to whip up too! I love broccoli and cheddar..haven’t had it in too long. That’s about to change! 😀
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
Only 20 minutes to make this soup? I am sold! I am bookmarking to make this later!!
Amanda Mason says
What an AMAZING recipe! My daughter loves this soup so much and when she tasted it she was like you are going to have to make this for me all the time! LOL! Delicious!
Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life says
We’re finally starting to get cooler weather and I am SO here for all the comfort soups, like this broccoli cheddar. Can’t wait to give this a try!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy says
Now that comfort season is just around the corner, soup will be a staple in the kitchen. Nothing beats homemade soup on a chilly day. Love the fact it can be made in minutes…with little effort.
Chef Dennis says
Hmm yum! This soup recipe looks really delicious This made me want to just sit down, relax, and enjoy the comforting taste of this soup.