The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup — 🥦🧀🤤 Make the best soup of your life at home in 1 hour! It’s creamy, CHEESY, and loaded with tender pieces of broccoli! Beyond words amazing and WAY better than Panera!
Table of Contents
This is the best broccoli cheese soup. Not only that, it’s some of the best soup I’ve ever tasted, period.
If you like Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup, this blows the pants off it.
It’s an easy soup to make and is ready in 1 hour. It’s absolutely perfect comfort food and I couldn’t stop eating it. I ate it for lunch and dinner for a couple straight days until it was gone. I loved this soup beyond words.
I kept the soup vegetarian by using low-sodium vegetable stock rather than chicken stock, and lightened it up by using fat-free half-and-half. But you’d think that it was made with heavy cream based on how thick, rich, and truly decadent it tastes.
Broccoli Cheese Soup Ingredients
For this better-than-Panera copycat cheesy broccoli soup recipe, you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- All-purpose flour
- Vegetable broth or stock
- Half and half
- Broccoli florets
- Carrots
- Spices
- Extra sharp cheddar cheese
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup
This is a very easy cheese and broccoli soup recipe, but there are a few fast-moving stages. Read the recipe before you start making the soup so you know what’s coming up next.
- In a small saucepan, add a little butter, the diced onion, and sauté until the onion is translucent and barely browned. Add the garlic, cook, then remove from heat.
- In a large heavy-bottom pot, add the remaining butter, flour, and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until flour is thickened.
- Slowly add the vegetable stock, whisking constantly, then the half and half. Let simmer over low heat until it has reduced and thickened some.
- Add the broccoli, carrots, spices, and the onion and garlic you previously set aside.
- Allow soup to simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes.
- While soup simmers, grate the cheese. After simmering about 20 to 25 minutes, add most of the cheese, reserving a small amount for garnishing bowls.
Tip for Softening the Vegetables
If you prefer very soft broccoli and carrots, you can either steam them before you add them to the pot and/or make sure the broccoli florets are quite small and the carrots are cut into very thin pieces.
I’ve never found pre-steaming necessary because the soup continues to simmer for 20-25 minutes after adding the broccoli and carrots, which is ample time for me personally for them to soften to my liking. However, in case you prefer very soft vegetables, steaming and/or paying closer attention to their size is an option.
Soup FAQs
Use a high-quality cheddar cheese that you grate yourself. Don’t use the cheapest cheese you can find because the flavor just isn’t there. I prefer extra-sharp, although sharp may be used. Pre-grated cheese in ziptop bags is resistant to melting and won’t incorporate well.
You could try, but it will be mushy. I hate mushy vegetables so I personally never would use frozen broccoli in this soup being that the broccoli is the star of the show.
I love broccoli and used plenty because I prefer big chunks of broccoli in every bite but you can use less. I also used some stalks to make use of the entire head and not waste any, but you can use florets only if preferred. Even people who ‘don’t like broccoli’ should love broccoli when it’s bathed in a creamy, cheesy broth.
There are a few optional spices like smoked paprika, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper. They’re not mandatory if you don’t keep them on hand, but they do add extra depth of flavor, albeit subtle. The cayenne doesn’t make the soup hot in the least, it makes it not taste boring.
Storage and Reheating
To store: Soup will keep in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days in the fridge. I don’t recommend freezing the soup because I feel like the cheese and half-and-half will not do well upon thawing and soup could break, but I haven’t actually tried freezing it.
To reheat: Reheat gently in the microwave for 30-second intervals. I find the soup is less likely to ‘break’ or separate when reheated in the microwave rather than on the stovetop, but do what you think is best.
Recipe Video Tutorial
Pin This Recipe
Enjoy AverieCooks.com Without Ads! 🆕
Go Ad Free
The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup (Better-Than-Panera Copycat)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon + 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 small or medium sweet yellow onion, diced small
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced finely
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable stock, chicken stock may be substituted
- 2 cups half-and-half, *
- 2 to 3 cups broccoli florets, diced into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup broccoli stems, diced into bite-size pieces (optional)**
- 2 large carrots, trimmed, peeled, and sliced into very thin rounds, about 1/16th-inch
- ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika , (or regular paprika) optional and to taste
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder, optional and to taste
- pinch cayenne pepper, optional and to taste (doesn’t make soup spicy and serves to enhance flavor)
- 8 ounces grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese, with a small amount reserved for garnishing***
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add 1 tablespoon butter, the diced onion, and sauté over medium heat until the onion is translucent and barely browned, about 4 minutes. Stir intermittently.
- Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Remove from heat and set pan aside.
- In a large heavy-bottom pot (I use this Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 6-3/4-Quart Oval French (Dutch) Oven) add 4 tablespoons butter, flour, and cook over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, whisking constantly, until flour is thickened. You are making a roux and it’s very important the mixture is thick or soup will never thicken properly later.
- Slowly add the vegetable stock, whisking constantly.
- Slowly add the half-and-half, whisking constantly.
- Allow mixture to simmer over low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened some. Whisk intermittently to re-incorporate the ‘skin’ that inevitably forms, this is normal.
- While mixture is simmering, chop the broccoli and carrots. After simmering 15 to 20 minutes, add the broccoli, carrots, and the onion and garlic you previously set aside.
- Add the salt, pepper, optional paprika, optional dry mustard powder, and optional cayenne. If you don’t have these seasonings on hand, it’s okay, but they do add subtle depth of flavor. Stir to combine.
- Allow soup to simmer over low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened some. Whisk intermittently to re-incorporate the ‘skin’ that inevitably forms, this is normal.
- While soup simmers, grate the cheese. After simmering about 20 to 25 minutes, add most of the cheese, reserving a small amount for garnishing bowls. Stir in the cheese until melted and incorporated fully, less than 1 minute.
- Transfer soup to bowls, garnish with reserved cheese, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
©averiecooks.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
More Creamy Soup Recipes:
30-Minute Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup — Why have regular chicken noodle soup when you can have CREAMY instead? Pure comfort food at its finest! Ready in 30 minutes, an instant family favorite, and PERFECT for chilly weather!!
Beer Cheese Soup — The BEST recipe for decadent beer cheese soup that’s loaded with flavor, including two different types of cheeses! A comfort food family favorite soup that’s perfect for chilly weather.
Jalapeno Popper Soup — If you like jalapeno poppers, you’re going to LOVE this EASY soup that’s ready in 30 minutes! Hearty, comforting, loaded with bacon, potatoes, and jalapeno in a creamy, cheesy, rich broth!
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Biscuits — All the comfort food feels of pot pie, but in soup form! Rich, hearty, creamy and ready in just 30 minutes!
Loaded Baked Potato Soup — In this loaded baked potato soup, potatoes are baked until tender before being simmered with garlic, milk, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions.
Loaded Cheesy Chicken Chowder — Potatoes, chicken, carrots, corn and more!! Thick, creamy, rich, and wonderfully cheesy!! Fast and easy comfort food that everyone loves!!
Seriously so good. The only thing I might do different is add the broccoli and carrots a little earlier. Also, wanted to add that it reheats well on the stove top!
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad that it turned out so well for you and yes you can add them a little bit earlier if you like them softer, it’s totally personal preference. And I’m glad that you were able to reheat it well on the stove!
This soup was delicious! I had an abundance of broccoli and was looking to use it before it spoiled. I paired with some homemade artesian bread for dipping. Kept saying “this is so good” after every bite! Thank you for the recipe!
If you’re looking for a good broccoli soup recipe, THIS IS IT!
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad that you were able to put your abundance of broccoli to use, and for letting others know that this is it if someone is looking for a great broccoli cheese soup recipe!
This is THE best soup I’ve ever made! It’s really boss better than Panera.
That is great to hear – both better than Panera’s and the best soup you’ve ever made!
This is absolutely fantastic! I screwed up and forgot a garlic bulb so I subbed a 1/2 tablespoon of Better than Bullion Roasted Garlic Base to my onions and I used all the suggested spices. I only had baby carrots so they got the chop instead. I’m definitely making this again. It was very easy and so good. <3
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad you were able to think on your feet and use what you had and that it was easy and you will make it again!
Omg this was SO good. I added some bell pepper and extra cheese on top. Delicious!
I’m glad that you loved it! Extra cheese on top is always the way to go.
I made this recipe today as written. I did have to add a little more flour to thicken up the roux was the only change I had to make as the 1/4 cup of AP flour was not quite enough. It was delicious! My husband was not sure about it but he went back for seconds! It is a keeper! I’ve never had Panera broccoli cheese soup but I don’t think Panera’s could be any better.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad it was delicious and that your husband had seconds!
You don’t even need to try the original one, this recipe is better by a long shot :)
Made exactly to the recipe. I agree best copycat I have tried for this soup.
Thanks for the 5 star review and that is wonderful to hear it’s the best copycat you’ve tried for this soup!
This was really rich and creamy and delicious although next time I’ll use less pepper and/ or cayenne.. But will definitely be making it again.. Thank you
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was delicious and creamy and yes of course, scale back the seasonings to your taste next time.
Delicious! Made this with whole
Milk and beef broth, but amazing. The whole family loved it!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad that the whole family loved it!
This is one of my husband’s favorite soups. I made this last night and I was skeptical when making it but it looked and tasted absolutely amazing. We sponged every last drop of the soup with some french bread. Didn’t need to wash our bowls afterwards… Just kidding, we washed them… After a second serving. 😁 Great easy to follow recipe.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad you loved this and happily had second servings :)
I thought I loved Panera Bread’s Broccoli and Cheddar soup. Then I wanted to make it at home, and found your recipe. Oh my goodness. I’m not sure I can ever eat the “real” thing again. Thank you!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad you found my version too! And honestly you can never go back – homemade is SO much better than the “real” version! You’ve been ruined now LOL
Creamy, cheesy, tasty, easy and absolutely delicious! My husband kept asking for more and kept coming up with creative ways to use this same recipe. I think he just wants me to make it often. How about making it with cauliflower? How about a clam chowder variation? Or potato soup? He doesn’t usually do this. That’s how much he liked it! BTW, what is the calorie count? Couldn’t find it anywhere. Thank you for this amazing recipe!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this has been on repeat in different flavor variations! I am working on updating all my recipes to show nutrition stats so you can check back soon to view those. Til then hope you keep making the soup!
My wife and I just finished making the Broccoli and Cheese Soup….wow it was the perfect recipe. Going with the smoked paprika was the way to go for sure, as well as the extra sharp cheddar. This recipe knocked the pants off any other broccoli cheese I have had, and that is a go to for me for lunch. Thank you!!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad it was perfect for you both and knocked the pants off any other broccoli cheese soup you’ve tried!
Amazing. Even with a “Cajun” twist.
Translation: My stove is an a**hole and decided to go nuclear and burned slightly on the bottom. Soup is still tasty.
I literally laughed out loud with the Cajun twist and why/how that came to be. My h.s. boyfriend 30 years ago used to say “go nuclear” about things and so this gave me lots of chuckles. Thanks for the comment and trying the soup!
I just finished making this soup!
Not going to lie…. I’ve never taken the time to bother making ANY soups.
Your Broccoli and cheese soup recipe has been my first!
All instructions are simple to follow…
One word comes to mind in describing the taste after it was ready……
SPECTACULAR !!!!!
I was sceptical about the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika, but followed your directions completely.
My husband and I had it for lunch and just can’t WAIT to have it again!!!!
Thank you so very much for your website and amazing recipes. 💖
Thanks for the 5 star review I am so glad this was spectacular and that you guys can’t wait to have it again!
Yum!!
Delicioso. Outstanding recipe. Thanks for sharing this Broccoli Cheese Soup, this one is so amazing.