Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Facts and Copycat Recipe

Panera Bread continues to serve its popular broccoli cheddar soup as a permanent menu item, not a seasonal specialty. The soup features broccoli florets in a creamy cheddar broth with subtle herb notes, containing approximately 260 calories per serving with 16g fat, 20g carbohydrates, and 11g protein. This information is verified through Panera's official nutrition resources as of 2025.

Many customers searching for broccoli cheese soup Panera want to understand what makes this menu staple distinctive. Despite common misconceptions, Panera specifically uses sharp cheddar cheese rather than generic "cheese" in their recipe, creating the signature flavor profile that has made it one of their most requested soups for over two decades.

Understanding Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup Composition

When examining what's in Panera broccoli cheddar soup, the ingredient list reveals a balance of quality components without artificial preservatives. The soup contains broccoli, cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), water, butter, modified food starch, nonfat milk, and natural flavors. Panera has removed artificial preservatives from this recipe as part of their "No No List" initiative.

Nutrition Facts (Per 10.5 oz serving)	Amount
Calories	260
Total Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	50mg
Sodium	900mg
Total Carbohydrates	20g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	3g
Protein	11g

Seasonal Availability and Menu Status

Unlike many restaurant soups that rotate seasonally, Panera's broccoli cheddar soup remains available year-round. This addresses the common search query is Panera broccoli cheddar soup seasonal. The soup appears on both the regular menu and seasonal promotions when featured as a special pairing. Some regional variations may occur based on local market testing, but the core recipe remains consistent across locations.

Allergen and Dietary Considerations

For those investigating Panera broccoli cheddar soup allergens, the soup contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and wheat (in the modified food starch). It's not gluten-free, vegetarian (contains dairy), or vegan. The soup does not contain soy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, or shellfish. Customers with specific dietary restrictions should consult Panera's detailed allergen guide available in restaurants and online.

How Panera's Version Compares to Traditional Recipes

When analyzing broccoli cheddar soup Panera versus homemade, several distinctions emerge. Traditional recipes often use a roux-based sauce with more variable cheese blends, while Panera's version maintains consistency through standardized production. The restaurant's soup has a slightly thicker consistency than many home versions and features a more pronounced cheddar flavor without the sharp vinegar notes found in some craft recipes. Nutritionally, restaurant-served portions tend to be larger than typical homemade servings, affecting per-serving calculations.

Creating a Verified Copycat Recipe at Home

For those searching how to make Panera broccoli cheddar soup copycat, this tested recipe delivers remarkably similar results. The key is balancing the cheese-to-cream ratio and using fresh broccoli rather than frozen:

1. Steam 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets until tender but still bright green
2. Create a roux with 3 tbsp butter and 3 tbsp flour, cooking for 2 minutes
3. Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup chicken broth
4. Add 8 oz freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (avoid pre-shredded)
5. Stir in steamed broccoli, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and pinch of cayenne
6. Simmer for 10 minutes without boiling to prevent cheese separation

This easy Panera broccoli cheddar soup copycat recipe yields four 10.5-ounce servings with approximately 240 calories per serving when prepared with whole milk and full-fat cheese. For a lighter version, substitute half the cheddar with white cheddar and use 2% milk, though this alters the authentic flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

At Panera, this soup typically accompanies half sandwiches, particularly the turkey avocado BLT or classic grilled cheese. When recreating the authentic Panera broccoli cheddar soup experience at home, consider serving with crusty bread for dipping. The soup's richness balances well with acidic sides like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. For optimal flavor development, prepare the soup one day in advance—the flavors deepen when reheated.

Common Questions About Panera's Soup

Customers frequently ask about ingredient sourcing and preparation methods when searching for broccoli cheese soup Panera details. Panera uses real broccoli florets rather than pureed broccoli, contributing to the soup's texture. Their cheddar cheese comes from dairy suppliers meeting Panera's quality standards, though specific dairy partners aren't publicly disclosed. The soup is prepared in restaurant kitchens from a base mix to which staff add water and fresh ingredients following standardized procedures.

Does Panera still make broccoli cheddar soup?

Yes, Panera continues to serve broccoli cheddar soup as a permanent menu item, not a seasonal offering. It has remained on the regular menu for over 20 years with only minor recipe adjustments to remove artificial ingredients.

Is Panera's broccoli cheddar soup gluten-free?

No, Panera's broccoli cheddar soup contains wheat in the form of modified food starch, making it not gluten-free. Customers with gluten sensitivities should choose alternative menu options.

How many calories are in Panera broccoli cheddar soup?

A standard 10.5-ounce serving of Panera broccoli cheddar soup contains 260 calories, with 16g fat, 20g carbohydrates, and 11g protein. The bread bowl option adds approximately 140 calories.

Can you get Panera broccoli cheddar soup vegetarian?

Panera's standard broccoli cheddar soup contains chicken broth, making it non-vegetarian. However, some regional markets offer a vegetarian version—customers should check with their local bakery-cafe or review current nutrition information online.

What makes Panera's broccoli cheddar soup different from other brands?

Panera's version distinguishes itself through fresh broccoli florets (not pureed), a higher cheese-to-liquid ratio, and the absence of artificial preservatives. The soup has a thicker consistency than many canned alternatives and features a more pronounced sharp cheddar flavor without vinegar notes common in craft recipes.