For soup enthusiasts and home cooks alike, Panera Bread's broccoli cheddar offering represents a benchmark in restaurant-style comfort food. Understanding what makes this soup distinctive helps both fans and culinary experimenters appreciate its composition and potential adaptations.
Official Ingredients Analysis
Based on Panera's published ingredient information, their broccoli cheddar soup contains:
| Primary Ingredients | Supporting Ingredients | Seasonings |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Whole milk | Salt |
| Cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes) | Water | White pepper |
| Onions | Chicken stock | Nutmeg |
| Carrots | Heavy cream | Paprika |
| Celery | Butter | Garlic powder |
The presence of chicken stock distinguishes Panera's version from many vegetarian broccoli cheddar recipes and explains why it doesn't qualify as vegetarian-friendly. The cheese blend combines sharp and mild cheddar varieties to create that signature flavor profile without overwhelming saltiness.
Nutritional Profile Breakdown
Understanding the nutritional content helps consumers make informed choices about incorporating this popular soup into their diet. The standard serving size at Panera is 16 ounces (a full bowl), though some locations offer a smaller 8-ounce cup option.
| Nutrient | Per 16oz Bowl | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 380 | - |
| Total Fat | 24g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 1,290mg | 56% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g | 14% |
| Sugars | 5g | - |
| Protein | 17g | - |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual values may vary.
The sodium content represents the most significant nutritional consideration for regular consumers. The soup derives most of its fat content from the dairy components rather than added oils, which affects both flavor and texture. The 4 grams of dietary fiber comes primarily from the broccoli and vegetable content.
Dietary Considerations
Many customers inquire about dietary accommodations for Panera's broccoli cheddar soup. Here's what you should know:
Vegetarian Status
Despite containing no meat pieces, Panera's broccoli cheddar soup is not vegetarian because it includes chicken stock in the ingredient list. This detail often surprises customers who assume the creamy base comes only from dairy products.
Gluten Information
The soup contains a small amount of wheat flour as part of the roux that thickens the base. While Panera lists it as containing gluten, the concentration is relatively low compared to many other menu items. Those with severe gluten sensitivity should exercise caution.
Allergen Information
Panera's broccoli cheddar soup contains multiple common allergens:
- Dairy (milk, cheese, butter, cream)
- Gluten (wheat flour)
- Potential cross-contamination with soy and eggs from shared kitchen equipment
Vegan Adaptation Possibility
Creating a vegan version requires substantial modifications since dairy forms the soup's foundation. Successful vegan adaptations typically use cashew cream or coconut milk as base, nutritional yeast for cheese flavor, and vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
Copycat Recipe for Home Preparation
Recreating Panera's signature broccoli cheddar soup at home requires attention to ingredient ratios and cooking technique. This well-tested recipe captures the essence of the original while allowing for customization.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup diced onions
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in butter until softened (about 5-7 minutes)
- Add flour to create a roux, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring constantly
- Gradually whisk in milk and broth, ensuring no lumps form
- Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until slightly thickened
- Add broccoli and simmer until tender (about 10 minutes)
- Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheeses, stirring until melted
- Stir in cream and seasonings, heating through without boiling
- For smoother texture, blend half the soup then return to pot
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot
Key technique: Adding cheese off direct heat prevents separation. The two-cheese blend (sharp and mild cheddar) creates depth without excessive saltiness. For authentic Panera-style texture, leave some broccoli pieces visible rather than blending everything smooth.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Panera typically serves their broccoli cheddar soup with a side of artisan bread or in a sourdough bread bowl during seasonal promotions. At home, consider these serving options:
- Classic presentation with crusty bread for dipping
- In a hollowed sourdough boule for a bread bowl experience
- With a side salad for a complete meal
- Garnished with extra shredded cheese and broccoli florets
Popular variations include:
- Lighter version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce cheese by 25%
- Extra cheesy: Add ½ cup American cheese for enhanced meltability
- Smoky flavor: Include 2 strips cooked, crumbled bacon
- Gluten-free adaptation: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening
Many home cooks seeking an accurate panera bread broccoli cheddar soup recipe copycat find that the cheese quality significantly impacts the final result. Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties prevents the anti-caking agents in commercial shredded cheese from affecting texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panera broccoli cheddar soup vegetarian?
No, Panera's broccoli cheddar soup is not vegetarian because it contains chicken stock as part of its base. Many customers mistakenly believe it's vegetarian due to the absence of visible meat pieces, but the chicken stock makes it unsuitable for vegetarian diets.
Does Panera broccoli cheddar soup contain gluten?
Yes, Panera's broccoli cheddar soup contains a small amount of wheat flour as part of the roux that thickens the soup. While the gluten content is relatively low compared to other menu items, it's not considered gluten-free and may affect those with severe gluten sensitivity.
How can I make a copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup at home?
To make a copycat version, sauté onions, carrots and celery, create a roux with butter and flour, then gradually add milk and broth. Add broccoli and simmer until tender, then slowly incorporate a blend of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses off direct heat. Finish with cream and seasonings. Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties yields the best texture for your panera broccoli cheddar soup copycat recipe.
What is the sodium content in Panera's broccoli cheddar soup?
A standard 16-ounce bowl of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup contains approximately 1,290mg of sodium, which represents about 56% of the recommended daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet. This high sodium content primarily comes from the cheese and broth components.
Can I make a vegan version of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup?
Yes, you can create a vegan adaptation by substituting vegetable broth for chicken stock, using cashew cream or coconut milk instead of dairy cream, and replacing cheese with nutritional yeast and vegan cheese alternatives. The texture and flavor profile will differ from the original but can still provide a satisfying broccoli cheddar soup experience for vegan diets.
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