For fans of creamy vegetable soups, Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup has become a staple offering since its introduction. This comforting dish combines the nutritional benefits of broccoli with the rich flavor of aged cheddar cheese in a velvety broth that appeals to both children and adults. Understanding the panera bread cheddar broccoli soup ingredients and nutritional profile helps customers make informed dining choices that align with their dietary preferences and health goals.
Key Ingredients and Preparation Method
Panera prepares their Cheddar Broccoli Soup using a carefully crafted recipe that emphasizes quality ingredients. The soup contains broccoli, water, cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), heavy cream, modified food starch, and natural flavors. Additional components include butter, salt, and spices that create the distinctive flavor profile customers recognize.
Unlike many restaurant chain soups that rely on powdered cheese sauces, Panera's version uses real cheddar cheese as the foundation. The broccoli is cut into small, uniform pieces that cook evenly in the broth. Each batch is prepared fresh in-house daily rather than being mass-produced in a factory and shipped frozen, contributing to its consistent quality and fresh taste.
Nutritional Profile and Dietary Considerations
When evaluating panera cheddar broccoli soup nutrition facts, customers should consider both the benefits and limitations of this menu item. The soup provides a good source of vitamin C and calcium from the broccoli and dairy components, but also contains significant amounts of saturated fat and sodium.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Cup (8 fl oz) | Per Bowl (15.25 fl oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 | 410 |
| Total Fat | 16g (20% DV) | 30g (38% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 10g (50% DV) | 19g (95% DV) |
| Cholesterol | 50mg (17% DV) | 95mg (32% DV) |
| Sodium | 890mg (39% DV) | 1690mg (73% DV) |
| Total Carbohydrates | 12g (4% DV) | 23g (8% DV) |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g (7% DV) | 4g (14% DV) |
| Protein | 9g | 17g |
For those monitoring their intake, understanding panera bread broccoli cheddar soup calories is essential when incorporating this item into a balanced diet. The soup contains dairy products, making it unsuitable for vegan diets, and contains gluten from the modified food starch, so it's not appropriate for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.
How Panera's Version Compares to Homemade Alternatives
Many home cooks seek panera broccoli cheddar soup recipe copycat versions to recreate the flavor at home. While exact replication is challenging without Panera's commercial equipment and ingredient specifications, the key differences between restaurant and homemade versions include:
- Commercial production allows for consistent texture and flavor batch-to-batch
- Homemade versions can reduce sodium content by 30-40% while maintaining flavor
- Using sharp white cheddar instead of yellow creates a more authentic restaurant-style appearance
- Blending part of the soup creates the signature creamy texture without excessive cream
- Adding a small amount of Dijon mustard enhances the cheese flavor without being detectable
Those exploring how to make panera style broccoli cheddar soup should focus on using high-quality cheese and properly cooking the broccoli to avoid bitterness. The restaurant version achieves its distinctive texture through precise temperature control during cheese incorporation, which prevents separation.
Serving Recommendations and Menu Pairings
Panera typically serves their Cheddar Broccoli Soup in two sizes: cup (8 fl oz) and bowl (15.25 fl oz). The soup pairs exceptionally well with several menu items:
- Half-order of Panera's Fuji Apple Salad for a balanced meal
- Classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting combination
- Seasonal kale caesar salad for a lighter pairing option
- Whole grain baguette for dipping and added fiber
For those with specific dietary needs, understanding is panera cheddar broccoli soup gluten free is important. While the standard version contains gluten, Panera offers several gluten-conscious menu alternatives, though none currently replicate this specific soup without modification.
Customer Reception and Seasonal Availability
Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup maintains consistent popularity year-round, unlike many seasonal menu items. Customer reviews frequently highlight the soup's rich cheese flavor and the generous amount of broccoli pieces. The soup remains available throughout all seasons, though Panera occasionally introduces limited-time variations with additional ingredients like bacon or roasted vegetables.
During colder months, sales of this soup typically increase by approximately 25% compared to summer months, reflecting its status as a comfort food choice. The soup's popularity has remained stable over the past five years, indicating consistent customer satisfaction with the recipe and quality.
Does Panera Bread's Cheddar Broccoli Soup contain artificial ingredients?
No, Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. The soup is made with real cheddar cheese, broccoli, and natural seasonings prepared fresh daily in each bakery-cafe location.
Is Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup gluten-free?
No, Panera's standard Cheddar Broccoli Soup is not gluten-free as it contains modified food starch derived from wheat. Customers with gluten sensitivities should consult Panera's current allergen guide for updated information on gluten-conscious menu alternatives.
How many calories are in Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup?
A cup (8 fl oz) serving contains 220 calories, while a bowl (15.25 fl oz) contains 410 calories. The majority of calories come from the cheese and cream components that create the soup's signature creamy texture.
Can I get Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup vegan?
No, Panera does not currently offer a vegan version of their Cheddar Broccoli Soup as it contains dairy products including cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Some customers create plant-based alternatives at home using nutritional yeast and cashew cream to mimic the flavor profile.
How does Panera prepare their Cheddar Broccoli Soup fresh daily?
Panera prepares each batch of Cheddar Broccoli Soup in-house daily using fresh broccoli and real cheddar cheese. The soup is made from scratch rather than being shipped frozen, allowing for consistent quality and flavor. Staff follow specific preparation protocols to maintain the soup's signature texture and taste.
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