Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Facts & Recipe Insights

Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream, and a roux-based thickener. A standard serving (16 oz) has approximately 370 calories, 26g fat, and 1,190mg sodium. The soup is vegetarian but not gluten-free due to wheat flour in the roux, and not vegan because it contains dairy products.

For years, Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar Soup has remained one of the most requested menu items across their bakery-cafe locations. This creamy, comforting soup strikes a perfect balance between tender broccoli florets and sharp cheddar flavor that keeps customers returning. Understanding what makes this soup special requires examining its composition, flavor profile, and how it compares to traditional versions of this classic comfort food.

What Defines Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Panera's version distinguishes itself through texture and ingredient balance. Unlike many restaurant versions that can be either too thin or overly thick, Panera achieves a consistent medium body that coats the spoon without being heavy. The broccoli pieces remain distinct yet tender, while the cheddar provides noticeable flavor without overwhelming the vegetable component.

The soup's signature orange hue comes from natural annatto coloring in the cheddar cheese rather than artificial dyes. This attention to ingredient quality aligns with Panera's 'No No List' of artificial preservatives and additives, though the soup does contain modified food starch and natural flavors as part of its formulation.

Ingredient Analysis and Nutritional Profile

Based on Panera's published nutrition information, here's a detailed breakdown of their Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

Nutrient	Per 16 oz Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	370	19%
Total Fat	26g	34%
Saturated Fat	15g	75%
Cholesterol	80mg	27%
Sodium	1,190mg	52%
Total Carbohydrates	21g	8%
Dietary Fiber	3g	11%
Sugars	4g	n/a
Protein	13g	n/a

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual values may vary.

The soup contains milk, wheat, and soy, making it unsuitable for those with allergies to these ingredients. While Panera has removed artificial preservatives from many menu items, this soup still contains natural flavors and modified food starch as part of its formulation to maintain consistency and shelf life.

Taste Profile and Texture Characteristics

Professional food tasters note that Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup achieves a delicate balance between the earthy bitterness of broccoli and the sharp tang of aged cheddar. The soup maintains small, distinct broccoli florets rather than a completely pureed texture, providing both visual appeal and textural contrast.

The cream base creates a smooth mouthfeel without being overly rich, while the cheese provides flavor without creating an oily separation—a common problem in poorly made cheddar soups. The seasoning includes subtle notes of garlic and onion that enhance rather than dominate the primary ingredients.

How Panera's Version Compares to Traditional Recipes

Traditional broccoli cheddar soup recipes typically feature a roux (butter and flour mixture) as the thickening agent, which Panera uses in their formulation. However, many home recipes substitute cornstarch or potato for thickening, resulting in different textures.

What sets Panera's version apart from many restaurant competitors is their consistent broccoli-to-cheese ratio. Some establishments overemphasize the cheese component, creating an overly heavy dish, while others under-season the broccoli, resulting in a bland vegetable soup with minimal cheese flavor.

When comparing Panera's offering to other national chains, their soup generally contains less sodium than competitors like The Cheesecake Factory but slightly more fat than some lighter versions found at establishments like Sweetgreen.

Creating a Homemade Version: A Tested Approach

While Panera keeps their exact recipe proprietary, food scientists and culinary experts have developed close approximations through careful analysis. The following method produces a soup with similar texture and flavor profile to Panera's version:

1. Steam 4 cups of broccoli florets until tender but still bright green
2. Create a roux with 3 tablespoons butter and 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3. Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
4. Add 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
5. Season with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and white pepper to taste
6. Fold in the steamed broccoli florets
7. Simmer gently for 10 minutes without boiling (to prevent cheese separation)

This panera broccoli cheddar soup copycat recipe achieves the proper balance of ingredients while maintaining the signature texture. For those seeking a lower-sodium version of panera bread broccoli cheddar soup, reducing the added salt and using low-sodium broth can help, though it won't perfectly match the restaurant version's flavor profile.

Dietary Considerations and Modifications

For those with dietary restrictions, understanding what's in panera's broccoli cheddar soup is essential. The soup contains dairy and wheat, making it unsuitable for vegan or gluten-free diets without modification.

Several adaptations can address common dietary needs:

• Gluten-free option: Substitute the wheat flour in the roux with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend
• Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk and vegan cheddar cheese alternatives (though flavor will differ significantly)
• Lower-calorie adaptation: Replace half the milk with additional broth and use reduced-fat cheese

When exploring panera broccoli soup nutritional information, many health-conscious consumers appreciate that the soup provides 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving from the broccoli content, though the high sodium content warrants attention for those monitoring salt intake.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Panera typically serves their Broccoli Cheddar Soup with their signature artisan rolls, but several complementary pairings enhance the dining experience:

• A classic half-order of Panera's Fuji Apple Salad provides a refreshing contrast
• Ham and Swiss on Country Rustic makes a satisfying soup-and-sandwich combination
• For a lighter meal, pair with a side of seasonal fruit

When recreating this experience at home, consider adding a sprinkle of extra-sharp cheddar on top just before serving to mimic Panera's presentation. The soup maintains best quality when consumed immediately, as the cheese can separate slightly upon reheating—a common challenge with any cheddar-based soup.

Is Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free?

No, Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not gluten-free. It contains wheat flour as part of the roux used to thicken the soup. Those with gluten sensitivities should choose alternative menu items.

What are the main ingredients in Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

The primary ingredients include broccoli, cheddar cheese, milk, cream, butter, flour, and seasonings including garlic and onion powder. The soup also contains natural flavors and modified food starch.

How many calories are in Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

A standard 16-ounce serving of Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains 370 calories, with 26 grams of fat and 1,190 milligrams of sodium.

Is Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegetarian?

Yes, Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is vegetarian. It contains dairy products but no meat ingredients. However, it is not vegan due to the milk and cheese content.

Can I make a copycat version of Panera's soup at home?

Yes, you can create a close approximation at home using a roux-based method with broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, milk, and proper seasoning. The key is maintaining the right broccoli-to-cheese ratio and avoiding boiling after adding the cheese to prevent separation.