Soup Number 5: Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Explained

Soup Number 5 refers specifically to Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar soup, which is the fifth item in their numbered soup series. This creamy, comforting soup features broccoli florets in a rich cheddar cheese broth and has been a consistent customer favorite since its introduction.

Understanding Panera's Numbered Soup System

When you hear "soup number 5," it's almost certainly referring to Panera Bread's menu nomenclature. The bakery-cafe chain uses a simple numbering system for their rotating selection of soups, with each number corresponding to a specific recipe. This system helps streamline ordering, especially for regular customers who know exactly which number they prefer.

Soup Number 5—Broccoli Cheddar—stands out in Panera's lineup for its perfect balance of vegetables and cheese. Unlike some fast-casual restaurant soups that rely heavily on cheese powder, Panera's version uses real cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli, creating a more authentic flavor profile that has maintained popularity for years.

What Makes Panera's Soup Number 5 Special

The appeal of Soup Number 5 lies in its comforting yet sophisticated flavor combination. The soup features tender broccoli florets suspended in a velvety cheddar cheese broth with subtle notes of garlic and onion. Panera's preparation method involves slow-cooking the broccoli to preserve its vibrant color and nutritional value while allowing the cheese to melt smoothly into the base.

Unlike many commercial broccoli cheddar soups that can be overly heavy or artificial-tasting, Panera's version achieves a delicate balance—creamy without being cloying, cheesy without overwhelming the vegetable component. This careful formulation has made it one of the most consistently popular items in their soup rotation.

Nutritional Profile and Dietary Considerations

For health-conscious diners, understanding the nutritional content of Soup Number 5 is essential. A standard bowl (16 oz) contains approximately:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	380	19%
Total Fat	24g	31%
Saturated Fat	15g	75%
Cholesterol	75mg	25%
Sodium	1190mg	52%
Total Carbohydrates	29g	10%
Dietary Fiber	4g	14%
Sugars	4g	-
Protein	15g	-

While Soup Number 5 isn't the lowest-calorie option on Panera's menu, it does provide a good source of protein and dietary fiber. The soup contains dairy, making it unsuitable for vegan diets, but it is vegetarian-friendly. It's not gluten-free due to the roux used in the base, though Panera does offer gluten-free alternatives among their other numbered soups.

How Soup Number 5 Compares to Other Panera Soups

Understanding where Soup Number 5 fits within Panera's complete soup lineup helps contextualize its popularity. Each numbered soup serves a different purpose and appeals to different taste preferences:

Soup Number	Name	Key Characteristics	Best For
1	Baked Potato with Bacon	Creamy potato base with bacon bits	Hearty comfort food lovers
2	Black Bean	Spicy Latin-inspired bean soup	Vegans and spice enthusiasts
3	Chicken Noodle	Classic broth with vegetables and chicken	Traditional comfort food seekers
4	Tuscan Chicken & Greens	Tomato-based with kale and chicken	Health-conscious diners
5	Broccoli Cheddar	Creamy cheese broth with broccoli	Cheese lovers and comfort food fans
6	Low-Fat Chicken Noodle	Lighter version of classic	Diet-conscious customers
7	Cream of Chicken	Rich, creamy chicken soup	Indulgence seekers
8	Summer Corn Chowder	Seasonal corn-based soup	Summer menu enthusiasts
9	French Onion	Caramelized onions with broth	Sophisticated flavor lovers
10	Tomato Basil	Classic tomato soup with basil	Simple, traditional tastes

Soup Number 5 consistently ranks among the top three most popular soups at Panera, often vying for the #1 spot with their Chicken Noodle and Baked Potato soups. Its enduring popularity stems from its universal appeal—comforting enough for cold days yet not overly heavy, making it suitable for year-round consumption.

Creating a Homemade Version of Soup Number 5

While nothing replicates Panera's exact recipe, you can create a satisfying homemade version of Soup Number 5 with these steps:

1. Steam 4 cups of broccoli florets until tender but still bright green
2. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large pot and whisk in 1/4 cup flour to create a roux
3. Gradually add 4 cups of whole milk while whisking constantly
4. Add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted
5. Stir in the steamed broccoli, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt to taste
6. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld
7. Adjust consistency with additional milk if needed

The key to success is using high-quality cheddar cheese—avoid pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. Freshly grated cheese from a block melts more smoothly into the broth. For best results, use a combination of mild and sharp cheddar to achieve that perfect balance of creaminess and tang.

Seasonal Availability and Menu Changes

Unlike some numbered soups that rotate seasonally, Soup Number 5 is typically available year-round at most Panera locations. This consistent availability contributes significantly to its status as a customer favorite. However, regional variations do exist—some locations may temporarily substitute Soup Number 5 during supply chain disruptions or for local market testing.

When planning to order Soup Number 5, it's worth checking Panera's current menu online or via their app, as the company occasionally refreshes recipes or introduces limited-time variations. During holiday seasons, you might find special versions like Broccoli Cheddar with added ingredients such as roasted garlic or bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Panera's Soup Number 5 gluten-free?

No, Panera's Soup Number 5 (Broccoli Cheddar) is not gluten-free. It contains a roux made with wheat flour as a thickening agent. Customers seeking gluten-free options should consider Panera's Black Bean soup (Soup Number 2) or their seasonal offerings specifically labeled as gluten-free.

What makes Soup Number 5 different from other broccoli cheddar soups?

Panera's Soup Number 5 distinguishes itself through its balanced flavor profile and quality ingredients. Unlike many commercial versions that rely heavily on cheese powder, Panera uses real shredded cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli. The soup has a lighter consistency than many restaurant versions, with visible broccoli florets rather than a completely pureed texture.

Is Soup Number 5 vegetarian?

Yes, Panera's Soup Number 5 is vegetarian-friendly. It contains dairy products (milk and cheddar cheese) but no meat ingredients. However, it's not vegan due to the dairy content. The soup is prepared in facilities that also handle meat products, so strict vegetarians concerned about cross-contamination should inquire with their local Panera.

How does Soup Number 5 compare nutritionally to other Panera soups?

Soup Number 5 sits in the middle range nutritionally among Panera's soups. It's higher in calories and fat than vegetable-based options like Black Bean (Number 2) or Low-Fat Chicken Noodle (Number 6), but lower than cream-based soups like Cream of Chicken (Number 7). It provides a good balance of protein and vegetables, making it a moderately healthy comfort food option when consumed in appropriate portions.

Has Panera ever changed their Soup Number 5 recipe?

Yes, Panera has made subtle adjustments to their Soup Number 5 recipe over the years, primarily focusing on ingredient quality rather than fundamental changes to the recipe. In recent years, they've emphasized using higher quality cheese and reducing artificial ingredients. Some customers have noted slight variations in thickness and cheese flavor intensity between different years, but the core broccoli cheddar profile has remained consistent since its introduction.