Subway Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Recipe & Facts (2024)

Subway discontinued its broccoli cheddar soup from most U.S. locations in 2023 as part of a menu simplification strategy. While the exact proprietary recipe remains confidential, a close copycat version can be made at home using fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy roux-based sauce that mimics the restaurant's signature texture and flavor profile.

For years, Subway's broccoli cheddar soup was a beloved menu staple that complemented sandwiches perfectly. The creamy, cheesy soup with tender broccoli florets offered a comforting option for customers seeking a warm meal. Understanding why this popular item disappeared and how to recreate it at home has become a frequent search query since its removal from most menus.

The History of Subway's Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Subway introduced broccoli cheddar soup as part of its expanding soup menu in the early 2000s. The soup quickly gained popularity due to its rich flavor and vegetarian-friendly ingredients. For nearly two decades, it remained a consistent offering across most North American locations, typically served in 8-ounce and 16-ounce portions alongside sandwiches.

According to Subway's 2023 menu optimization strategy, the company streamlined its offerings to improve kitchen efficiency and focus on core products. This decision affected several regional and seasonal items, with broccoli cheddar soup being one of the most notably discontinued nationwide menu items. Some international locations may still offer variations of the soup, but availability is increasingly limited.

Nutritional Profile and Ingredients

Understanding Subway broccoli cheddar soup nutrition facts helps home cooks replicate both the taste and texture. The restaurant version contained approximately 170 calories per 8-ounce serving, with 9 grams of fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and 11 grams of protein. It was vegetarian but not vegan or gluten-free due to the roux base.

Nutrient	Per 8oz Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	170	8%
Total Fat	9g	12%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	20mg	7%
Sodium	690mg	30%
Total Carbohydrate	12g	4%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Sugars	3g	-
Protein	11g	22%

Authentic Copycat Subway Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Creating a homemade version that captures the essence of the discontinued Subway broccoli cheddar soup requires attention to specific techniques. The restaurant's version featured small broccoli florets suspended in a smooth, velvety cheese sauce without separation or graininess—a challenge many home cooks face.

Ingredients for Subway-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (small pieces, about 1/2 inch)
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Steam broccoli florets until just tender (about 5 minutes). Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking and preserve bright green color.
2. Create a smooth roux by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes until golden.
3. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Reduce heat to low. Add vegetable broth, dry mustard, onion powder, salt, and white pepper.
5. Slowly incorporate grated cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. Never boil after adding cheese to prevent separation.
6. Gently fold in cooled broccoli florets. Heat through without boiling.
7. For optimal Subway-style texture, blend 1/3 of the soup until smooth, then mix back with remaining chunky portion.

Key Techniques for Authentic Flavor and Texture

The secret to replicating Subway broccoli cheese soup ingredients accurately lies in specific preparation methods. Professional kitchens use a combination of fresh and processed ingredients to achieve consistent results. For home preparation, these techniques make the difference:

• Cheese selection matters: Sharp cheddar provides the distinctive flavor, but adding a small amount of American cheese (1-2 slices) helps stabilize the emulsion and prevent graininess.
• Temperature control: Never let the soup reach boiling point after adding cheese, as high heat causes cheese proteins to seize and separate.
• Broccoli preparation: Cutting broccoli into uniform, small pieces (1/2 inch) mimics Subway's signature texture where every spoonful contains broccoli.
• The partial blending technique: Blending a portion of the soup creates the characteristic creamy base while maintaining visible broccoli pieces.

Customizing Your Homemade Version

While recreating the exact Subway broccoli cheddar soup copycat recipe, you can make adjustments to suit dietary preferences:

• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
• Lower sodium version: Use low-sodium vegetable broth and reduce added salt, compensating with extra herbs.
• Dairy-free alternative: Replace dairy ingredients with cashew cream and vegan cheese, though this significantly alters the authentic flavor profile.
• Enhanced protein: Add shredded chicken or white beans for a more substantial meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage maintains the quality of your homemade Subway-style broccoli cheddar soup. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.

When reheating, use low heat on the stove with occasional stirring. Add a splash of milk if the soup has thickened too much during storage. Never microwave cheese-based soups on high power, as this causes separation. The key to maintaining that authentic Subway broccoli soup texture is gentle reheating.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced cooks encounter challenges when attempting the perfect Subway broccoli cheddar soup recipe copycat. Here's how to address common problems:

• Grainy cheese sauce: This occurs when cheese is added to liquid that's too hot. Solution: Remove base from heat, let cool slightly, then gradually add cheese while stirring.
• Separation or oiliness: Caused by overheating or low-quality cheese. Solution: Add an ice cube while stirring vigorously, or create a slurry with cornstarch and cold milk.
• Too thick: Gradually add warm milk or broth until desired consistency is reached.
• Too thin: Simmer gently to reduce, or add a small amount of cheese to thicken.

Why did Subway discontinue broccoli cheddar soup?

Subway discontinued broccoli cheddar soup in 2023 as part of a menu simplification strategy to improve kitchen efficiency and focus on core products. This decision affected several regional and seasonal items across most North American locations.

Is Subway's broccoli cheddar soup vegetarian?

Yes, Subway's broccoli cheddar soup was vegetarian-friendly as it contained no meat products. However, it was not vegan due to dairy ingredients, and not gluten-free because it used a wheat-based roux as a thickener.

What makes Subway's broccoli cheddar soup different from homemade versions?

Subway's version featured uniformly small broccoli pieces suspended in an exceptionally smooth cheese sauce that maintained consistency without separation. Their commercial preparation methods and proprietary ingredient ratios created a distinctive texture that's challenging to replicate at home without specific techniques.

Can I get broccoli cheddar soup at Subway anymore?

Most U.S. Subway locations discontinued broccoli cheddar soup in 2023. Some international locations or specific franchises may still offer it, but availability is increasingly limited. Your best option for enjoying this soup is making a copycat version at home.

How can I prevent my homemade broccoli cheddar soup from becoming grainy?

To prevent graininess, never boil cheese sauce after adding cheese. Remove the base from heat, let cool slightly, then gradually add freshly grated cheese while stirring constantly. Using a combination of sharp cheddar and a small amount of American cheese helps stabilize the emulsion.