Panera Bread has a devoted following of fans that love their menu. While I rarely find myself in a Panera, there are several menu items that stick out to me in memory and flavor—and their creamy Broccoli Cheddar soup is certainly one of them. 

It’s a cheesy, velvety recipe made with chicken stock, sweetened subtly with carrots and dotted with broccoli and onions. This fan-favorite soup is not only a top recipe at Panera Bread, but it’s our most-saved soup recipe of all time. 

That’s right. Our Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is one the Allrecipes community has saved more than any other soup recipe. This comfort meal has over 1,400 5-star reviews, which shows how true to the original this is and how delicious this soup turns out. See why the Allrecipes community comes back to this recipe again and again.

Why You Should Try This Copycat Soup

This recipe is pretty close to the real deal, according to countless reviewers. And while it’s technically based on a restaurant menu item, it’s not a difficult dish to make.

“When my kids were little, they were crazy for Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup. They would eat one bowl there and take another to have at home,” says reviewer Lou Rou. “Needless to say, this added up. I tried numerous versions but none were quite right. Until I made this recipe. Spot on!”

From start to finish, the recipe takes about 45 minutes, but much of that time is spent letting the soup simmer and thicken while whisking. Sharp Cheddar cheese is the key to getting the proper tangy, cheesy flavor—as is a nice, rich chicken stock. Fresh vegetables bring a mellow sweetness and milk fills out the recipe. 

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