Cozy Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Published: December 4, 2025

by deliciouscorner

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup offers incredible flavor with minimal effort
It’s visually stunning, making it the star of any dinner table
The creamy texture pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping
Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of year!

Sharing this recipe at family gatherings always brings smiles and requests for seconds. It’s hard not to love a dish that brings everyone together!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Broccoli: Choose vibrant green florets; they add color and nutrition to your soup.
Carrots: Grate or chop finely for sweetness and color contrast in every spoonful.
Onion: A sweet onion works best; it adds depth to the flavor profile as it cooks down.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse the soup with irresistible aroma and taste.
Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over seasoning while keeping it hearty.
Heavy Cream: This makes the soup luxuriously creamy; don’t skimp here!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for maximum flavor impact when melted.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the wonderful flavors in this comforting dish.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch adds delightful heat if you’re feeling adventurous!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Veggies: Start by washing and chopping your fresh broccoli into small florets. Dice your onion and grate those carrots like you’re channeling your inner chef! The smell will be heavenly as they hit the cutting board.

Sauté for Flavor!: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until they turn translucent and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base that will make your soup sing!

Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Toss the sautéed mixture into your slow cooker along with broccoli, carrots, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything nicely.

Let It Cook! : Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until vegetables are tender. Your home will smell amazing—get ready for compliments!

Add Cream and Cheese : About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Watch as it transforms into a creamy masterpiece right before your eyes.

Blend to Perfection!: For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker until it’s creamy but still has some chunky bits for character.

Now you’re ready to ladle out bowls of this comforting goodness! Enjoy with a side of crusty bread or even some toasted croutons if you’re feeling fancy.

This Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Copycat) isn’t just food; it’s an experience that warms both body and soul! So gather around the table because nothing says love like sharing delicious food with those we cherish. Slow cooker beef bites.

You Must Know

This Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Copycat) offers a creamy, cheesy experience that warms the soul
With fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar, the flavors meld perfectly
You can easily adjust the thickness by altering the broth amount
A comforting dish for any day!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding broccoli and broth to your slow cooker for maximum flavor. Let it simmer for several hours before stirring in cheese for that rich, creamy finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out broccoli with cauliflower or add some carrots for sweetness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes brings a delightful kick if you like a bit of heat. Flavorful roasted cauliflower.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain its creamy texture without burning.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve the best flavor, use freshly grated cheese for a smoother melt
Avoid canned cheese products as they alter the taste and texture
Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving for that perfect balance!

Sharing my first attempt at this soup still makes me chuckle; I accidentally overdid the cheese, and it became a gooey masterpiece! Friends loved it anyway—it turned into an unexpected party hit!

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli in this Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Copycat)?

For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot Chicken Breast recipe.

Yes, frozen broccoli works well but may slightly alter the texture.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of regular flour.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Substitute dairy with almond milk and nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.

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