Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Price, Calories & Recipe | 2026

You know that one soup you order without even glancing at the menu? For a lot of us, that’s Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Something about that thick, cheesy bowl just hits different, especially when the weather turns cold and all you want is comfort in a spoon.

But here’s the thing — most people slurp this soup down without ever asking what’s actually in it. How many calories are we talking? Any allergens hiding in there? And honestly, could you make it at home without messing it up? We’re answering all of that below, no fluff, just the stuff you actually came here for.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Calories

Let’s get straight to it — this soup isn’t exactly light, but that’s kind of the whole point, right? Nobody orders a cheesy, creamy bowl expecting salad numbers. Here’s the calorie breakdown across the different serving sizes so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

1. Cup (8 oz): ~230 calories
2. Bowl (12 oz): ~420 calories
3. Full Bowl (16 oz): ~540 calories
4. With a Baguette: ~700+ calories combined

Most of those calories come from the heavy cream and cheddar blend, which is honestly the whole reason this soup tastes so darn good. If you’re watching your intake, going for a cup instead of a bowl can save you 150-200 calories without losing that cheesy flavor you’re craving.

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Allergens

If you’ve got food sensitivities, this is the section you don’t want to skim. Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is rich and comforting, but it’s also loaded with a few common allergens that are worth knowing before you dig in.

• Dairy: Heavy cream and cheddar cheese make this a no-go for anyone lactose intolerant
• Gluten: Contains wheat flour used as a thickening agent
• Soy: Present in small amounts depending on the broth base used

Unfortunately, this one isn’t vegan or dairy-free friendly, and there’s currently no allergen-swapped version on Panera’s regular menu. If gluten or dairy is a hard no for you, it’s best to check with staff directly, since recipes can shift slightly by location.

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Nutritional Facts

Beyond just calories, this soup packs a decent punch of fat, sodium, and even a bit of protein and fiber thanks to the broccoli. Here’s the full nutritional rundown for a standard bowl (12 oz) so you can see exactly what’s going into that comforting spoonful.

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Good news — you don’t need a culinary degree to recreate this one at home. With a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you can whip up a bowl that tastes shockingly close to the original.

Ingredients

1. 4 tbsp unsalted butter
2. 1 small onion, diced
3. 2 garlic cloves, minced
4. 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
5. 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
6. 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
7. 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
8. 1 large carrot, shredded
9. 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
10. Salt and black pepper to taste
11. A pinch of nutmeg (optional, but trust us on this one)

Cooking Instructions

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then toss in the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for a minute to cook off that raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the broth while whisking to avoid lumps, then add the half-and-half. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes until it starts to thicken up nicely.

Add the broccoli and shredded carrot, letting everything simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the veggies are tender. Lower the heat, stir in the cheddar cheese gradually, and season with salt, pepper, and that sneaky pinch of nutmeg.

Serving Tips

This soup is rich, so a little goes a long way — but presentation and pairing can make it feel like a whole experience instead of just a bowl of comfort. A few small tweaks turn “good enough” into “restaurant-worthy.”

• Serve it in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for that classic Panera-style flex
• Top with extra shredded cheddar and a sprinkle of black pepper right before serving
• Add a few croutons or crispy bacon bits for a bit of crunch against the creamy texture
• Reheat leftovers on low heat, stirring often, since cheese-based soups can separate if microwaved too fast

Recommended Sides With Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup is rich enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it right can round out the whole plate. Here are a few sides that actually complement the cheesy, creamy flavor instead of competing with it.

1. Sourdough Baguette: Perfect for scooping up every last cheesy drop
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic combo that doubles down on the comfort factor
3. Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing cut through the richness nicely
4. Roasted Vegetables: A lighter, fiber-packed option if you’re trying to balance out the meal

Final Verdict

At the end of the day, Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup earns its spot as a fan favorite for a reason. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with just enough veggies to make you feel a little less guilty about going back for seconds.

Sure, it’s not the lightest option on the menu, but that’s not really the point, is it? Some meals are meant for comfort, not calorie-counting, and this bowl nails that job every single time.

Whether you’re grabbing it from Panera or recreating it in your own kitchen, one thing’s for sure — this soup isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and honestly, we wouldn’t want it to.

• Panera Breakfast Menu
• Panera Bread Hours
• Panera Coupon Codes
• Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
• Panera Sandwiches Menu