This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup tastes like the real deal—but made right in your slow cooker. If you’re a fan of Panera Broccoli And Cheese Soup or love collecting Broccoli soup recipes, this one’s calling your name. Rich, cheesy, and super easy, it’s everything you want in a Broccoli Soup Crockpot dinner. Brócoli Cheddar Soup doesn’t get more comforting than this creamy broccoli soup.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
3) Ingredients for Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
4) How to Make Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
5) Tips for Making Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
6) Making Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
8) Try these soup recipes next!
9) Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe is a homemade version of the popular Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
All ingredients cook together in a slow cooker for minimal effort
Perfect for cozy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep
Thick, creamy, and cheesy with tender broccoli in every spoonful

2) Easy Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Sometimes, you just want to skip the long line at Panera and enjoy that rich broccoli cheddar goodness without changing out of your pajamas. I’ve been there, and that’s how this recipe came to life. This slow cooker version of Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is just as satisfying, maybe even more so, because you made it yourself and your kitchen smells amazing.

When I first tried making it at home, I worried it wouldn’t be as creamy. I was wrong. One bowl in, and I knew I was onto something. The flavor hits that sweet spot between cheesy comfort and veggie-packed nourishment. If you’re into Broccoli soup recipes or have ever eyed the Brócoli Cheddar Soup at a restaurant, this one will feel like home.

The best part? You just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away. This Broccoli Soup Crockpot method is hands-off and foolproof. Trust me, your spoon will be scraping the bottom of the bowl.

3) Ingredients for Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Butter adds richness and helps create a base for that golden roux. Don’t skimp on it, this is where the comfort starts.

Chopped Onion brings that gentle, savory flavor. You’ll cook it just until it softens, enough to mingle quietly in the background of each bite.

Shredded Carrots don’t just add color. They lend a subtle sweetness that plays so well with the cheddar.

Broccoli Florets chopped small, are the star here. No one wants to wrestle with giant chunks. Keep them bite-sized so they cook down nice and soft.

Chicken Broth gives the soup depth. I’ve used low-sodium for better control over the salt levels, but use whatever you’ve got on hand.

Half-and-Half keeps the texture creamy without it feeling too heavy. It blends beautifully with the cheese.

All-Purpose Flour thickens things up. You don’t want soup that runs off your spoon like water. This keeps it hearty.

Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese brings everything together. Go for freshly shredded if you can. It melts smoother and tastes sharper.

Salt and Pepper for seasoning. Taste as you go. That’s always the rule in my kitchen.

4) How to Make Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1. Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft. That smell? It’s the start of something good.

Step 2. Stir in the flour. Keep stirring as it cooks, just for a minute. This forms the roux that thickens the soup.

Step 3. Slowly whisk in the half-and-half and chicken broth. Don’t rush this part. You’re aiming for smooth, not lumpy.

Step 4. Pour this mixture into your slow cooker. It should already be smelling like the start of soup season.

Step 5. Add the carrots and broccoli. Give it a stir. This is where the magic starts to simmer.

Step 6. Cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours. Go read a book or take a nap. Your slow cooker has got this.

Step 7. Stir in the cheddar cheese just before serving. Let it melt slowly. The soup will get creamy and dreamy.

Step 8. Season with salt and pepper. Taste it. Then taste it again. You’re done.

5) Tips for Making Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Use freshly shredded cheddar. Pre-shredded might be convenient, but it has a coating that can make it grainy. I always grab a block and shred it myself.

Don’t skip chopping the broccoli small. Big florets look good in photos, but they can be awkward in your spoon. Smaller pieces blend in and cook down better.

Watch the salt. Since cheddar and broth already carry salt, season at the end. That way, you don’t end up with a soup that tastes like a salt lick.

If the soup feels too thick after adding the cheese, a splash of broth or half-and-half will fix it. Stir and check again. Texture’s everything.

Want a smoother finish? Use an immersion blender, but don’t go wild. Leave some bits for texture. Smooth enough to sip, chunky enough to chew—just how I like it.

6) Making Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ahead of Time

This soup actually gets better the next day. The flavors settle, blend, and mellow in the fridge overnight. I often double the recipe, just to have extra for weekday lunches.

If you plan to make it ahead, cook it fully, then cool it a bit before sealing it in an airtight container. That stops condensation from making it watery.

Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk if it’s thickened in the fridge. A little stir, and it’s good as fresh.

7) Storing Leftover Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I store leftovers in mason jars or airtight containers. They keep in the fridge for up to four days. On lazy evenings, I reach for a jar and feel like I’ve won dinner.

If you want to freeze it, skip the cheese during the initial cook. Add it after reheating, so it melts evenly and doesn’t split. It’s a small tweak but makes a big difference.

When reheating, do it low and slow. Quick heating can break the creamy texture. Let it warm gently, give it a stir, and you’re back in soup heaven.

8) Try these soup recipes next!

9) Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup