Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Keto-Friendly Comfort

Why leave the house when you can make a rich, creamy, and low-carb version of your favorite restaurant soup right at home? This Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers all the classic comfort you crave! Best of all, this keto broccoli cheddar soup is simple to make and uses xanthan gum and heavy cream to create that signature thick, luxurious texture without any high-carb flour. It is ready in minutes, making it the perfect quick lunch or simple dinner starter.

Ingredients for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Butter: Used to sauté the aromatics and build the foundational flavor of the soup.
• Broccoli florets: The main vegetable component; provides the classic texture and color.
• Carrot: Shredded; adds a touch of natural sweetness and texture (keep the amount low for strict keto).
• Celery: Adds a subtle savory depth to the vegetable base.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the soup; sharp cheddar is best for intense flavor and melting.
• Kettle and Fire chicken broth (discount code: lowcarblove): Provides the savory liquid base and ensures the soup remains moist during cooking.
• Heavy cream: Added for richness and helps create the signature creamy mouthfeel.
• Xanthan gum: A low-carb thickener used to achieve the desired consistency quickly (add more for extra thickness).
• Onion: Diced; sautéed with the butter and other aromatics to add savory depth.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing the flavor of the soup.

How to Make Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup comes together very quickly on the stovetop, making it one of the easiest ways to get a creamy, low-carb meal on the table.

1. Sauté the Aromatics

This phase ensures the foundational flavors are released into the butter before the main ingredients are added.

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a stockpot, add your butter, onion, celery and carrots and cook until tender.
2. Add Broccoli: Now, add your broccoli and saute for 2-3 minutes.

2. Simmer and Thicken

This final phase creates the rich, creamy liquid and melts the cheese.

1. Add Liquid: Add your chicken broth, heavy cream and cook on a medium low heat. You can let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
2. Thicken: The xanthan gum should start thickening right away once added to the warm liquid.
3. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

Recipe Notes and Serving Suggestions

• Cheese: Melting: To prevent the shredded cheddar cheese from clumping, remove the pot from the heat before stirring the cheese in, or add it slowly, a handful at a time. The residual heat will melt it smoothly.
• Thickening: Xanthan gum: Be careful when adding the xanthan gum; a little goes a long way! Sprinkle it over the top of the simmering liquid slowly while stirring rapidly to prevent clumping.
• Broth: Kettle and Fire chicken broth: The use of high-quality bone broth adds beneficial collagen and a richer flavor than standard broth.
• Serving Suggestions: This keto broccoli cheddar soup is perfect on its own or served with a simple green salad or low-carb crackers.