Panera soups are the kind of cozy you crave all fall and winter, but bowl after bowl adds up fast. The good news: every favorite on this list can be made at home, most of them in the Instant Pot, with stovetop or slow cooker options for several.
Below are six tested Fork To Spoon copycat recipes, each linked to the full recipe with ingredients, step-by-step photos and printable cards.
1. Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This is the soup that keeps the Panera line out the door, and it’s the one to make first. Tender broccoli and carrots simmer in a velvety base, then sharp cheddar melts in at the end for that thick, spoon-coating finish. The Instant Pot handles the heavy lifting, so it’s on the table in about 30 minutes.
Why you’ll love it: creamy without being heavy, and easy to customize. Try stirring in crispy bacon for a smoky broccoli cheddar and bacon version.
👉 Get the recipe: Instant Pot Copycat Panera’s Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
2. Copycat Panera Creamy Tomato Soup
Smooth, slightly sweet and finished with heavy cream, this tomato soup tastes like Panera’s without the wait. Crushed, whole or diced canned tomatoes all work, and a splash of hot sauce adds a gentle kick. Use vegetable broth and it’s vegetarian-friendly, too.
Why you’ll love it: it comes together in minutes under pressure and blends silky smooth with an immersion blender. Pair it with a grilled cheese for the ultimate cozy lunch.
👉 Get the recipe: Easy Instant Pot Copycat Panera Tomato Soup
3. Panera Baked Potato Soup
All the comfort of a loaded baked potato, in a bowl. Yukon Gold potatoes cook down into a naturally buttery, creamy base, while crispy bacon, sharp cheddar and green onions bring the “loaded” flavor on top.
Why you’ll love it: hearty enough to be dinner on its own, and the pressure cooker gets the potatoes tender in a fraction of the stovetop time.
👉 Get the recipe: Instant Pot Panera Baked Potato Soup
4. Copycat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup
The classic sick-day soup, made easy. Boneless chicken breast, carrots, celery, onion, garlic and thyme build a light, homestyle broth that tastes just like Panera’s.
Why you’ll love it: it works in an Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi, and the full recipe also includes slow cooker and stovetop directions, so anyone can make it.
👉 Get the recipe: Copycat Instant Pot Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup
5. Copycat Bistro Panera French Onion Soup
Sweet, deeply caramelized onions in a rich broth, topped with toasted baguette and melty cheese. Yellow, white, red or sweet Vidalia onions all work, and you can use beef, chicken or vegetable broth.
Why you’ll love it: the Instant Pot speeds up the long simmer, then a quick trip under the broiler or into the air fryer gives you that bubbly, golden cheese cap. It also freezes well for 2 to 3 months if you store the soup separately from the bread and cheese.
👉 Get the recipe: Instant Pot Copycat Bistro Panera French Onion Soup
6. Panera Turkey Chili (Copycat)
A leaner, protein-packed take on chili made with ground turkey, kidney beans, black beans, corn, tomatoes and a smoky blend of chili powder, cumin and paprika.
Why you’ll love it: it’s a lighter alternative to beef chili that doesn’t skimp on flavor, and it tastes even better the next day, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Serve with cornbread or crusty French bread for dipping.
👉 Get the recipe: Panera Turkey Chili Recipe (Copycat)
Tips for Panera-Style Soup at Home
- Add dairy last. Stir in cream and cheese after pressure cooking, on low heat, so the soup stays smooth.
- Blend for texture. An immersion blender gives tomato soup its silky finish and thickens chunkier soups when you blend just part of the pot.
- Freeze smart. Store bread, cheese toppings and noodles separately so they don’t get soggy when reheated.
- Make a bread bowl. Hollow out a small round sourdough loaf and toast it for a few minutes for the full café experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these soups without an Instant Pot?
Yes. Several recipes, including the chicken noodle soup, include stovetop and slow cooker directions. Check each linked recipe for alternate methods.
What’s the most popular Panera soup to make at home?
Broccoli cheddar is the fan favorite, with creamy tomato close behind.
Which of these soups freeze best?
French onion, turkey chili and chicken noodle (with noodles stored separately) freeze well. Cream-based soups can separate slightly, so reheat gently and stir well.
More Fork To Spoon Panera Copycats
Can’t get enough? Browse the full collection of Panera Bread copycat recipes, or explore 15 copycat soup recipes from your favorite restaurants and 20 copycat restaurant soups that are better at home.
Skip the Line, Make It at Home
With these six copycat Panera soup recipes, a cozy café-style meal is always just a few minutes away. Start with the broccoli cheddar, then work your way down the list.
Made one of these? Leave a comment with your favorite, and tag @forktospoon on Instagram so we can see your bowl!
