Copycat Panera Bread Potato Soup

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Are you craving Panera Bread’s famous potato soup? You can make it at home with this easy copycat recipe! This creamy, savory soup is loaded with tender potatoes and melty cream cheese, just like the original. It’s perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.

You only need a few simple ingredients and about an hour to whip up this tasty soup. With 6 servings, it’s great for feeding your family or meal prepping for the week. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings like bacon bits, chives, or extra cheese. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality soup without leaving your kitchen!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty copycat Panera Bread potato soup:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 8 ounces cream cheese

You probably have most of these items in your kitchen already. The potatoes are the star, so pick good quality ones.

For the seasoning salt, you can use a store-bought blend or make your own mix of salt, herbs, and spices. The white and red pepper add a nice kick without being too spicy.

The cream cheese is key for that signature Panera creaminess. Make sure it’s softened before you add it to the soup.

Feel free to add some chopped bacon or chives on top when serving if you want extra flavor and crunch. Happy cooking!

Instructions

Start by peeling your potatoes and cutting them into even cubes. This helps them cook evenly.

Put the potato cubes in a large pot with chicken broth and seasonings. Bring it to a boil.

Cook until the potatoes are soft enough to pierce with a fork. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Turn down the heat. Use a fork to mash some of the potatoes right in the pot. This makes the soup thicker.

Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces. Add it to the pot and stir gently.

Keep stirring until all the cream cheese melts into the soup. The soup will become creamy and smooth.

Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if you like.

Serve hot in bowls. You can top it with extras like bacon bits, shredded cheese, or green onions if you want.

This soup is great with bread on the side. Enjoy your homemade Panera-style potato soup!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

Want to change up this potato soup recipe? Try these easy swaps and variations:

Broth: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.

Potatoes: Swap in sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a different flavor.

Cheese: Replace cream cheese with shredded cheddar or gouda for extra depth.

Proteins: Add cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.

Veggies: Mix in corn, carrots, or celery for more texture and nutrients.

Toppings: Sprinkle on chives, green onions, or crispy fried onions for a crunchy finish.

Milk: For a lighter soup, use milk instead of cream cheese.

Spices: Experiment with garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary for new flavor profiles.

Thickness: Add a splash of heavy cream or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.

You can also try these fun twists:

• Make it loaded baked potato style with bacon, cheese, and sour cream on top
• Add a can of corn and some diced red peppers for a southwestern flair
• Stir in some cooked broccoli florets for extra nutrients and color

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Want to make your potato soup even better? Try these tips:

• Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.

• Add bacon bits or shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.

• Swap chicken broth for veggie broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.

Don’t have time to cook? Make the soup ahead and store it for later. Here’s how:

Fridge: Put cooled soup in airtight containers. It will last 3-4 days.

Freezer: Pour soup into freezer bags or containers. It will keep for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight. Then warm it on the stove over medium heat. Stir often to keep it smooth.

For a quick meal, heat single portions in the microwave. Start with 1-2 minutes, then stir and add more time if needed.

Remember to taste your reheated soup. You might want to add a little salt or pepper to perk up the flavors.