How Many Calories Are in a Bowl of Broccoli and Cheddar Soup?

November 30, 2025 •

6 min read

According to nutrition data, the calorie count for a bowl of broccoli and cheddar soup can vary widely, typically ranging from 175 to over 450 calories depending on the ingredients and serving size. This beloved comfort food can be a nutritious meal or a high-calorie indulgence based on how it's prepared and served. Understanding the factors that influence the total calorie count is key to making informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a bowl of broccoli and cheddar soup is influenced by ingredients such as cheese, cream, and serving size. Calories can range from under 200 for a lighter, homemade version to over 400 for a restaurant-style bowl with rich additives. The fat content is the main driver of the overall caloric value.

Key Points

Wide Calorie Range: The calorie content of a bowl of broccoli and cheddar soup can vary widely, typically ranging from 175 to over 450 calories depending on the ingredients and serving size.
Ingredients Drive Calories: The calorie count is primarily determined by ingredients like heavy cream, butter, flour, and the amount and fat content of the cheese used.
Homemade vs. Restaurant: Homemade soup allows for better control over ingredients and portion size, often resulting in a lower calorie meal compared to rich restaurant versions.
Lighter Recipe Alternatives: Using low-fat milk, puréed vegetables for thickening, or less cheese are effective strategies for creating a healthier, lighter version of the classic soup.
Serving Size is Crucial: Be mindful of portion size, as a large bowl or a bread bowl can drastically increase the total calorie count, as seen with some popular restaurant options.
Nutritional Benefits Exist: Despite potential high calories, the soup can still provide beneficial nutrients like vitamins C and K from the broccoli, and protein and calcium from the cheese.
Add Flavor, Not Calories: Enhance the flavor of lighter versions with spices like nutmeg or paprika, rather than relying on heavy fats.

The Surprising Calorie Variation in Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A comforting bowl of broccoli and cheddar soup is a staple in many kitchens and restaurants. However, the caloric content can be surprisingly diverse. A homemade recipe can be crafted to be light and lean, while a commercial version from a popular chain might contain a significantly higher calorie count due to heavy cream, high-fat cheese, and larger portions. The calorie variation depends on several key factors, which we will explore in detail.

What Influences the Calorie Count?

Several components can drastically change the nutritional profile of this soup. Here's a breakdown of what to consider:

The Base: Many traditional recipes use a roux made with butter and flour, and a creamy base from whole milk or heavy cream. A healthier alternative might use a vegetable or chicken broth base, a reduced-fat milk, or a thickening agent like a puréed potato to reduce the fat and calorie load.
The Cheese: The amount and type of cheese used is a major factor. Full-fat, sharp cheddar cheese adds a lot of flavor but also significant calories and saturated fat. Opting for a reduced-fat cheese or using a smaller quantity can significantly lower the calorie count.
Added Fats: Sautéing the onions and other vegetables in butter or olive oil adds calories, but also flavor. The amount can be controlled more easily in a homemade recipe compared to a restaurant's preparation.
Broccoli and Other Vegetables: While broccoli and carrots are low in calories, the overall vegetable-to-base ratio can affect the final nutritional value. A soup with a higher density of vegetables and less of the heavy cream base will naturally be lighter.
Serving Size: A small cup of soup will have fewer calories than a large bowl. Restaurant servings often contain significantly more than a standard 1-cup serving at home.

A Look at Different Broccoli Cheddar Soup Options

To better illustrate the calorie differences, let's compare a few common examples:

Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Bowl): One of the most famous versions, a bowl from Panera Bread can contain around 360-370 calories, with a high amount of fat and sodium due to its rich, creamy base. The bowl served in a bread bowl can exceed 900 calories.
Lightened-Up Homemade Recipe: Many healthy recipes use methods like thickening with puréed potato or white beans instead of flour, and substituting a portion of the cheese or using reduced-fat options. These versions can bring the calorie count down to around 200-250 calories per cup.
Standard Homemade Recipe: A more traditional homemade recipe, using a butter roux and heavy cream, might land somewhere in the middle. Depending on the exact ingredients and serving size, this can range from 300 to 450 calories per bowl.

Making Healthier Choices

If you're watching your calorie intake, there are several ways to enjoy this classic soup without the guilt. Homemade versions are your best bet for controlling ingredients. Here are some tips:

Swap the dairy: Replace heavy cream with skim or low-fat milk, or even a milk alternative like unsweetened almond milk. Consider using Greek yogurt for extra protein and thickness.
Use less fat: Reduce the amount of butter or oil used for sautéing. You can also thicken the soup by adding a puréed potato or white beans instead of a flour and butter roux.
Increase the vegetables: A higher ratio of broccoli and carrots not only adds vitamins and fiber but also helps you feel fuller with fewer calories.
Choose your cheese wisely: Use a sharp cheddar cheese, as its more pronounced flavor allows you to use less cheese overall while still getting that cheesy kick.

Comparison of Common Broccoli Cheddar Soup Types


Soup Type	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Main Factors Affecting Calories
Panera Bread (Bowl)	~1.5 cups (420-450g)	360-370	Rich, creamy base, full-fat cheese, generous portion size.
Lightened Homemade	~1 cup (240g)	175-250	Use of lower-fat milk, less cheese, and minimal butter; may use alternative thickeners.
Standard Homemade	~1 cup (240g)	300-450+	Use of heavy cream, a butter/flour roux, and more liberal use of full-fat cheese.
Restaurant-Style	Varies (often large)	300-500+	Dependent on the specific chain; generally high in cream, butter, and cheese.

Conclusion

The calorie content of a bowl of broccoli and cheddar soup is not a fixed number. It is a highly variable figure that depends heavily on preparation method, ingredients, and portion size. While a restaurant-style version can be a significant caloric investment, a homemade soup offers the flexibility to control ingredients and create a delicious, lower-calorie meal. Being mindful of these factors empowers you to enjoy this comforting dish while aligning with your dietary needs. For those looking to learn more about nutrition, resources like the USDA's FoodData Central offer comprehensive nutritional databases.

Keypoints

Wide Calorie Range: A bowl of broccoli and cheddar soup can range from under 200 calories for a light, homemade version to over 450 calories for a rich, restaurant-style serving.
Ingredients are Key: Heavy cream, butter, full-fat cheese, and roux bases contribute the most to a higher calorie count.
Homemade vs. Restaurant: Homemade soup offers more control over ingredients, allowing for a lower-calorie result, whereas restaurant versions like Panera's are typically calorie-dense.
Lighter Alternatives Exist: Healthier versions can be made by swapping heavy cream for lighter milk or puréed vegetables for thickening.
Portion Control Matters: A smaller cup of soup will naturally contain fewer calories than a large bowl, regardless of the recipe.
Ingredient Ratios: A higher ratio of fibrous vegetables to creamy base results in a more filling, lower-calorie soup.

Faqs

Question: Is broccoli cheddar soup fattening? Answer: It can be, depending on the preparation. Rich restaurant versions with heavy cream and lots of full-fat cheese are higher in fat and calories. A lighter homemade version can be a very healthy meal option.

Question: How can I reduce the calories in homemade broccoli cheddar soup? Answer: To reduce calories, use lower-fat milk instead of heavy cream, thicken the soup with a puréed potato or white beans instead of a butter and flour roux, and use less or reduced-fat cheese.

Question: How many calories are in a bowl of Panera broccoli cheddar soup? Answer: A standard bowl of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup typically contains around 360-370 calories. The version served in a bread bowl can have significantly more, exceeding 900 calories.

Question: Are canned broccoli cheddar soups high in calories? Answer: Canned soup calories vary by brand. Some condensed soups are lower in calories, but often contain higher amounts of sodium. Always check the nutrition label for specifics.

Question: What is the healthiest way to thicken broccoli and cheddar soup? Answer: The healthiest ways to thicken the soup include puréeing some of the vegetables (like potato or cauliflower) in the broth or adding puréed white beans. This adds thickness and fiber without extra fat and calories.

Question: Can I make a dairy-free broccoli and cheddar soup? Answer: Yes, you can. Substitute dairy with ingredients like unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond milk or cashew milk) and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for the cheesy flavor.

Question: What nutrients does broccoli cheddar soup provide? Answer: Even with a higher calorie count, the soup provides nutrients from the broccoli and carrots, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and vitamin A. The cheese adds protein and calcium.

Question: How does serving size affect calorie count? Answer: Serving size has a direct impact. For example, a 1-cup serving from Nutritionix lists 216 calories, while a larger bowl from Panera contains 360-370 calories.

Question: What are some low-calorie additions to broccoli cheddar soup? Answer: To add flavor without increasing calories, try adding spices like nutmeg, smoked paprika, or mustard powder. Garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs can also enhance the taste.

Question: Is broccoli cheddar soup keto-friendly? Answer: Traditional recipes are often too high in carbs due to ingredients like flour and milk. However, specific keto versions can be made using cauliflower as a base and incorporating heavy cream and cheese while omitting starchy thickeners.

Frequently Asked Questions

It can be, depending on the preparation. Rich restaurant versions with heavy cream and lots of full-fat cheese are higher in fat and calories. A lighter homemade version can be a very healthy meal option.

To reduce calories, use lower-fat milk instead of heavy cream, thicken the soup with a puréed potato or white beans instead of a butter and flour roux, and use less or reduced-fat cheese.

A standard bowl of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup typically contains around 360-370 calories. The version served in a bread bowl can have significantly more, exceeding 900 calories.

Canned soup calories vary by brand. Some condensed soups are lower in calories, but often contain higher amounts of sodium. Always check the nutrition label for specifics.

The healthiest ways to thicken the soup include puréeing some of the vegetables (like potato or cauliflower) in the broth or adding puréed white beans. This adds thickness and fiber without extra fat and calories.

Yes, you can. Substitute dairy with ingredients like unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond milk or cashew milk) and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for the cheesy flavor.

Even with a higher calorie count, the soup provides nutrients from the broccoli and carrots, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and vitamin A. The cheese adds protein and calcium.