Broccoli Cheddar Soup
(Panera Bread Copycat Recipe)
(Panera Bread Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ medium chopped onion
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups half-and-half cream
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli
- ½ to 1 cup of carrots, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, I don’t add it in my soup)
- 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese (Sargento is my favorite, NOT finely grated)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Saute the onion in 1 tablespoon melted butter and set aside. In a large pot whisk together the remaining butter and flour over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken stock and then the half and half. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add the broccoli, carrots, and onions. Let them simmer on medium low for about 25 minutes until the broccoli and carrots are TENDER.
- For a smoother soup puree, I use my hand-held blender and give it a few blends to break up some of the broccoli. My husband prefers the chunks, so I make sure to leave a few whole pieces for him.
- Add nutmeg (optional), salt and pepper (optional) and sharp cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt, usually takes 2 to 3 minutes and then serve.
Serves about 4 (depending on your portion size) 😉