Broccoli Cheese Soup (Panera Style)

by Heather Del Nero

This recipe is pretty easy and fairly affordable to make!

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 25 mins

Total time: 35 mins

Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1⁄2 medium chopped onion
• 1⁄4 cup melted butter
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1⁄2 lb fresh broccoli (about 3 cups), chopped into bite size pieces
• 1 cup carrot, julienned (can buy matchstick carrots in produce section)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups)
• salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Sauté onion in 1 tablespoon of butter. Set aside.
2. Cook the ¼ cup melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir constantly and add the half & half.
3. Add the chicken stock and simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli, carrots and reserved onions. Cook over low heat 20-25 minutes.
5. Add salt and pepper. You can leave the soup chunky or blend about 1 cup of the soup and stir it in for a smoother soup (that's what I did). Return to low heat and add the cheese. If your heat is too high your soup can get grainy. Stir in the nutmeg.
6. Serve with crusty bread.