Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This delicious copycat recipe and our favorite soup will keep you warm in the colder months. A classic at any dinner table, Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup has a cheesy robust flavor that will have you eating spoonful after spoonful. Make your favorite copycat recipes in the comfort of your own home and enjoy.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup butter melted, plus 2 tablespoons
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups half and half
• 2 cups chicken stock or bouillon
• 1/2 pound fresh broccoli
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over moderate heat and saute the onion until tender but not brown, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
    
2. Melt 1/4 cup of butter and slowly add flour and continue stiring until flour turns a brownish color.
    
3. Stir constantly and slowly add the half-and-half (this is called making a roux).
    
4. Add the chicken stock whisking all the time. Simmer for 20 minutes.
    
5. Add the broccoli, carrots and sauteed onions. Cook over low heat until the veggies are tender for 20-25 minutes. Add salt, pepper and garlic powder.
    
6. Pour in batches into blender and puree. Return to pot over low heat and add the grated cheese; stir until well blended.
    
7. Stir in the nutmeg and serve.