Copy Cat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup

Copy Cat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half and half (or skim milk)
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 pound fresh broccoli (florets only)
1 cup carrots, julliene
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces grated cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Saute onions in a little butter in a small pan-set aside.
2. In a large stockpot, melt butter. Add flour and mix for 3 minutes.
3. Slowly add half and half (or skim milk), mixing the entire time.
4. Slowly add chicken stock, mixing the entire time.
5. Let simmer on low for 20 minutes.
6. Add broccoli, carrots, and onions and cook on low for 25 minutes.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
8. Place soup in a blender or use an immersion blender and puree.
9. Heat soup over low heat and add cheese and mix until melted.
10. Serve.