Panera Broccoli and Cheese Soup (The Girl Who Ate Everything)

Recipe was adapted from The Girl Who Ate Everything.

This meal was a hit with our family! Thanks Aimee for the recipe. We will definitely make this again. I actually doubled this recipe and had leftovers for lunch. Please comment and let me know what you think.

Ingredients

1 2 lb fresh broccoli (about 3 cups), fresh or frozen. I used frozen.

1 cup carrot

1/2 onion, medium

2 cups chicken stock

1/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 salt and pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

5 tbsp butter

8 oz cheddar cheese, grated sharp

2 cups half-and-half cream. I used 2% milk. Less fat.

Instructions

Saute onion in 1 tablespooon of butter. Set aside.

Cook ¼ melted butter and flour and whisk over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. Stir constantly and add half and half or milk.

Add the chicken stock and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes.

Add salt, pepper and garlic powder. You can leave the soup chunky or blend about 1 cup of the soup and stir it in for a smoother soup. Return to low heat and add the cheese. Stir in nutmeg.

Serve with crusty bread.