Panera Copycat: Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

What can I say about Panera Bread?! It's AMAZING! I love lots of different things from there, but two of my favorites are the Greek Salad and the Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup.  I usually get the you pick two and choose a cup of broccoli and cheddar soup and half of a greek salad when I go there. Unfortunately, I live in a city in Arizona that doesn't have a Panera bread. So when I started craving some I searched high and low and found a copycat recipe on Pinterest, which of course I pinned right away and had to try it. 

This recipe is just as good as going to Panera Bread especially with some sourdough bread. I think next time I might add it in a sourdough bread bowl. YUM! I am so glad I have this recipe, now I don't have to wait until I am in San Diego to have this amazing soup.

Ingredients 

1 (12 oz) bag of broccoli florets 

1/2 medium onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups half and half (I used fat free)

2 cups chicken stock ( I used unsalted, it still has sodium but just a lot less)

1 (8 oz) bag of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 tsp nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Melt 1 tbsp of butter then add onion and saute them.

2. In a separate pot, add remaining butter and melt, then add flour. Cook for approx. 5 minutes over medium heat, whisking continuously with a whisk. 

3. Slowly add in half and half, continue stirring.

4. add chicken stock, stir and let simmer for 20 minutes. 

5.  add broccoli, Sautéed onion, and carrots. Let it cook for additional 25 minutes over low heat.

6. Add cheese and stir until melted, add nutmeg, and pepper and salt to taste.

JUST A NOTE

(I did not have carrots when I made this the first time that is why they are missing in the picture.)

I found this recipe on Mommy Musings Blog

Hope you guys enjoy!!