Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Cheese soup recipe from Panera Bread is one of our favorites from the Copy Cat Recipes collection. I especially like to serve it in bread bowls when ever we have a diner party.

Don't forget to check out the CopyCat CookBook Review we just completed for more great restaurant recipes!

Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup

Serves/Makes: 4
Ready In: 30-60 minutes

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup melted butter
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 pound fresh broccoli
1 cup carrots, julienned
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
salt & pepper, to taste
8 ounces grated sharp cheddar

Directions:
Saute onion in butter. Set aside.
Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for about 4 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently.
Slowly add the half-and-half, continue stirring.
Add the chicken stock whisking all the time.
Simmer for 20 minutes.

Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat until the veggies are tender, about 20 minutes.
Add salt and pepper.
By now the soup should be thickened.
Pour in batches into blender and puree.
Return the puree to the pot and place over low heat, add the grated cheese; stir until well blended.
Stir in the nutmeg.
Serve.

Serving Suggestion: Pick up some large crusty rolls to use as a bread bowl.

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