Recipe: Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup

I honestly could eat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup every day; but my wallet says otherwise. So what is a mama to do to get her Broccoli Cheese Soup fix? Make her own Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe of course!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups half-and-half (I made my own with 2% milk- see recipe below)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 pound fresh broccoli ( florets only)
• 1 cup carrots, julienne
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Ginger (or Nutmeg)
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Saute onions in a dab of butter in small pan – set aside.

In a large pot– melt butter and add flour. Mix for 3 minutes.

Slowly add half- half – mixing the entire time.

***** I did not have Half and Half. I used 3 tablespoons melted butter and the rest 2% milk to add up to 2 cups. *****

Add Chicken Broth- mixing the entire time.

Simmer on low for 20 minutes.

Add broccoli, carrots; onions and cook on low for 25 minutes.

Season with salt, pepper; Ginger. (The recipe originally called for Nutmeg but my son has a nut allergy and I wasn’t sure if he could have that.)

Add cheese and heat on Low until cheese is melted.

Serve and Enjoy!

My own Half and Half:

Before cheese was added: