Super close to Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup

I’ve been trying recipes that claim to be “copycat Panera Bread” Broccoli Cheddar soups for a couple years now and haven’t found any to my liking – until tonight.  I almost never post a recipe same day, but this soup was SO close to Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar soup that I couldn’t wait to share.

For all the primal peeps out there – substitute arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.  I used flour because I didn’t have arrowroot on hand this time around.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• ½ medium chopped onion
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup flour (or arrowroot powder)
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 2 cups chicken stock
• lots of fresh broccoli (I used about 4 cups)
• 1 cup carrot, julienned
• 8-16 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese (depending on how much cheese you like)
• salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Saute the onion in 1 tablespoon melted butter and set aside. In a large pot whisk together the melted butter and flour over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes.
2. Slowly whisk in the half and half and chicken stock. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the broccoli, carrots, and onions. Let them simmer on medium low for about 25 minutes until the broccoli and carrots are tender.
4. Add salt and pepper and sharp cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt and then serve. For a smoother soup puree it with a handheld blender, but I kept it chunky.  SO yummy!
5. Enjoy!