Homemade Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Produce

  • 1/8 tsp Basil, dried
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 2 cups Broccoli florets
  • 1 cup Carrots, fresh
  • 2 large cloves Garlic
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
  • 2 White onion, small

• Canned Goods

  • 2 cups Chicken broth

• Baking & Spices

  • 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 1 dash Black pepper, ground
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper
  • 1/8 tsp Nutmeg, ground
  • 1/8 tsp Salt

• Dairy

  • 3 tbsp Butter
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, sharp
  • 1 heaping cup Gouda cheese, regular
  • 1 cup Half and half

Found on sugarapron.com

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping [freshly grated]
• 1 heaping cup of regular gouda cheese [freshly grated]
• 1 cup fresh carrots
• 2 small white onion
• 2 large cloves of garlic
• 1 cup half and half
• 3 Tbsp all purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp dried basil
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/8 tsp salt
• dash of ground black pepper, to taste
• -----------------------------------------
• adapted from peas & crayons

Directions

• Dice the onions, mince the garlic and shred the carrot.
• For the broccoli :
• Chop 2/3 of it into tiny florets and then take the remaining 1/3 and give it a rough chop so you have a few large pieces to add to the soup.
• Place chicken broth, broccoli, onion, garlic, carrots, and bay leaf to a pot and cook over medium-high heat 8-10 minutes or until mixture comes to a boil.
• Cook 4-6 minutes more or until broccoli is tender.
• Once the broth is done, start your roux:
• In a large pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter on medium heat, whisking constantly.
• Once melted, slowly add 3 tablespoons of flour as you continue to whisk.
• Remove from heat and pour in the broth-veggie mixture and slowly stir in 1 cup of room temperature half and half.
• Place on very low heat, uncovered.
• Remove bay leaves from the pot and season with the above herbs and spices.
• Add the cheddar and gouda cheese a handful at a time, stirring to melt the cheese after each addition.
• Serve immediately in bowls or bread bowls.
• Steam reserved broccoli in your microwave.
• Garnish the soup with the reserved broccoli florets and a little extra grated cheddar.
• Bon appétit!