Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup - copycat recipe

Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is so good! Here's a copycat version that is very close to the original. As a matter of fact, Barry said to our niece, "Hope it's as good as Panera's." She said, "It's better!"
 We served it in homemade bread bowls before our road trip to view Christmas lights. It warmed us up for our cold outing!

Soup supper: Panera's copycat Broccoli Cheddar served in homemade Bread Bowl; Olive Garden's copycat Salad and Dressing as an accompaniment.

Panera's Broccoli Cheese Soup   4 servings

1 tablespoon melted butter

1/2 medium chopped onion

1/4 cup melted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups half-and-half cream

2 cups chicken broth or stock (or more depending on desired thickness)

1/2 lb, fresh broccoli, chopped into bite size pieces

1 cup carrot, shredded

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

8 ozs. (2 cups) grated sharp cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Sauté onion in butter. Set aside.
   
2. Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and add the half & half.
   
3. Add the chicken stock. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat 20 to 25 minutes.
   
5. Add salt and pepper. 
6. Add cheese. 
   
7. Stir in nutmeg.
   
8. Serve with crusty bread or in a bread bowl.
   

Recipe without photos . . .
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup   4 servings

1 tablespoon melted butter 

1/2 medium chopped onion 

1/4 cup melted butter 

1/4 cup all-purpose flour 

2 cups half-and-half cream 

2 cups chicken broth or stock (or more depending on desired thickness)

1/2 lb, fresh broccoli, chopped into bite size pieces 

1 cup carrot, shredded

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 

8 ozs. (2 cups) grated sharp cheddar cheese 

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Sauté onion in butter. Set aside.
2. Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and add the half & half.
3. Add the chicken stock. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat 20 to 25 minutes.
5. Add salt and pepper. 
6. Add cheese. 
7. Stir in nutmeg.
8. Serve with crusty bread or in a bread bowl.