Panera's Broccoli Cheese Soup Copycat Recipe

I really wish I had the recipe for Panera's baguette that comes with this..... but for now I'll settle for this copy cat recipe for their Broccoli Cheese Soup.  I am happy with this recipe, and  I think it turns out just like what you get at their restaurant.  (For those who don't have a Panera close by, Panera is in the same restaurant family as Paradise Bakery.  So some of the same salads can be bought at both, and I imagine they have some of the same soups as well. I just wish Panera had the same quality of treats as Paradise..... Paradise's chocolate chip coconut cookies are heavenly as well as many of their other treats.... while most of Panera's treats are dried out and not so good. :( Unfortunately.) But their soups and salads are yummy! And it's probably a good thing that I'm not a fan of their treats! :)  

Copy Cat of Panera's Broccoli Cheese Soup (Serves 4)

*Saute 1/2 an onion, chopped in 1 Tbs. butter until onions are translucent.  Set Aside. 

 

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups half and half (or one can evaporated milk)

2 cups water with 2 tsp. chicken bouillon granules (2 cups. chicken broth)

1/2 lb. fresh broccoli, cleaned and trimmed (Or 1 Bag of Green Giant Broccoli with Cheese Sauce)

2 carrots, julienned and then cut into 1" slivers

Dash of nutmeg

8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. parsley flakes

 

*Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat and sprinkle in flour.  Have the broth ready to go. Using a wire whisk, stir the butter and flour together and cook for a minute or two.  While continuing to whisk, slowly add in the broth.  Be sure to whisk until the mixture is smooth.  Continue to whisk in the half and half or evaporated milk.   I honestly can't really tell much of a difference using the half and half vs. evaporated milk, so I usually use the fat free evaporated milk.  Turn the heat down and keep barely simmering for about 10-15 minutes.  Then add the carrots and broccoli.  I'm not going to lie here--- lately I've been lazy and I just add 1 package of the Green Giant Broccoli and Cheese Steamers (I microwave it on high for 7 minutes first and cut any large pieces into bite sized bits).  They sell them at Sam's Club so I usually have them on hand instead of fresh broccoli. Cook over low heat about 20 more minutes until the carrots and broccoli are fully cooked.  Add the pepper, parsley, nutmeg and cheese.  Stir until melted and well combined.  Serve hot.  The recipe said that it serves 4, but since my youngest two aren't great soup eaters, it serves our family of 6 perfectly, with no leftovers.