Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Panera Copycat Soup

Do you like Broccoli Cheddar Soup? Do you like to order the Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup and wish you could have it at home for lunch today?

Check out this delicious copycat recipe from Lecremedelacrumb. 

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon butter
½ medium onion diced
3 cups water
3 teaspoons beef bouillon (or 3 beef bouillon cubes) OR veggie broth for a vegetarian version
¼ cup butter (4 tablespoons)
¼ cup flour
1½ cups fat free half & half (or regular)
3 cups chopped broccoli florets
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste – I like it with about 1½ teaspoons)
½ teaspoon white pepper
2 cups mild cheddar cheese

Directions

In a small pan sauté 1 tablespoon butter and onions over medium heat until onions are translucent. Remove from heat and set aside. In a small sauce pan bring water to a boil, add beef bouillon and whisk until combined. Remove from heat and set aside. In a deep pan or soup pot melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in flour until mixture clumps up or forms a “ball”. Add beef bouillon/water mixture and stir to combine. Slowly whisk in half & half and continue to stir until smooth. (If large lumps remain, mash them out with a rubber spatula)
Add broccoli florets and onions and bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and allow to simmer 15-20 minutes or until broccoli is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Stir in salt, white pepper, and cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is melted. Serve hot and top with additional cheese if desired.