Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

A couple of weeks ago we made this copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup and it was delicious!  So I thought I would share the recipe with you.

This makes a ton (24 servings) so you may want to cut the recipe in half (12 servings) or quarter (6 servings).  But the way I figure it, if you're going to go to all that work, you might as well have lots of leftovers to enjoy.  :-)

PANERA BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP (party size)

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup butter
• 2 medium chopped onions
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup flour
• 8 cups (2 quarts) chicken stock
• 8 cups (2 quarts) whole milk
• 8 cups (2 quarts) half-and-half cream
• 2 lbs fresh broccoli (chopped into bite size pieces)
• 4 cups carrot, julienned, grated (matchsticks)
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 8 cups (2 pounds) freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper
• crusty bread or bread bowl

DIRECTIONS

1. Sauté onions in ¼ cup butter. Set aside.
2. Boil together broccoli and carrots until tender.  Approximately 15 to 20 minutes.  Set aside.
3. Cook 1 cup butter and 1 cup flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until you see a noticeable golden brown color in your pan.
4. Slowly add in the chicken stock and whisk again to combine. Simmer contents (stirring occasionally) for 20 minutes on medium heat—or until thickened and bubbly.
5. Add the milk and half & half.  Stir together. Do not boil after adding dairy as it may curdle or turn grainy.
6. Add the drained broccoli, carrots and the sautéed onions, into the pot.
7. Add nutmeg.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Amount will vary due to salt content in cheese and broth.
8. Continue to cook the soup on low heat and slowly add the grated cheese a handful at a time and stir to avoid clumps. Once all the cheese has been added and is melted, remove from heat, and serve immediately. 
9. Suggestion: serve with crusty bread or in a sourdough bread bowl.
10. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.
11. 24 servings per recipe

Give this recipe a try.  We ate it in sourdough bread bowls.  It was divine!  As good as the restaurant.

That's my two cents.