Monday, October 31, 2016
Are you hooked on Broccoli Cheddar Soup like I am? You are!?!? Then you have to make this soup! IT IS INCREDIBLE! I had a sudden craving for Panera Bread some time ago, and made it my mission to find a copy cat recipe for their Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Pretty sure I scored when I found this one! It’s my favorite! Try it; you’ll see! Be warned, though… there is a very good chance you’ll become hooked on this soup. I won’t hold it against you; you’re in good company! Happy Monday, everyone!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 medium onion diced
3 cups water
3 teaspoons beef bouillon
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1-1/2 cups half & half
3 cups chopped broccoli florets
1 cup shredded carrots
A few dashes of salt to start
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
Instructions:
In a small pan saute´one 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 1/4 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, shredded carrots 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, pepper and cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is melted. Serve hot and top with additional cheese if desired.
(Adapted from Crème de la Crumb)
Note: The original recipe does not call for shredded carrots. I added them because they’re fabulous. Add a few dashes of salt and taste; it doesn’t take much. Also, I leave the water/beef bouillon mixture on low heat. Pour the warm liquid and then whisk like mad – there should be no lumps. 🙂 French bread is a must and you’re missing out if you don’t dip it. 🙂 Enjoy!
♥Tawnya