Name: Better than Panera (copycat) Broccoli Cheese Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 Tablespoons butter; 1 small/medium sweet yellow onion, diced small; 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced finely; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup flour (to make it gluten free, try tapioca flour); 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups fat-free half-and-half (or regular half-and-half); 2 large carrots, trimmed, peeled, and sliced thin; A pinch of nutmeg; 2 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed and chopped; 4 ounces grated high quality extra-sharp cheddar cheese; 1 oz. grated aged white cheddar cheese; 1 oz. grated smoked gouda cheese; Red Robin seasoning (or salt) & freshly ground black pepper, or to taste; 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, to taste; 1/8 teaspoon chipotle powder (or cayenne), to taste; Extra grated cheddar, for the top

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 Tablespoons butter
1 small/medium sweet yellow onion, diced small
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced finely
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup flour (to make it gluten free, try tapioca flour)
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups fat-free half-and-half (or regular half-and-half)
2 large carrots, trimmed, peeled, and sliced thin
A pinch of nutmeg
2 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed and chopped
4 ounces grated high quality extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1 oz. grated aged white cheddar cheese
1 oz. grated smoked gouda cheese
Red Robin seasoning (or salt) & freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, to taste
1/8 teaspoon chipotle powder (or cayenne), to taste
Extra grated cheddar, for the top

Instructions

In a medium saucepan or soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the onion and saute for several minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is very tender and starts to brown. Add the garlic and saute a little more. Stir in the olive oil.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat. While stirring, add the broth a bit at a time, then the half & half. Stir for a few minutes more to mix it all up well. Reduce heat to medium low, stir in the carrots, and cook for about 15 – 20 minutes or until the soup is reduced a bit and a little thicker.
Stir in the broccoli and cook for a few minutes until the broccoli is hot, then stir in the cheese and add the seasonings. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve topped with a bit more shredded cheese.
Store leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge and reheat in the microwave.

Notes

RECIPE SOURCE: http://www.sumptuousspoonfuls.com/

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