Broccoli Cheese Soup

This is a copycat recipe of Panera's broccoli cheese soup. You can leave the broccoli in cut up pieces or what I did at the end was use an immersion blender to puree it a little bit. This is just one of those soups you want to be smooth!

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup flour
• 16 oz half and half
• 16 oz chicken broth
• 1 head fresh broccoli
• 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Dash salt and pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In a large stockpot, cook melted butter and flour and whisk over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. Slowly add half and half, still whisking. Then add chicken broth, still whisking! Let simmer for 20 minutes, then add broccoli and carrots. Cook over low heat until veggies are tender. Use immersion blender here until soup is to consistency desired. Add nutmeg, and the salt and pepper. Add cheese and stir until melted thoroughly.

Original recipe can be found here