Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Yield:  8 servings 

½ cup butter

1 onion, chopped

½ cup flour

4 cups chicken broth

4 cups half-and-half

5 cups broccoli, chopped 

2 cup carrots, grated

nutmeg, little sprinkle

1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated

salt and pepper to taste

Bread Bowls

Melt butter in a pot on medium heat. Add onion and saute until golden, about 5 minutes, stirring a few times.

Next, sprinkle flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.

Slowly add 4 cups of chicken broth whisking it with flour, then add 4 cups of half-and-half, whisk until everything is combined.

 Into the same pot add broccoli, grated carrots and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Bring soup to a boil, turn the heat to low heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring few times.

Add a little sprinkle of nutmeg. Remove from the heat and stir the cheese into the broccoli soup.

Pour Soup into a bread bowl. Garnish with more cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy!