The Girl in the Red Shoes

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Soup’s On!

My husband loves broccoli cheddar soup. Especially from Panera. So I set out to find a recipe to replicate it. 
The problem was every recipe I found was either a) crazy complicated, 
or b) included ingredients that sounded terribly bad for you.
Until I found this recipe on Mel’s Kitchen Cafe Blog.
And let me tell you, it is good. Really good. And super easy and quick, which are two of my requirements for week night dinners. 
I tried to take pictures along the way but it was impossible! The soup cooks up fast and you are constantly stirring or heating something. 
But here is the finished product. Looks good right?
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 can chicken broth (about 1 3/4 cups of broth)
1 small onion, diced
1/3 cup flour
1/4 cup butter
Pepper to taste (I used about 1/2 teaspoon)
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, preferably sharp or extra sharp
1/2 cup shredded swiss cheese
2 1/2 to 3 cups chopped, lightly steamed broccoli (I used 2 cups broccoli and then added some shredded carrots for extra veggies and because Panera’s soup has them!)
Directions:
1. Simmer chicken broth and chopped onion for 15 to 20 minutes in a covered small saucepan, until onions are soft. 
2. Heat milk in microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. 
3. In a separate medium-sized stockpot, melt butter then add flour and pepper. Cook together for a couple of minutes, then whisk in warmed milk. Stir and heat together on medium-high heat until soup starts to thicken. 
4. Meanwhile place chopped broccoli (and carrots) in a large glass bowl, cover with saran wrap and microwave for about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Next add chicken broth to mixture and continue to stir until well blended. 
6. Add cheeses, steamed broccoli/carrots. Serve immediately.
This would be delicious in a bread bowl, but to make it a little more balanced and healthy I served it with a side salad instead. But either way you’ll love it! This serves 4…perfect for dinner for two plus some leftovers for lunch. Next time I think I’ll double the recipe and freeze some of the soup for later!
Does anyone have other easy soup recipes they want to share?

Comments

  3. That looks amazing and I don't even like broccoli! All ingredients that everyone probably already have on hand, too, which is very important to me! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  5. Oh Julie I AM SO EXCITED about this recipe. I seriously am going to make it this weekend as it's one of my favorite soups! Thank you so much!

  6. Thanks for sharing this recipe! It looks wonderfully delicious and even better because it is a healthier version of broccoli cheddar! YUM 🙂

  14. This looks great…..I bet you could use this basic recipe but replace the broccoli and carrots with celery and potatoes…..potato-cheese soup!

  15. This seems way healthier than a lot of the recipes for cheesey broccoli out there. I'll have to give it a try. Thanks for the info!

  18. You just put the biggest smile on my face! Panera's broccoli cheddar soup is by far my favorite!! 🙂 this is a must on this week's dinner menu… thanks!! 🙂

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