“Better Than Panera” Broccoli Cheese Soup

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut milk

💰Cheaper: milk

Coconut milk is lower in calories and adds a unique flavor, while milk is more budget-friendly.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is lower in fat and adds a cheesy flavor, while processed cheese is often cheaper.

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter.

Add 1 finely chopped yellow onion and 1 cup of Matchstick carrots; stir and cook for about 6 minutes until softened.

Sprinkle 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the veggies and stir until coated.

Slowly stream in 2 cups of unsalted chicken broth while stirring to create a smooth texture.

Add 2 cups of half and half while stirring; continue to stir until the soup reaches a simmer.

Let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add 1 cup of grated American cheese and stir until smooth.

Add 1 and 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese and stir until smooth.

Season with 1 and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a scant 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce.

Prepare 2 broccoli crowns by trimming florets and cutting large pieces into smaller ones.

Steam the broccoli in a medium-sized saucepan with just under a half inch of water for about 10 minutes.

Add 3 to 4 cups of roughly chopped cooked broccoli to the soup, stir, and ladle into bowls.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens