Homemade Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup!

Ingredients

• 3 cups broccoli florets chopped into bite-sized peices- reserving 1/2 cup for later
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 Heaping cup of cheddar cheese plus extra for topping [freshly grated]
• 1 heaping cup of regular asiago cheese [freshly grated]
• 1 cup fresh carrots shredded
• 1 large onion diced
• 2 large cloves of garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 Tbsp all purpose flour
• 4 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, place the chicken broth, broccoli (minus the reserved 1/2 cup) , onions, garlic, carrots an heat until boiling, mixing every minute or so for roughly 7 minutes- until broccoli is nice & tender and onions are soft. set aside.
2. In a separate large pot, add the butter and flour - on medium heat, whisking constantly.
3. Remove from heat and pour in your broth/broccoli mixture and slowly, mix well
4. slowly add in your heavy cream then put on low temp, uncovered and allow to simmer
5. Next add in all of your spices, the cheeses as well, while stirring consistently.
6. Simmer about 7 minutes on low-med, mixing occasionally
7. Place 1/2 cup of reserved broccoli into the microwave and steam until soft.
8. Garnish your soup with the reserved steamed broccoli and top with grated cheddar.
9. ENJOY!