Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
This yummy cheesy copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese soup comes together in the slow cooker for a tasty supper with little work! Serve in bread bowls or with bread on the side.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
- salt and pepper
- 2 12 oz cans evaporated milk
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 5 cups broccoli florets I substituted with frozen broccoli which I cooked in the microwave and drained well - to make sure there wasn't too much liquid I reduced the chicken broth by 1/2 cup as frozen veggies are usually packed with water when they cook
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 12 oz sharp shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 oz parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In large skillet melt butter over medium heat.
- Saute onions until they become transparent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and flour, as well as a little salt and pepper to flavor.
- Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Using a whisk, slowly add in evaporated milk and stir well to make it smooth.
- Cook mixture until it begins to thicken, then pour into slow cooker with chicken broth, broccoli & thyme.
- Cover and cook 2 1/2 - 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low.
- Turn heat off (or warm if you have that option), and add in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper and enjoy!