St. Louis Bread Company’s Broccoli Cheese Soup

When those of us from the St. Louis area hear the word “Panera” we know that this is really the St. Louis Bread Company. After all, Panera began here in 1987 under that name, and because, surely, there would be outrage otherwise, it remains as St. Louis Bread Co. (Bread Co. to the locals) in each of its 100 plus locations in this area. My boys grew up eating their fresh bread and delicious soups, and many a bowl of their chicken noodle has nursed me through a cold.

Up until now, I never bothered with any of the copycat recipes of their food because I visit the stores often enough to pick up my own, but last night with the fridge bursting with broccoli, I gave this recipe a try. Wow. The creator of this version has the soup down pat. This was delicious, and even the broccoli-hating Mr. O-P gobbled it up. I used a sharp, white Vermont cheddar and the result was heavenly.

St. Louis Bread Company’s Broccoli Cheese Soup

As seen on Food.com

1 tablespoon melted butter

1⁄2 medium chopped onion

1⁄4 cup melted butter

1⁄4 cup flour

2 cups half-and-half

2 cups homemade chicken stock

1⁄2 lb. fresh broccoli (chopped into bite size pieces)

1 cup carrot, julienned

1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Salt and pepper

Saute onion in butter. Set aside.

Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and add the half & half.

Add the chicken stock. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat 20-25 minutes.

Add salt and pepper. Can be pureed in a blender but I don't. Return to heat and add cheese. Stir in nutmeg.

Serve with crusty bread.

PRINT RECIPE

This post is linked to:

Simple Saturdays

Saturday Sparks

Bouquet of Talent Saturday