Broccoli Cheese Soup

Today is one of those dreary, chilly days. To be honest, I love it.

Something about this kind of weather makes me want to cozy up on the couch and read or watch a cheesy Hallmark movie. Y'know, those things you save for lazy, rainy days.

And to top these kinds of days off? Soup.

My husband loves Panera's broccoli cheddar soup. It's surprisingly not too bad in the calorie department too! But sometimes I'm just really not in the mood to go out.

So I found this recipe for days like today.

Hubs loved it, and it was really simple to throw together.

To save yourself some time, try getting one of those steam-in-a-bag things for the broccoli.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

(Original recipe by Mel's Kitchen Cafe)

via

 

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 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 or blanched broccoli

Directions
Simmer chicken broth and chopped onion for 15-20 minutes in a covered small saucepan, until onions are soft. Heat milk in microwave for 1-2 minutes. In a separate medium-sized stockpot, melt butter then add flour, salt and pepper. Cook together, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes, then whisk in warmed milk. Stir and heat together on medium heat until soup starts to thicken, about 5-8 minutes. Add warmed chicken broth and continue to stir until well blended. Add cheeses and stir until completely melted. Stir in steamed broccoli. Add more salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Serve immediately in bowls or bread bowls.