Broccoli Cheese Soup

This is my husband's favorite creamy soup, so I thought it was about time I made it for him. It truly is a one pot meal and so easy to make, which means I will be making it more often. This recipe is a copycat recipe from Panera's Broccoli Cheese Soup.

Ingredients:

1 T olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half n half
2 cups chicken broth
3 stalks broccoli, cut into florets
pinch nutmeg
1/4 tsp garlic powder
8 oz grated sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups)
kosher salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste

In a large soup pot, over medium heat add the olive oil and saute the onion for 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook another minute.  Melt the butter, then add the flour and whisk for 3 minutes.  Add the half n half and chicken broth and whisk to combine.  Turn the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  

Add the broccoli and cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until broccoli is tender.  Add the nutmeg, garlic powder, and cheddar cheese.  Stir to combine.  Taste and season with salt and pepper.  Use a potato masher to break up some of the broccoli, leaving some broccoli in florets.  This will give a nice creamy broccoli flavor with good bites of broccoli.  Serve in soup bowls and top with shredded cheese and croutons.  Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food.com