There are blogs talking about broccoli Cheddar soup and how their’s is better than Panera. I don’t know how Panera make their broccoli Cheddar Soup, and I don’t know if this one is better but I can say I like mine better. It has a little bit of heat from the smoked and hot paprika which I really enjoy. I also used the smoked cheddar which again adds another smokey element.

I call this healthy-ish because I substituted out half the butter for olive oil and used half and half and 2% milk instead of heavy cream. You can certainly use all butter and heavy cream, but I like this slightly lighter version.

You could also go 100% olive oil, vegetable stock, almond milk, vegan cheddar cheese and have a vegan version. I’ve never made this version but I suspect you might want to thicken it up with a little potato or something.

Ingredients for Healthy-ish Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 white onion, minced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp AP flour
• 3-4 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 2-4 tsp paprika, we used half smoked and half hot paprika
• 1 large broccoli head, chopped
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1 cup lactose-free half and half
• 1 cup 2% lactose-free milk
• 8 oz (1/2 lbs) good quality aged smoked Cheddar cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper too taste

How to make Healthy-ish Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Heat a large stock pot to medium heat. Add butter and olive oil. Once melted, add the onions and cook until translucent. Next, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Next, whisk in the flour slowly. Continue to whisk until the mixture turns blonde. Add paprika.
3. Whisk in the chicken stock a cup at a time, bring to a boil and add the broccoli and carrots. Reduce the soup to a simmer and continue to cook until the broccoli and carrots are cooked through. About 15 minutes.
4. Finally, mix in the half and half / milk and the shredded cheese. Continue to mix until combined. Taste and reseason if needed. Keep warm until serving.
5. We served with charred bread. To do this slice your bread, dress with olive oil and salt, pepper and toast however you like. You can use a grill pan, toaster, oven or the broiler in your oven. Enjoy.