Hearty Cheese Soup By Panera Bread

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup mushroom, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked ham or 1/2 cup cooked bacon
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese
• salt
• ground pepper
• bread, bowls (optional)

Recipe

• 1 in a large stockpot, melt butter or margarine.
• 2 add chopped veggies and ham or bacon and cook over medium heat until veggies are slightly tender, about 10 minutes.
• 3 stir in flour and cornstarch. cook, stirring constantly, about 3 minutes.
• 4 add broth and continue stirring until slightly thickened.
• 5 add milk and spices.
• 6 add cheese gradually, stirring until cheese is melted. to avoid curdling, do not allow soup to boil after cheese is added.
• 7 season to taste with salt and pepper and serve, piping hot in a hollowed sourdough bread bowl.