Loaded Broccoli, Potato & Cheese Soup

Source: Found on Pinterest

Great flavor, perfect anytime.

Ingredients

2 (14.5 oz.) cans chicken broth
2-3 large carrots, peeled and diced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed in small pieces
1 t. onion powder

2 small heads broccoli (washed and diced small)

6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped (garnish)

Cheese Sauce

3 Tbls. butter
1/3 c. unbleached all-purpose white flour
3-1/2 c. milk (room temp)

3 c. shredded cheddar cheese, room temp.
1 t. salt
1/2 t. garlic pepper (see note below)

Instructions

In a large soup pot, combine chicken broth, carrots, potatoes and onion powder. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add broccoli, cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

While simmering, melt butter in a large sauce pan. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute or until golden brown. Whisk in milk and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Add cheese and stir until it is all melted. Add salt and garlic pepper.

Pour cheese sauce into the large soup pot and stir until well combined. Add more milk for a thinner consistency if preferred.

Top with bacon pieces when serving.

Serves 6

NOTE: If you don’t have garlic pepper on hand you can make your own. Combine 2 t. garlic powder, 2 t. course black pepper, 1 t. brown sugar, ½ t. ground cumin, ½ t. salt, ½ t. onion powder, ¼ t. paprika and ¼ t. dried parsley. Mix all together and store in an air-tight container.