Loaded Broccoli Cheese and Bacon Soup

This soup is packed with healthy vegetables, it has carrots, celery, onion and broccoli. Plus it has potatoes which makes the soup a bit thicker. Then there is some cheese and bacon mixed in to make it even more delicious.

Loaded Broccoli Cheese and Bacon Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup peeled and diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 3 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes
• 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 2 heads of broccoli, diced
• 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard

Directions:

1. In a large pot, add in the broth, carrots, celery, potatoes and onion. Stir to combine everything and bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Cover the pot and simmer for 10 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add in the broccoli, cover and simmer for another 10 minutes.
4. In a medium pot, over medium heat, melt the butter.
5. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture start to turn golden, whisking constantly.
6. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture is bubbling and slightly thickened, about 5-8 minutes.
7. Add in the cheddar cheese a little at a time, stirring until completely melted before adding more. Stir in the black pepper and dried mustard.
8. Slowly pour the cheese sauce into the hot broth and vegetable mixture while whisking to combine.
9. Stir in the bacon and season with more black pepper is desired. If the soup is too thick add in a little bit more milk or chicken broth to get your desired consistency.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories 408
Total Fat		19g
Saturated Fat		10.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat		1.1g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		64.6g
Sodium		689.7g
Potassium		651g
Total Carbohydrates		34.1g
Dietary Fiber		5.8g
Sugars		11.6g
Protein		25.8g
Vitamin A 80.2% Vitamin C 234.1%
Calcium 19.9% Iron 7.9%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Mel's Kitchen Cafe.