Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

 Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

• 5 Tablespoons salted butter
• ½ cup chopped yellow onion
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, mild or sharp

Instruction

1. First, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Next, add onions and cook for about 4-5 minutes.
3. Then make a roux by stirring in the flour. Stir until the roux turns the color of peanut butter.
4. Next, slowly whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half while whisking constantly. Bring the soup to a slow bubble and then reduce the heat to simmer.
5. Then stir in the broccoli florets and carrots and simmer for 15 minutes. Be sure to stir the soup every few minutes.
6. Finally, stir in the cheese and salt and mix until the cheese is melted. Season with additional salt to taste and serve.