Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 0.5 onion, chopped
• 0.25 cup melted butter
• 0.25 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1.5 cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets
• 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• 2.5 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps

1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
2. Whisk 1/4 cup melted butter and flour together in a large saucepan over medium-low heat; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to prevent burning, if necessary, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Gradually add remaining milk while whisking constantly; stir in chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook until mixture thickens, 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Add broccoli, carrots, celery, and cooked onion; simmer until vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Stir in Cheddar cheese; cook until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.