Panera copycat - Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 medium chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups half-and-half cream
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
  • 1/2 lb broccoli (about 3 cups), chopped into bite size pieces
  • 1 cup carrot julienned (can buy matchstick carrots in produce section)
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional but brings out the flavor)
  • 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups)
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Melt the 1/4 cup butter and sautee the onions in it until soft. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Cook and stir over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
  • Whisk in the half & half and chicken stock.
  • Add the broccoli and carrots. Cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes or until the broccoli and carrots are tender.
  • Add salt and pepper. You can leave the soup chunky or blend about 1 cup of the soup and stir it in for a smoother soup (that's what I do). Return to low heat and add the cheese. If your heat is too high your soup can get grainy. Stir in the nutmeg if desired.
  • Serve with crusty bread.