Copycat Panera Bread^® Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1 -Heat a skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat.

Step 2 -Add 1 tablespoon of the room temperature butter.

Step 3 -Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 4 -In a separate saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the remaining melted butter and the flour together.

Step 5 -Cook until the flour loses its granular texture, adding the extra milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, to keep the flour from burning, about 3- 4 minutes.

Step 6 -Slowly pour the remaining 2 cups of the milk into the flour mixture, while whisking constantly to prevent burning.

Step 7 -Add the chicken stock into the milk mixture and stir.

Step 8 -Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the raw flour smell is gone and the mixture has thickened, about 20 minutes. Add the broccoli, the carrots, the sautéed onions, and the celery.

Step 9 -Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

Step 10 -Add the cheddar cheese into the vegetable mixture and stir until the cheese melts.

Step 11 -Season with the salt and the pepper.

Step 12 -Serve immediately!