My “Panera” Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients

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4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup water

8 cups coarsely chopped broccoli

3-4 carrots, shredded

1/2 cup butter (divided)

1 onion, diced

2-3 stalks celery, thinly sliced

1/2 cup flour

4 cups milk (I used 1 percent)

4 cups shredded cheddar (or mix it up as desired)

8 ounces velveeta, cubed

salt and pepper to taste

Method

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1. In large soup pot, combine broth, broccoli, water and carrot and bring to simmer over medium low heat.

2. In a skillet, melt 1 Tbsp of the butter and add the onion and celery. Sauté until translucent - about 8 minutes. Don’t brown. Add into simmering vegetables.

3. In same skillet, melt the rest of the butter. Whisk in flour and continue to whisk and cook for 2-3 minutes. Gradually add milk while continuing to whisk constantly. When smooth, add into vegetable mixture in soup pot. Simmer for 20-30 minutes

4. Add cheeses and gently stir until they all melt. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for another 10 minutes. Make sure all the veggies are nice and soft.