Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped broccoli florets
• 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots
• 2 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• salt and ground black pepper to taste

1. Whisk 1/4 cup melted butter and flour together in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Continue to whisk and cook, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk if necessary to keep the flour from burning, 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly; stir in chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
3. Cook until mixture is thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Add broccoli, carrots; simmer until all the vegetables are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Stir in Cheddar cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

From Allrecipes.com