Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• 1 tablespoon butter 
• 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

Directions

1. Melt 1/4 cup of butter in large pot. Whisk in flour over medium low heat, cook until well blended and flour loses granular texture.
2. Gradually add milk to the flour mixture whisking constantly. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened about 20 minutes, stirring periodically. Add broccoli and carrots; simmer until vegetables are tender – about 20 minutes.
3. Stir in cheddar cheese until cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste, serve with crusty bread

Adadpted from All Recipes