Better then Panera's - Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 Tbsp butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 medium carrots, roughly chopped
3 medium celery sticks, roughly chopped
1/4 cup salted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups half and half
12oz fresh broccoli - roughly chopped
2 carrots - peeled and chopped
1/2 tsp - salt
1/4 tsp - paprika - garlic powder - dry mustard (or 1/2 tsp reg mustard) - black pepper
2 cups cheddar cheese
1. ADD - 1TSBP butter - melt and add onions and carrots MED heat, sauté 2 to 3 mins until soften, add butter to Dutch Oven when butter is melted then add flour whisk together. Cook mixture about 1 min, whisking often.
2. Slowly pour in about a cup of broth, whisking while you pour. Add remaining broth slowly and then add half and half, also slowly and making sure there are no lumps.'
3. Let broth and half and half mixture cook for about 2 mins.
4. Add broccoli and stir to combine and then add all seasonings, stir again.
5. Reduce heat to Low / Low med, and simmer for about 10 - 15 mins or until thickened and broccoli is fork tender. If soup gets too thick, add more broth.
6. Blend soup with and Immersion blender until your desired texture is reached. If you do not have an Immersion blender, you can use a traditional blender but be careful, liquids will be hot.
7. Add grated cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring to melt. Taste soup and add more salt and pepper to taste.
8. Server hot and add your desire toppings. I added homemade breadcrumbs, fresh green onions and parsley with more cheese.
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[@earthplants]

🧀🥦 "Homemade broccoli and cheddar soup? Yes, please! 😋🍲 Such a comforting and delicious classic-perfect for cozy days. Great job making it from scratch! 👏❤"