Copycat Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Ingredients

1 small yellow onion chopped
4 cups of fresh broccoli chopped
1 cup matchstick carrots
1 stalk of celery sliced thin
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
2 cups milk
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, see notes
Scallions for garnish

Directions

Add the broccoli, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper to your slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours.

Melt the butter in the microwave and whisk the flour into the butter.

Whisk the butter/flour roux into the slow cooker, stirring to eliminate any lumps.

Stir in the milk and cheese.

Let cook another hour on low or until the cheese is melted and the soup thickens.

Scallions for garnish