Panera Bread Broccoli-Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter 

1 onion, diced 

2 teaspoons garlic powder 

1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 

1 package (16 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli 

1 cup carrots julienne 

1 quart (4 cups) chicken broth 

1/2 cup all-purpose flour 

1 1/2 cups milk 

salt to taste 

1 package (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

In a stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Saute the onion in the butter. Add garlic and pepper; cook for 1 minute. Stir in the broccoli and carrots, and stir in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil and simmer until the broccoli is tender, 10-15 minutes.

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour and milk together until dissolved. Stir into the soup, stirring frequently until thickened. Reduce the heat and stir in the cheese until melted and heated through.

Season with salt to your taste. 

Serve hot, in either a soup bowl or a bread bowl like used at Panera Bread.