Description

This Slow Cooker Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is rich, creamy, and bursting with cheesy goodness. A cozy comfort food favorite made right at home with minimal effort.

Ingredients

1 small onion – chopped
4 cups fresh broccoli – chopped
1 cup matchstick carrots
1 stalk celery – sliced thin
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese
Scallions – for garnish

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Instructions

1. Add chopped onion, broccoli, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, and chicken stock to your slow cooker.

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

3. Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl.

4. Whisk the flour into the melted butter until smooth.

5. Add the butter-flour mixture to the slow cooker and stir well.

6. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Continue cooking on low for another hour, or until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

8. Garnish with sliced scallions and serve hot.

Notes

You can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for a smoother texture, or leave it chunky. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your cheese and broth.