Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup • Kroll's Korner

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil or butter
• 1 cup matchstick/julienned carrots (1/8th inch size)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cups broccoli (2 cups diced very small, 1 cup leave larger florets)
• 1 cup broccoli stems, diced small
• 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 1/2 tsp. garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half and half, slightly warmed
• 1 Tbsp. dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. hot sauce
• 1/4 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 oz. Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch + 1 1/2 Tbsp. water (optional to thicken further )