Panera Bread Copy Cat Broccoli & Cheese Soup

1/2 cup butter

1/2 onion diced

1 cup shredded carrots – didn’t use them

2 1/2-3 cups broccoli florets chopped small

1/4 cup flour

1 1/2 cup chicken broth

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 tsp salt

12 tsp pepper

pinch of crushed red pepper

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Melt butter in a large pot, add vegetables and cook over medium heat until softened. Add flour, stir in and cook a few minutes, stirring. Slowly add broth, milk and cream. Add seasonings and continue cooking and stirring until thickened. Stir in cheese and cook until melted.