Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Dice your bacon and add to a large pot on medium heat. Fry for about 5 minutes until crispy and set aside. Drain/ pour the grease out of your pot.
2. Melt your butter in a large pot on medium high heat. Add your diced onion and saute for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add your garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add your shredded carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften them.
3. Add your flour and mix it in well. Slowly add in your broth cup by cup mixing well in between to reduce clumping in the flour. Add your spices and chopped broccoli, mix well, cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the broccoli is soft. *optional* Blend a portion of your soup. Either immersion blend or scoop out a cup and blend in a blender separately then pour back in. This helps thicken things up.
4. Turn your heat to medium low. Stir in your heavy cream and cook for a few minutes letting it thicken further. Slowly add in handfuls of your freshly grated cheddar mixing in between each one and letting it melt (Do NOT let the soup boil or the cheese will separate).
5. Serve topped with more cheese, green onions and bacon. Enjoy!!!