Fresh Ingredients:

• 12 oz bag of fresh chopped broccoli and cauliflower (or 3.5–4 cups chopped)
• 1 small yellow onion (1 ¼ cup diced)
• 2 large carrots (1 cup grated)
• 2–3 cloves garlic

For the Soup Base:

• 2 ½ TBSP unsalted butter (divided)
• 3 TBSP flour
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth if preferred
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Creaminess:

• 6 oz freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream or half cream + half milk

Tasty Topping Options:

• Extra grated cheddar cheese
• Crumbled cooked bacon or vegetarian bacon bits
• Chopped green onion
• Broccoli sprouts