Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Catalina Cooks

Ingredients

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 onion)
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
• ¾ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is preferred)
• ¾ teaspoon ground mustard
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 3 cups half-and-half (see note 1)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 6 cups chopped broccoli (bite-sized pieces)
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 12 ounces grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 3 ¼ cups)
• Hearty buttered bread (optional, or serve in bread bowls)