Cheesy Pumpkin Potato Leek Soup - Dinner Bell Creamery

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced, divided
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 leeks, sliced and rinsed
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small sugar pumpkin, peeled, seeded and diced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
• 1 fresh bay leaf
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 5 to 8 bread bowls (optional)
• 1 small fresh rosemary sprig
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds