Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A Panera Bread Copycat!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approximately 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approximately 2 teaspoons / 6g)
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 cups (475ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 large head of broccoli (approximately 1.5 lbs / 680g), cut into small florets
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 4 cups (450g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (very important!)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Salt and black pepper to taste