Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups bread, chopped into cubes
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• pinch of garlic powder
• pinch of cayenne pepper
• sea salt & black pepper
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 lbs fresh broccoli, florets and stems chopped into 1″ pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, coarsely choppped
• 3 small garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 6 oz sharp cheddar (white or yellow), chopped into chunks
• 1 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, finely grated (plus more for topping)
• 4 slices applewood smoked bacon, cooked crisp and roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Sea salt & Black Pepper, to taste