Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I love love love Broccoli Cheddar Soup but I am kinda picky about it. This soup was amazing! Warm, cheesy and filling! The recipe is from Cassie Craves.

6 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion (chopped )
1/4 cup AP flour
2 cups half-and-half
3 cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups broccoli florets
1 large carrot (diced )
2 1/2 cups grated sharp white and/or yellow cheddar cheese (plus more to top with)

Melt butter in a pot, saute the onion until tender. Add the flour and whisk it in, cook until golden brown. Slowly whisk in the half and half until smooth. Add the broth, bay leaves and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium low and cook uncovered for 20 minutes. Add broccoli and carrot, simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Remove the bay leaves. Place soup in blender and puree until smooth. Add it back to the pot. Add cheese and stir in. If soup is too thick, add water to thin it out. Pour into bowls and top with cheese.