Optional garnish: herbs, cooked crumbled bacon, or diced cooked ham
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and sauté for 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are slightly softened. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Simmer With the Vegetables: Add the half-and-half and stock or broth. Bring to a boil. Add the broccoli and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Add Cheese and Seasonings: Add the cheese and cook for a few more minutes, stirring until the cheese is melted. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.