Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by chopping the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Cook the Broccoli:
Add the chopped broccoli and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.

Thicken the Soup:
In a small bowl, combine the flour with a little broth to make a smooth paste. Stir the paste into the soup, then let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the soup has thickened.

Add Cream and Cheese:
Stir in the heavy cream, then gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it’s fully melted and the soup is creamy.

Season the Soup:
Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, you can top with crumbled bacon or extra cheese.

Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.