In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the butter, onion, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and salt and pepper. Stir occasionally for ~7-10 minutes or until vegetables are vibrant, fragrant and somewhat softened.
Add in the flour, basil and red pepper chili flakes if using. Stir for ~1 minute to coat veggies.
Add in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Cover, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth and creamy. Alternately, carefully transfer the hot soup to a blender and blend. Once blended, add in heavy cream and cheese. Stir until combined.
Serve warm and garnish with cheese and bacon if desired.
Video
Notes
Kitchen appliances to make soup creamy: Use an immersion blender, blender or potato masher. Immersion blender is my tool of choice!
You can use frozen broccoli & cauliflower if you don't have fresh on hand!
Flour* To make gluten free: use gluten free flour
This makes enough for 8 people for dinner. If serving smaller portions for appetizers it will of course feed more.
We usually enjoy this for dinner with grilled cheese! SO good and comforting.