Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

Name: Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 8 ounces); 1 large carrot, finely chopped; 3 cups chicken stock; 2 cups half-and-half cream; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup water or additional chicken stock; 2-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 6 small round bread loaves (about 8 ounces each), optional; Optional toppings: Crumbled cooked bacon, additional shredded cheddar cheese, ground nutmeg and pepper