Easy and Healthy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Panera Copycat)

frozen petite broccoli florets

mild cheddar cheese, shredded

small yellow onion, diced (1 cup)

large carrot, finely shredded (1 cup)

unsalted butter, diced

half & half (2 cups)

chicken broth (2 cups) (substitute vegetable broth to make vegetarian)

all-purpose flour

Dijon mustard

hot sauce