Place all the veggies along with the chicken or vegetable sock in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 mins or until the veggies are cooked through.
Make the cheese sauce: in a small saucepan melt the butter. Add the flour and cook the flour for about a minute. Whisk in the milk and cook until thick. Turn off the heat and mix in the shredded cheese until melted.
Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the veggies, add the bay leaf, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for 15 mins.
Notes
If you like smooth soups, you can blend everything up for a smooth finish.