Broccoli Soup with a Golden Cheese Topping

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups vegetable broth, or more to taste
• 2 pounds broccoli, trimmed
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 3 slices country white bread, halved crosswise
• 3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Step 1

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent—this should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and give it a quick stir for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the broth and bring everything to a simmer over high heat.

Step 2

While the broth heats up, separate the broccoli into florets, cutting the bigger ones in half. Chop the stems into half-inch pieces. Add the broccoli to the simmering broth, cover the pot, and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens a bit. Then lower the heat to medium-low and keep it simmering, stirring every now and then, until the broccoli is really tender—about 10 minutes. Take the pot off the heat.

Step 3

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s really smooth. Stir in the cream along with salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and a little cayenne for a gentle kick. Put the pot back on low heat and warm the soup through for about 5 minutes.

Step 4

While the soup is warming, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Spread the remaining tablespoon of butter on both sides of your bread slices, then place them on the sheet. Pop them in the oven and toast, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and crisp—around 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 5

Spoon the soup into oven-safe crocks, filling them almost to the top. Lay a piece of the toasted bread on top of each, then cover with a generous handful of shredded Cheddar. Move your oven rack close to the broiler, about 6 inches from the heat, and turn the broiler on. Place the baking sheet under the broiler and watch carefully as the cheese melts and bubbles, browning beautifully in about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 6

Serve hot and enjoy!