Broccoli Soup With Cheddar Croutons

This broccoli soup manages to be both comforting and healthful, thanks to the balance between decadence (cheddar croutons) and virtue (green veggies).

Two bowls of broccoli soup with cheddar croutons.
Photo: Caitlin Bensel
Hands On Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
4

Ingredients

  • 2 heads broccoli with stems (about 1 lb. total)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving

  • 2 large leeks, cut into ¼-in. slices (about 2 cups)

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided

  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped

  • 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-in. cubes

  • 2 cups baby spinach

  • ¼ cup sour cream

  • 5 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1¼ cups), divided

  • ¾ baguette (from an 8½-oz. loaf), cut into 12 (¼ in.) slices

  • Freshly ground black pepper, for serving

Directions

  1. Cut broccoli florets off stems; chop into 1-inch pieces. Peel stems and cut into ¼-inch slices.

  2. Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high. Add broccoli stem slices, leeks, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring often, for 1 minute.

  3. Preheat oven to 375°F. Add 4 cups water, potatoes, spinach, broccoli florets, and remaining 2 teaspoons salt to pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

  4. Blend soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in sour cream and ½ cup cheese.

  5. Top baguette slices with remaining ¾ cup cheese. Bake until cheese is golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Top soup with croutons, pepper, and a drizzle of oil.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

23g Fat
67g Carbs
19g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23g 29%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Cholesterol 48mg 16%
Sodium 1956mg 85%
Total Carbohydrate 67g 24%
Dietary Fiber 9g 32%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 19g

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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