Savory Broccoli Cheese Soup Bake

Ingredients

• Two portions of butter, separated
• Finely chopped large onion
• Minced garlic cloves
• A generous amount of vegetable broth, can adjust to preference
• Freshly trimmed broccoli, weighing around two pounds
• Rich heavy whipping cream, half a cup
• Seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• A hint of freshly grated nutmeg
• A touch of ground cayenne pepper, to personal liking
• Country white bread cut into halves
• Three cups of sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

Step 1

In a large pot over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter and add the onion. Saute and stir until the onion becomes translucent, which usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Toss in the garlic and continue stirring for an additional minute. Then, pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle simmer over high heat.

Step 2

While the broth is simmering, prepare the broccoli by separating the florets from the heads. Cut the larger florets in half and slice the stems into 1/2-inch pieces. Add the broccoli to the simmering broth, cover, and let it cook until slightly softened, which usually takes around 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is very tender, approximately 10 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat.

Step 3

Using an immersion blender, puree the broccoli until it reaches a smooth consistency. Stir in the cream, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne. Return the soup to medium-low heat and cook until the cream is heated through, which usually takes about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Butter both sides of the bread with the remaining tablespoon of butter and place them on the lined baking sheet. Bake the bread in the preheated oven, turning halfway through, until it becomes toasted and crisp, typically for about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 5

On the foil-lined baking sheet, arrange 6 oven-proof soup crocks. Ladle the soup into the crocks, filling them almost to the top. Place a piece of toasted bread in each crock and cover it with Cheddar cheese.

Step 6

Position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler. Slide the baking sheet under the broiler and broil until the cheese turns browned and bubbly, usually for 3 to 4 minutes.