Roasted Broccoli Soup with Melted Cheddar Croutons

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Roasted Broccoli Soup is a perfect balance of flavors, with roasted broccoli giving the soup an intense depth of flavor that’s complemented by fresh spinach and a touch of cream. The addition of za’atar spices adds a unique, aromatic twist, elevating the classic broccoli soup to something truly special. And, of course, the crispy, cheesy croutons are the perfect finishing touch, providing a delightful crunch and a burst of sharp, melty cheddar. This soup is warming, filling, and utterly delicious, making it the ideal comfort food for any day.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 ½ lbs broccoli (whole stalks), ends trimmed
• Olive oil, as needed
• Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 large leek, thinly sliced
• 8 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tbsp za’atar spice blend
• 1 ½ qts chicken (or vegetable) stock
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 large lemon, juiced
• 2 oz fresh spinach
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 tbsp minced chives

For the Croutons:

• 4 slices fresh grainy bread, about ½” thick
• Olive oil, as needed
• 6 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp za’atar spice blend

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Soup:

1. Roast the Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the trimmed broccoli on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and slightly browned on the edges. Once roasted, set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the ¼ cup olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced leek, and sauté for about 8-10 minutes, until softened and translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Za’atar: Add the chopped garlic and za’atar spice blend to the pot. Stir for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well distributed.
4. Simmer the Soup: Add the roasted broccoli to the pot along with the chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. (Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender, but be careful as it will be hot!) Once blended, return to the heat.
6. Finish the Soup: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, spinach, and heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the soup is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish: Once ready to serve, sprinkle the soup with minced chives.

For the Croutons:

1. Prepare the Croutons: Preheat your broiler. Brush the slices of grainy bread with olive oil on both sides. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
2. Add the Cheese: Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven and sprinkle each slice with the shredded sharp white cheddar cheese. Return to the broiler for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Season with Za’atar: After the croutons are done, sprinkle them with the za’atar spice blend for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Serve: Serve the soup hot with a slice of cheesy crouton on top or on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream. Use dairy-free cheese for the croutons.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup while sautéing the onions and leeks for an added kick.
• More Vegetables: Add additional veggies like cauliflower, zucchini, or carrots to the soup for extra nutrition and flavor.
• No Croutons: For a lighter version, skip the croutons and top the soup with roasted pumpkin seeds or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup may thicken slightly as it sits, so you can add a little more stock or water when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used if fresh is not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before roasting or adding to the soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I make the soup creamier?

If you want a creamier soup, you can add more heavy cream or blend some of the soup with a blender or immersion blender to achieve a smoother texture.

What if I don’t have za’atar spice blend?

Za’atar is a unique spice blend, but you can substitute it with a combination of oregano, thyme, and sesame seeds. You can also add sumac for a bit of tangy flavor.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I add other greens to this soup?

Yes, you can add other greens like kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.

How can I make the croutons without a broiler?

If you don’t have a broiler, you can toast the bread in a skillet over medium heat, flipping until both sides are golden. Then add the cheese and toast until melted in the skillet or oven.

Can I make this soup without the leek?

Yes, you can skip the leek and use additional onion if needed. The leek adds a mild, sweet flavor, but the soup will still be delicious without it.

How do I make the soup thicker?

To make the soup thicker, you can add more roasted broccoli and blend it to achieve your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can use a small amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with water as a thickening agent.

Conclusion

This Roasted Broccoli Soup with Melted Cheddar Croutons is a heartwarming and flavorful dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The roasted broccoli adds depth, while the za’atar spices bring an aromatic twist. Topped with melted cheddar croutons, it’s a cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this soup is sure to become a favorite!

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