Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup half-and-half
- 1 large carrot, grated or finely chopped
- 4 cups broccoli florets, in bite size pieces
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup fontina cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Croutons:
- 1 multigrain baguette, cut into 1-in cubes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 smashed garlic cloves
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
For the Soup:
- Heat the oil and the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Sprinkle the flour over everything and toss until everything is coated. Cook for a minute or so and then add the nutmeg.
- Slowly stream in the broth, stirring constantly, and cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add the bay leaf, carrot, and broccoli and simmer until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.
- Stir in the milk, half-and-half, and cheeses. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted. If the mixture gets too thick, add a little bit more milk or broth. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
For the Croutons:
- While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the cubed bread out on a baking sheet.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan, add the garlic, and cook until the butter is lightly golden brown and bubbly.
- Pour the brown butter evenly over the croutons. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring once or twice, or until the croutons are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve the soup topped with the croutons and extra cheese, if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: soup