Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, coarsely chopped (white or sweet)
  • kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 lb coarsely chopped broccoli floret, with 2-inches stem
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme, plus leaves from 4 sprigs, for serving
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 3 ounces coarsely grated Fontina cheese (1/2 cup packed)
  • 4 ounces coarsely grated sharp white cheddar cheese (1 cup packed, more for serving)
  • extra-virgin olive oil, for serving

Method

  • Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. When foaming subsides, add onion and season generously with salt and pepper. Saute, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and beginning to turn golden on the edges, about 7 minutes.
  • Add cayenne and toast until fragrant, 30 seconds.
  • Add broccoli, thyme, and chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until broccoli is just tender, about 7 minutes.
  • Add cream. Using an immersion blender, blend mixture until smooth.
  • On low heat, add fontina and cheddar and cook until melted.
  • Season with salt and pepper, divide among serving bowls, and top with fresh thyme and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve.