Looking for a hearty, healthy, and delicious soup that’s packed with green goodness?
This Super Green Sheet Pan Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese Croutons is the perfect choice. It’s an incredibly flavorful and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the entire family.
By roasting the vegetables, we enhance their natural flavors, creating a rich and creamy soup that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Paired with the pesto grilled cheese croutons, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large leek, trimmed, washed, and cut into 1” pieces
- 1 head garlic
- 1/2 head cauliflower
- 1/2 head broccoli
- 1 medium-large zucchini, diced
- 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Juice from 1 large lemon (3 tbsp)
- 2 cups spinach
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400˚F.
This ensures that the vegetables roast evenly and develop a nice caramelization, enhancing their natural flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic
Slice off the top of the head of garlic.
This will make it easy to squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves later.
Step 3: Arrange the Vegetables on the Sheet Pan
Place the leeks, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, potatoes, and garlic on a large sheet pan.
Drizzle with olive oil, 1 tsp of salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together so the vegetables are evenly coated.
Step 4: Roast the Vegetables
Roast the vegetables for 30 minutes, until they are fork-tender.
Roasting brings out the sweetness and depth of flavor in the vegetables, making the soup richer and more complex.
Step 5: Heat the Broth and Peas
About 10 minutes before the vegetables are done, add the broth and frozen peas to a small pot and heat until simmering.
This step ensures the peas are perfectly tender and the broth is warm, making it easier to blend into the soup.
Step 6: Blend the Soup
Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender, including half of the garlic cloves.
Add the simmering broth and peas, the juice from one large lemon, 2 cups of spinach, 3 tbsp of fresh parsley, the remaining salt, and red pepper flakes if using.
Blend until smooth. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender.
Pesto Grilled Cheese Croutons
Step 1: Prepare the Pesto
You can use store-bought pesto or make your own for a fresher taste.
Spread a generous amount of pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
Step 2: Assemble the Grilled Cheese
Place slices of cheese between two slices of bread, pesto side in.
Butter the outsides of the sandwich to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwiches
Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 4: Make the Croutons
Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into bite-sized cubes.
These make the perfect croutons for your super green soup, adding a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
Additional Tips and Serving Suggestions
To make your Super Green Sheet Pan Soup even more delightful, consider the following tips:
- Add fresh herbs: Garnish with extra parsley, basil, or even dill for a fresh, herby flavor.
- Use a high-speed blender: This ensures your soup is ultra-smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your liking.
Serve the soup hot, with the pesto grilled cheese croutons sprinkled on top. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of olive oil or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the soup before serving. This adds a lovely richness and brings out the flavors of the vegetables even more.
Health Benefits
This Super Green Sheet Pan Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Here’s why:
- Leeks are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants.
- Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Cauliflower and broccoli are cruciferous vegetables packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Zucchini is low in calories and high in antioxidants.
- Spinach is a great source of iron, calcium, and magnesium.
- Parsley adds a dose of vitamins A, C, and K.
Together, these ingredients make this soup a powerhouse of nutrition, supporting overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
The Super Green Sheet Pan Soup with Pesto Grilled Cheese Croutons is a fantastic recipe that combines the best of roasted vegetables with the comforting appeal of grilled cheese.
It’s easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and health benefits of this delicious soup, and savor each bite of those irresistible grilled cheese croutons.