Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl: The Ultimate Comfort Food

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot like Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl. This delicious, creamy soup is made with fresh broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and a variety of wholesome ingredients, all served in a warm, crusty bread bowl. Not only is this dish satisfying to eat, but it also brings an element of fun to your meal, especially when you scoop out the soup directly from the bread. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a dinner party, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl will surely impress!

The Perfect Comfort Food

There’s something uniquely comforting about the combination of warm, cheesy soup and the crispiness of a freshly baked bread bowl. This soup is packed with flavor, featuring a rich blend of cheddar cheese, broccoli, and a smooth, creamy base. What makes it even better is that it’s served in a bread bowl, which adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.

In this recipe, we combine sharp cheddar cheese with a medley of vegetables like broccoli and carrots to create a hearty and filling soup. The use of whole milk or half & half gives the soup its smooth, creamy consistency, while the bread bowl adds an element of rustic charm to your dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To make the perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl, you’ll need the following ingredients for the soup:

For the Soup:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk (or half & half for extra creaminess)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

For the Bread Bowls:

• 4 small sourdough bread boules
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions: How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowls

The first step to making Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl is to prepare your bread bowls. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off your sourdough bread boules and hollow out the centers. Make sure to leave enough bread around the edges so that the bread bowl will hold up when filled with soup.

Next, brush the insides of the bread with olive oil or melted butter to give them a golden, crispy texture after baking. Place the bread bowls in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the insides are slightly crispy and golden brown. This step ensures that your bread bowls are sturdy enough to hold the soup without becoming soggy.

Step 2: Make the Soup Base

While your bread bowls are baking, it’s time to make the soup base. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onions and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Now, stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help thicken your soup and give it a smooth, creamy consistency once you add the liquids.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and whole milk (or half & half if you prefer a richer soup), making sure the mixture is smooth and lump-free. After the liquids are fully incorporated, add the chopped broccoli florets, shredded carrots, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).

Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful broth that will be the perfect base for your cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Blend & Add Cheese

For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. This step is optional, but it helps to create a silky-smooth base while still leaving some chunks of broccoli and carrots for texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.

Once the soup is at your desired consistency, stir in the sharp cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt completely into the soup, creating a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

Now comes the fun part: assembling your Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl. Carefully ladle the hot, creamy soup into each of your toasted bread bowls. Garnish with extra shredded cheese, and serve while the soup is still warm.

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even a dash of smoked paprika to the top of your soup before serving. This Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl pairs beautifully with a side salad or is a perfect standalone meal.

Why Choose Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl?

There are plenty of reasons why Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl stands out as a favorite dish. First, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of cheddar cheese, broccoli, and carrots makes for a comforting, well-balanced soup that’s rich and satisfying. The bread bowl adds a fun and interactive element to the meal, as you can scoop out the soup and even eat the bowl when you’re done!

Second, this dish is highly customizable. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend it to your desired consistency. If you want a little more kick, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a bit more smoked paprika. Additionally, you can make the soup more decadent by using half & half instead of whole milk.

Lastly, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a comforting dinner for your family, hosting a dinner party, or planning a cozy winter evening, Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh broccoli is not available. Just make sure to thaw the broccoli and drain any excess water before adding it to the soup.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, while sharp cheddar cheese is traditional for this soup, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Fontina for different flavors.

3. How long can I store leftover broccoli cheddar soup?

You can store leftover Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it over medium heat, adding a little more milk or broth if needed to thin it out.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup and assemble the bread bowls just before serving.

5. Can I make this recipe without a bread bowl?

Of course! While the bread bowl adds a fun element to the meal, you can easily serve the soup in regular bowls if preferred.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy soup with the delightful crunch of freshly baked bread. It’s simple to make, highly customizable, and an incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or as part of a holiday meal, this soup will always be a hit. With its rich flavors and the fun twist of serving it in a bread bowl, Broccoli Cheddar Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

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