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Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup in Rustic Bread Bowls

creamy broccoli cheddar soup - featured image

A rich and velvety broccoli cheddar soup served inside toasted rustic bread bowls, perfect for cozy meals and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (or dairy-free alternative like oat milk)
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 4 small-medium rustic round bread loaves (sourdough or country-style)
  • Olive oil or melted butter, for brushing bread edges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice off the top third of each rustic loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving about a 1/2-inch thick shell.
  2. Brush the inside edges of the bread bowls with olive oil or melted butter. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes to toast.
  3. Melt butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk and broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in broccoli florets and grated carrot. Season with salt, pepper, dry mustard powder, and nutmeg if using.
  8. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until broccoli is tender but still bright green.
  9. Lower heat to medium-low and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  10. Optional: Use an immersion blender to pulse the soup to desired smoothness or leave chunky.
  11. Ladle hot soup into toasted bread bowls and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not boil the soup after adding cheese to prevent graininess. Toast bread bowls to prevent sogginess. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. If soup is too thick, add broth or milk to loosen before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, bread bowls, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, rustic bread, cheesy soup