Welcome to your new favorite comfort food: Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup in Bread Bowls! This warm dish offers a creamy and cheesy delight packed with fresh veggies. Picture rich cheddar melting into a smooth soup, served in a fresh, crusty bread bowl. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want a cozy meal, this recipe is simple and satisfying. Let’s dive into the ingredients and start cooking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 cups whole milk
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 teaspoon mustard powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large sourdough bread loaves
– Extra cheddar cheese for topping
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
To make Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup in Bread Bowls, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Start with broccoli florets; they add a nice green color and great taste. Use a medium onion and three cloves of minced garlic for a strong base flavor. Diced carrots give the soup sweetness and a nice texture.
Next, we need butter. Unsalted butter helps the soup be rich without extra salt. Flour helps thicken the soup. Vegetable broth adds depth and flavor. Whole milk makes the soup creamy, while sharp cheddar cheese provides that classic cheese flavor we love. Mustard powder gives a unique twist, and salt and pepper enhance all the flavors.
Lastly, we need sourdough bread loaves. These will serve as bowls for our soup. For the finishing touch, we’ll add extra cheddar cheese on top before baking. And don’t forget fresh parsley; it adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a comforting soup that fills you up!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Vegetables
To start, I melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Then, I add the diced onion. This step takes about 3-4 minutes. I want the onion to become soft and clear. Next, I stir in minced garlic and diced carrots. I cook this mix for 2 more minutes. The aroma fills the kitchen.
Making the Soup Base
Now, I create a roux. I sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables. It is important to stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This helps the flour mix well and cook lightly. After that, I gradually whisk in the vegetable broth. I bring this to a gentle simmer and lower the heat. I let it cook for about 10 minutes.
Finalizing the Soup
Next, I add the broccoli florets to the pot. I simmer it until the broccoli is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Afterward, I pour in the whole milk and stir to blend. I add mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Finally, I slowly mix in shredded cheddar cheese. I keep stirring until it melts and the soup is smooth.
Preparing Bread Bowls
While the soup simmers, I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). I cut the tops off the sourdough loaves and hollow out the insides carefully. This creates the perfect bowls for my soup. I place these hollowed bread bowls on a baking sheet. I fill each loaf with cheesy broccoli soup and top it with extra cheddar cheese. I bake them for 10-12 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly, and the bread gets a nice crust.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Soup
To make your soup just right, adjust the thickness with flour or broth. If it’s too thick, add more broth slowly. If it’s too thin, mix a bit of flour with water, then stir it in. For seasoning, taste as you go. A little salt and pepper can make a big difference.
The best cheese for melting is sharp cheddar. It gives a great flavor and melts smoothly. You can also mix in some Gruyère for a nutty taste. Just remember to use fresh cheese that you shred yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that prevent it from melting well.
Bread Bowl Best Practices
To keep your bread crusty, bake the bowls filled with soup. The heat will crisp the outer layer while keeping the inside soft. Avoid filling them too early. If you let them sit too long, the bread will get soggy.
If sourdough isn’t your thing, try other bread options. A crusty baguette or a soft pretzel roll works great too. Just make sure they can hold the soup without breaking. This way, you enjoy every tasty bite.
Variations
Dietary Modifications
You can easily adjust this cheesy broccoli cheddar soup for different diets.
– Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to make the roux. This keeps the soup creamy without the gluten.
– Dairy-free substitutes: Replace whole milk with almond milk or oat milk. Use a dairy-free cheese blend to keep the cheesy flavor.
Flavor Enhancements
Boost the flavor of your soup with simple additions.
– Adding spices or herbs: Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Fresh thyme or dill can add a nice touch too.
– Incorporating proteins like chicken or bacon: You can stir in cooked chicken for extra protein. Crumbled bacon on top adds a nice crunch and smoky flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! They make this dish even more fun and tasty.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store your cheesy broccoli cheddar soup, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. The soup can stay in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 2 months.
For bread bowls, it’s best to store them separately from the soup. Wrap each bowl in plastic wrap. This keeps them from getting soggy. Use the bread bowls within 1 to 2 days for the best taste.
Reheating Tips
When reheating your soup, use a pot on the stove. Heat it over medium heat. Stir often until it’s hot all the way through. You can also use a microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between.
To revive your bread bowls, you can bake them again. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hollowed bread bowls on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will make them warm and a bit crispy again. Enjoy your delicious soup in freshly warmed bread bowls!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It is quick and convenient. Just thaw it first, then add it to the soup when the recipe calls for fresh broccoli. Frozen broccoli cooks faster, so reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
How do I make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, try a few methods. First, add more flour during the roux stage. Another option is to blend part of the soup with an immersion blender. You can also add a bit more cheese, which will add flavor and thickness.
What can I serve with cheesy broccoli cheddar soup?
Pair this soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or some fresh fruit. You can also serve it with a light sandwich, like turkey or ham. These options will complement the rich flavors of the soup well.
Can I prepare the soup in advance?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat. If you plan to freeze it, leave out the cheese until you reheat. This keeps the cheese smooth and creamy.
This blog post showed you how to make cheesy broccoli cheddar soup in tasty bread bowls. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for perfecting your dish. We also explored variations and ways to store leftovers.
In the end, this dish is fun to make and share. It warms you up and satisfies your cravings. Enjoy making it your own with different ingredients or flavors. Cooking can be a joyful adventure!
