Go Back
- 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. {{image_2}} 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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!

Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup in Bread Bowls

Indulge in a bowl of comfort with this Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup in Bread Bowls! Perfectly creamy and packed with flavor, this recipe combines fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a delightful sourdough bread bowl for an unforgettable meal. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s ideal for a cozy night in or impressing guests. Click to explore the full recipe and bring warmth to your table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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 (for serving)

Extra cheddar cheese for topping

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

    Stir in the minced garlic and diced carrots, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

      Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux.

        Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer, reducing heat to low. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes.

          Add the broccoli florets and simmer until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

            Pour in the whole milk and stir to combine. Add the mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

              Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it is completely melted and the soup is smooth.

                While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the sourdough bread loaves and hollow out the insides, creating bowls.

                  Place the hollowed bread bowls on a baking sheet, fill each with the cheesy broccoli soup, and top with extra cheddar cheese.

                    Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is slightly crusty.

                      Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve the bread bowls on a wooden board, place a small bowl of additional bread pieces beside them, and garnish each bowl with a sprig of parsley for a fresh pop of color.