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Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe in Rustic Bread Bowl

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A comforting and creamy broccoli cheddar soup served in a rustic bread bowl, perfect for cozy gatherings and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 300g), fresh or frozen
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 200g)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (about 30g)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (about 950ml)
  • 1 cup half-and-half cream (about 240ml)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 small rustic round bread loaves or 1 large loaf, hollowed out (sourdough or country-style)
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets, about 1 to 2 inches in size. Set aside.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and foaming slightly, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and onions. Whisk constantly for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste, forming a smooth paste that bubbles gently.
  5. Slowly add the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add the broccoli florets to the pot, cover, and simmer until tender but not mushy, about 10 minutes.
  7. Optional: Use an immersion blender to puree half of the soup in the pot, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender and pulse a few times.
  8. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the half-and-half cream and shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
  9. Season with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or nutmeg. Stir gently to prevent cheese from clumping or separating.
  10. While the soup finishes, cut the tops off the rustic bread loaves and hollow out the centers, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell. Toast the inside lightly if desired to prevent sogginess.
  11. Ladle the hot broccoli cheddar soup into each bread bowl, place the tops back on the side, and serve immediately.

Notes

If the soup thickens too much after resting, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it. Add cheese gradually over low heat to prevent clumping. Toasting the inside of the bread bowl helps prevent sogginess. For a creamier texture, blend half the soup but keep some broccoli chunks for texture.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-broccoli-cheddar-soup-recipe-in-rustic-bread-bowl-easy-and-perfect/