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Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe in Easy Homemade Bread Bowls

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A cozy and comforting creamy broccoli cheddar soup served in freshly baked homemade bread bowls, perfect for chilly evenings and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (420 g) for bread bowls
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt for bread
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (960 ml), low sodium
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml), optional
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 300 g), chopped
  • 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (about 280 g), shredded
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Bread Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or 6-7 minutes with stand mixer).
  4. Let Dough Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. Shape Bread Bowls: Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Shape each into a round ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Second Rise: Cover dough balls loosely and let rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  7. Bake the Bread Bowls: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crusty.
  8. Prepare the Soup Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté about 5 minutes until translucent.
  9. Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute. Sprinkle flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to make a roux.
  10. Add Broth and Milk: Slowly pour in broth while whisking. Add milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
  11. Cook Broccoli: Add chopped broccoli and simmer gently for 15 minutes until tender but still bright green.
  12. Blend Soup (Optional): Blend about half the soup with an immersion blender for a creamy texture with chunks.
  13. Add Cheddar Cheese: Remove pot from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time until melted and smooth.
  14. Season: Adjust salt, pepper, and add a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
  15. Assemble and Serve: Slice the top off each bread bowl and scoop out the center. Ladle hot soup inside and serve.

Notes

Keep stirring gently after adding cheese to prevent clumping. For a smoother soup, blend half the soup. Let bread dough rise fully for soft interior and crusty exterior. Bread bowls can be made ahead and reheated. Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for best flavor and melt.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/creamy-broccoli-cheddar-soup-recipe-in-easy-homemade-bread-bowls/