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Cozy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Easy Rustic Bread Bowl Ideas

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A warm and comforting broccoli cheddar soup served in rustic bread bowls, perfect for chilly evenings and cozy dinners. This recipe combines creamy, cheesy soup with the satisfying crunch of fresh bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk (preferably 2%)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 4 small or 2 large rustic round bread loaves (sourdough or country-style)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and chop about 4 cups of broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the finely diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the butter and onions. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste, forming a smooth paste.
  5. Slowly add 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add the chopped broccoli to the pot and cook uncovered for about 10-15 minutes until tender and bright green.
  7. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of whole milk, then gradually add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Add more milk or broth if the soup is too thick.
  8. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir well.
  9. Partially blend the soup using an immersion blender to puree about half the soup, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture. Alternatively, blend half the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.
  10. Slice the tops off the rustic bread loaves about 2 inches from the top. Hollow out the inside gently, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell. Save the bread bits for dipping.
  11. Ladle the hot soup into the bread bowls and place the tops back on the side. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not rush the roux to avoid raw flour taste. Add cheese gradually over low heat to prevent clumping. Avoid overcooking broccoli to keep it tender but not mushy. Hollow bread bowls with about 1-inch thick shell to prevent sogginess. If soup thickens while sitting, stir in warm broth or milk to loosen.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/cozy-broccoli-cheddar-soup-recipe-easy-rustic-bread-bowl-ideas/