Imagine a cozy evening where the aroma of creamy broccoli and cheese soup wafts through your kitchen, all served in a warm, freshly baked bread bowl. This delightful recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also adds a charming twist to your dinner table. Perfect for chilly nights or when you want to impress your guests, our Broccoli and Cheese Soup in Homemade Bread Bowls is a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and heartwarming presentation. Ready to make your culinary dreams come true? Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 bread bowls
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping broccoli into small florets, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- In a large soup pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot and add chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until broccoli is tender but not mushy.
- Using an immersion blender or standard blender, partially purée the soup, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture. If using a standard blender, blend carefully in batches.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in milk, creating a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
- While soup is finishing, prepare bread bowls by cutting off the top, hollowing out the center, and toasting lightly in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Ladle the hot soup into the prepared bread bowls, garnish with additional cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and prepare the bread bowls a day in advance. This will streamline your cooking process and make it easier to whip up the soup when you're ready.
- Choose the Right Cheese: For a richer flavor, consider mixing different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, with the cheddar. This adds depth to the soup and makes it even more indulgent.
- Texture Matters: When blending the soup, aim for a balance between smooth and chunky. This gives the soup a delightful texture and ensures you still get to enjoy the broccoli pieces.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference for the best flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, garnish your soup with croutons, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving. It not only enhances the taste but also makes the dish visually appealing.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any soup left, store it separately from the bread bowls to keep the bread from getting soggy. The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for later enjoyment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 405kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 32mg
