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Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup in Artisan Bread Bowls

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A cozy and creamy broccoli cheddar soup served in warm artisan bread bowls, perfect for a comforting meal that’s both simple and impressive.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 12 oz), chopped (can use frozen if needed)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (32 fl oz)
  • 2 cups whole milk (16 fl oz), room temperature
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8.8 oz)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • 4 small round artisan bread bowls (5–6 inches diameter), hollowed out

Instructions

  1. Rinse broccoli florets and chop into bite-sized pieces. Dice onion finely and mince garlic cloves. (About 10 minutes)
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Sprinkle flour evenly over the butter and onion mixture. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a thick paste.
  4. Slowly whisk in broth and milk, blending well to avoid lumps. Increase heat slightly and bring to a gentle simmer, thickening after about 5 minutes.
  5. Add 3 cups chopped broccoli to the pot, reserving 1 cup for blending. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until broccoli is tender but still bright green.
  6. Using an immersion blender, puree about half the soup including the reserved broccoli until smooth but still slightly chunky. Alternatively, blend in batches in a countertop blender after cooling slightly.
  7. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese in batches until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Hollow out artisan bread loaves leaving about a 1-inch thick shell. Place on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes to crisp slightly.
  9. Ladle hot soup into each warm bread bowl and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with extra cheddar or black pepper.

Notes

Add cheese off the heat to prevent clumping. Blend part of the broccoli for creaminess without heavy cream. Warm bread bowls just before serving to keep crust crisp. If soup is too thick, add more milk or broth. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and bread or substitute bread bowls with hollowed bell peppers.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, bread bowls, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, artisan bread, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/creamy-broccoli-cheddar-soup-in-artisan-bread-bowls-easy-recipe-to-try/