Cheesy. Creamy. Bread Bowl Perfection š§š„¦ | Ultimate Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl
If youāre craving something warm, rich, and irresistibly comforting, this Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup served in a crusty bread bowl is about to become your new obsession. Thick, creamy, and packed with real cheese and tender broccoli, this recipe is pure comfort food heaven. The best part? That golden bread bowl soaking up every cheesy dropānothing goes to waste.
This is the kind of meal that feels restaurant-quality, yet itās surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, cold weather cravings, or when you just need a bowl of happiness.
š„¦ Why Everyone Loves This Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ultra creamy texture without being heavy
Loaded with real cheddar cheese for bold flavor
Fresh broccoli adds balance and comfort
Bread bowl upgrade turns soup into a full experience
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep
This soup is a classic for a reasonāitās comforting, filling, and endlessly crave-worthy.
š§ Ingredients Youāll Need
For the Soup:
3 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
1 medium carrot, grated
2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of paprika or mustard powder for depth
For Serving:
Round crusty bread loaves (sourdough works best)
š² How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
SautƩ the base
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1ā2 minutes. This step thickens the soup and creates that creamy texture.
Add liquids
Slowly whisk in broth, then milk. Stir constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture gently simmer until slightly thickened.
Cook the vegetables
Add broccoli and grated carrot. Simmer for 10ā15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Cheese magic
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until fully melted and silky smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
Prepare the bread bowls
Cut the top off each bread loaf and hollow out the center. Toast lightly in the oven if desired.
Serve & enjoy
Ladle hot soup into bread bowls, top with extra cheese if you like, and serve immediately.
š„ Pro Tips for the Best Results
Always shred your own cheeseāpre-shredded cheese doesnāt melt as smoothly
Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent grainy texture
Chop broccoli small for even cooking
Toast bread bowls lightly to prevent sogginess
š„ Serving Ideas & Variations
Add crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence
Stir in cooked chicken for a protein boost
Use smoked cheddar or a cheese blend for deeper flavor
Serve with a simple salad for balance
š§ Storage & Reheating
Store soup (without bread) in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring often
Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the texture
ā¤ļø Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl is everything comfort food should beācreamy, cheesy, hearty, and unforgettable. One spoonful and youāll understand why this recipe never goes out of style. Perfect for sharing, impressing guests, or treating yourself to something truly satisfying.