Broccoli Cheese Soup in Bread Bowls

“Indulge in the ultimate Broccoli Cheese Soup—a rich, creamy, and comforting dish packed with tender broccoli, savory cheddar cheese, and a velvety texture. This easy homemade broccoli cheddar soup is perfect for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or serving in a bread bowl for a restaurant-style experience. Made with fresh ingredients, this one-pot soup recipe is both hearty and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a copycat Panera broccoli cheese soup, or a healthy comfort food option, this recipe has you covered. Get ready to enjoy the best cheesy broccoli soup that’s kid-friendly, easy to customize, and perfect for cold weather!”

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup finely diced onion (from 1 medium onion)
• 2 cups carrots (about 3 medium), thinly sliced into rings
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups broccoli florets (from 2 heads of broccoli)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2/3 cup shredded mild Parmesan cheese
• Bread bowls (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop and measure all ingredients before starting.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a Dutch oven or medium soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sliced carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened.
3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth, then add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil. Stir in the broccoli, reduce to a simmer, partially cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
4. Blend the Soup: Remove about 2 cups of cooked vegetables with a strainer and set them aside. Use an immersion blender to puree the remaining soup in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, blend it in batches using a countertop blender.
5. Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth. Mix in the Dijon mustard. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup while whisking continuously. Bring the soup to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
6. Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until fully melted. Add back the reserved cooked vegetables.
7. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve hot in bread bowls if desired, and garnish with extra cheddar cheese.

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Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of the soup and leave some vegetables whole.
• For an extra creamy texture, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• To avoid lumps, whisk the flour and cream mixture thoroughly before adding it to the soup.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in an additional 1/4 cup of heavy cream for a richer taste.
• Different Cheeses: Try swapping Parmesan for Gruyère or adding a mix of cheeses for more depth of flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.

Can I freeze broccoli cheese soup?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Keep in mind that dairy-based soups may separate when thawed. Stir well while reheating to restore texture.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli may cook faster than fresh.

Serving Suggestions

• Bread Bowls: Hollow out round bread loaves and ladle the soup inside for a cozy presentation.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread for dipping.
• Side Salad: Pair with a light green salad for balance.
• Croutons or Bacon Bits: Sprinkle with homemade croutons or crispy bacon for extra texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting & Creamy: A warm, velvety soup that’s packed with flavor.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this a great weeknight meal.
• Customizable: Adjust ingredients to fit your preferences.
• Perfect for Bread Bowls: A fun way to serve soup for a special touch!

Enjoy this rich, satisfying broccoli cheese soup, whether in a bread bowl or a regular bowl—it’s sure to be a family favorite!