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Classic Sourdough Bread Bowl with Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Enjoy a comforting and satisfying lunch with this classic American baked broccoli cheddar soup served in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl. Creamy and cheesy soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread for a delightful meal.

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Classic Sourdough Bread Bowl with Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Prep time20 min
Cook time35 min
Rest / other5 min
Total time60 min
Servings44 servings (4 bread bowls)
DifficultyMedium
What you’ll need

Ingredients

Check ingredients as you go.

  • Bread Bowl
  • Soup
One step at a time

Let’s make it

  1. Bread Bowl

    Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the top off the sourdough loaf to create a lid. Hollow out the inside, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick walls. Set aside the bread bowl and lid. Place the bread bowl and lid on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes to lightly toast. Remove and set aside.

  2. Soup

    In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Soup

    Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onion and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes until it is lightly golden and bubbling, which removes the raw flour taste.

  4. Soup

    Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to the roux, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

  5. Soup

    Add the broccoli florets and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but still bright green. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  6. Soup

    Stir in the milk and slowly add 150 grams of the grated cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and incorporated. Season the soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional Tabasco sauce to taste. Remove from heat.

  7. Assembly

    Ladle the hot broccoli cheddar soup into the toasted sourdough bread bowl. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Replace the bread lid and serve immediately, allowing diners to scoop soup along with the bread walls.

A little kitchen wisdom

Tips & notes

To keep the soup smooth, stir continuously when adding cheese and avoid boiling after cheese is added. Save the bread removed from the loaf to toast as croutons for garnish. For extra richness, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.

Saving it for later

Store leftover soup separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap leftover bread bowl loosely in foil to keep crust crisp for 1 day but best when fresh.

Reheating

Reheat soup gently over low heat on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Reheat bread bowl in a 160°C (325°F) oven for about 5 minutes to refresh crust before filling again.

BreakfastLunchComfort FoodFamily DinnerAmerican