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.

Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Bread Bowl
- Soup
Let’s make it
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.
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.
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.
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.
Soup
Add the broccoli florets and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but still bright green. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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.
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.
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.




