Print

Cozy Crockpot Cheddar Broccoli Soup in Bread Bowl

Crockpot Cheddar Broccoli Soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A thick, creamy, and comforting slow-cooker soup featuring sharp cheddar cheese and broccoli, served in a toasted sourdough bread bowl for a hearty winter meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups broccoli (chopped, mix of fresh and frozen)
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large sourdough loaf (round, 8–10 inches wide)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bread bowl: Cut off the top third of the sourdough loaf. Hollow out the inside, leaving a 1-inch thick shell. Chop the removed bread into cubes. Brush the inside of the shell with melted butter and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in the slow cooker (using Sauté function) or a stovetop pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft (3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Make the roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  4. Add liquids and seasonings: Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
  5. Slow cook: Add chopped broccoli to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 4-6 hours or High for 2-3 hours until broccoli is tender.
  6. Add cheese: Turn slow cooker to Warm or off. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring well after each addition until melted.
  7. Toast bread: Broil the hollowed bread shell on a baking sheet for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 2 minutes.
  8. Assemble and serve: Ladle hot soup into the toasted bread bowl. Garnish with extra cheddar or paprika. Serve immediately with reserved bread cubes.

Notes

Shred your own cheese to ensure smooth melting; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. Toast the bread bowl under the broiler to prevent sogginess. Add cheese off the heat or on the lowest setting to prevent separation. If soup is too thick, add broth; if too thin, cook uncovered to reduce.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot soup, cheddar broccoli soup, bread bowl soup, slow cooker recipes, winter comfort food, creamy soup, sourdough bread bowl

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/cozy-crockpot-cheddar-broccoli-soup-in-bread-bowl/