A warm, creamy broccoli cheddar soup served right inside a crusty sourdough bowl, pure comfort for cold days.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 45 min
Ingredients
Broccoli florets
Butter
Yellow onion
Garlic
All purpose flour
Vegetable broth
Whole milk
Sharp cheddar cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Sourdough bread bowls
Instructions
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden, stirring often to build a gentle base of flavor.
Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, then stir in the flour and cook for one minute until fully absorbed and slightly thickened.
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring constantly, followed by the milk, creating a smooth and creamy soup base without lumps.
Add the broccoli florets and let the soup simmer until the broccoli is tender and easily pierced with a fork, allowing the flavors to come together.
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese gradually until melted and silky, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Hollow out the sourdough bowls, ladle the hot soup inside, and serve immediately while the bread is still crisp on the outside.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 420
Protein: 16 g
Carbs: 34 g
Fat: 26 g
Quick Facts
• one-pot
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• budget friendly
• freezer friendly
Tips
For the smoothest texture, shred the cheese yourself and add it off the heat so it melts gently without becoming grainy.
If the soup thickens too much after resting, a splash of warm milk will bring it back to a creamy consistency.
Serve extra soup on the side, the sourdough bowl absorbs quickly and many people want seconds.
Variations
For a heartier version, diced cooked chicken or seasoned ground beef can be stirred in near the end of cooking, turning the soup into a filling main dish without changing its creamy base. You can even draw inspiration from comforting classics like this Chicken a la King Recipe for a rich and satisfying twist.
A milder, kid-friendly version can be made by swapping part of the cheddar for a softer cheese while keeping the same cooking method and texture.
To lighten the soup slightly, replace part of the milk with extra broth while maintaining the same comforting flavor profile. It’s still a great way to enjoy the health benefits of broccoli in a warm and cozy dish.