Cheddar & Broccoli Soup, Served in a Warm Homemade Bread Bowl

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a proper bread bowl ? I honestly think there is nothing quite like a crusty bread bowl recipe brimming with warming soup. It's like a hug in a bowl.

Quick Hook

Ever dreamt of biting into a homemade bread bowl filled with cheesy, veggie goodness? This cheddar broccoli soup bread bowl recipe is your answer. The creamy soup is pure comfort.

Brief Overview

The concept of bread bowls soup is thought to have medieval origins. peasants would use stale bread as plates. our recipe takes a bit of effort, clocking in at just over two hours, including bake time.

It makes four very satisfying servings.

Main Benefits

This soup in bread bowl creation isn't just tasty. the broccoli is packed with nutrients. it's perfect for a chilly evening when you need some comfort food or fancy showing off your baking skills.

Honestly, it's special because it turns a simple soup into a real event.

Okay, so let's talk ingredients for this easy bread bowl recipe .

Hearty Bread Bowl Ingredients

For the actual bread, you'll need yeast, sugar, warm water, flour, salt, olive oil, and one egg. don't sweat the yeast if it doesn't foam up after ten minutes, chuck it and get some new stuff, yeah? for the soups in bread bowls filling we are using classic cheddar and broccoli.

You will require butter, flour, milk, chicken broth, broccoli, onion, and cheddar cheese. i like a pinch of nutmeg too, but that's just me.

Now there are many ideas online, but this one is our favourite and hopefully the next thing is the complete guidance that you require!

Equipment for Success

You'll need your usual baking gear. a mixing bowl is essential. a stand mixer makes the dough bit easier if you have one but hand mixing it will be just as lovely! a dutch oven (or big pot) is required for the soup and your baking sheet.

Parchment paper will prevent it from sticking. if you want to achieve professional results, all those equipments are crucial.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Perfect Bread Bowl

Alright, let's get down to it! We're making a cheddar broccoli soup bread bowl . This is proper comfort food. It combines a warm soup with a crusty homemade bread bowl .

Main Ingredients

Here's what you'll need, nice and clear. These measurements are crucial for that perfect bread bowl recipe .

For the Bread Bowls

• Active dry yeast: 1 package (7g) . Make sure it's not past its use-by date!
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
• Warm water: 1 cup (237ml) . It needs to be between 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . Too hot and you'll kill the yeast!.
• All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups (300g) , plus extra for dusting. A good strong bread flour will do the trick too.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g) . Don't skip it!
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (14g) .
• Egg: 1 large , beaten. It's for that lovely golden crust.

For the Cheddar & Broccoli Soup

• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) . Go for good quality butter, you know?
• All-purpose flour: ½ cup (60g) .
• Milk: 4 cups (946ml) . Full fat is best for that creamy texture.
• Chicken broth: 2 cups (473ml) .
• Broccoli florets: 1 pound (454g) , chopped. Fresh is best.
• Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups (226g) , shredded. The sharper, the better.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Nutmeg: A pinch (optional).

Seasoning Notes

Salt and pepper are essential, naturally. but a pinch of nutmeg in the soup in bread bowl really elevates it.

For the dough, i sometimes add a touch of garlic powder. experiment with flavours!.

Equipment Needed

Nothing too fancy here. We're not pros.

• Large mixing bowl.
• Baking sheet.
• Parchment paper. Stops it sticking.
• Stand mixer (optional). Honestly, kneading by hand is fine!.
• Dutch oven or large pot.
• Whisk.

And there you have it! A pretty comprehensive list to get you started on making a delicious crusty bread bowl recipe . Time to get cooking!.

Alright, let's talk bread bowls . seriously, who doesn't love a soup in bread bowl ? it's the ultimate comfort food.

A crusty bread bowl recipe filled with something warm and delicious pure bliss. i remember the first time i tried to make them.

Oh my gosh, it was a disaster! but hey, we learn from our mistakes, right? now i'm ready to share what i know about cooking method.

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, the mise en place . get everything sorted. like, everything . measure out your flour, chop your broccoli, grate the cheddar.

Honestly, it saves so much time. for this cheddar broccoli soup bread bowl masterpiece, organisation is key! time saving tip: chop the onion and broccoli while the yeast is blooming.

You know? safety reminder: watch your fingers when chopping.

step-by-step: From Dough to Delicious

Right, let's get baking. Follow these simple steps:

1. Activate the yeast: Mix the warm water (105- 115° F) , sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5- 10 minutes until it gets foamy.
2. Make the dough: Combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mix and oil. Knead until smooth and elastic (5- 7 minutes) .
3. First rise: Put the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour .
4. Shape the bowls: Punch down the dough. Divide it. Shape them into round loaves. Place on parchment.
5. Second rise: Cover them. Let them rise for 30- 45 minutes .
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Brush with egg wash. Bake for 25- 30 minutes . They should sound hollow.

Pro Tips for Bread Bowls Soup

Okay, listen up. first, don't kill the yeast! if the water is too hot, you'll ruin it. second, don't overbake! overbaking will result in a dry and hard bread bowl.

I made that mistake so many times!

Common mistake: not letting the dough rise enough. patience, darling, patience. make-ahead option: you can prepare the dough the day before.

Just keep it in the fridge. the next day, shape and bake!

So there you have it! you might be thinking "is it hard to find an easy bread bowl recipe ? but honestly, with a bit of practice, anyone can nail this homemade bread bowl recipe .

Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out. enjoy those soups in bread bowls .

Recipe Notes

Right then, so you're about to embark on your bread bowl recipe adventure! before you get all floury, let's have a quick chinwag about some extra bits and bobs that'll make your life easier.

Honestly, these tips are from my own kitchen mishaps, so pay attention!

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!

Okay, so you've got this steaming bowl of soup in bread bowl . how do you make it look instagram worthy? well, for starters, a sprinkle of fresh herbs parsley or chives always jazzes things up.

Think about the color contrast! if you're doing a cheddar broccoli soup bread bowl , a few extra broccoli florets on top add a pop of green.

For side, a simple green salad is lush or even a couple slices of tomato. maybe even some crusty bread bowl slices for dipping because why not?

Storage Tips: No Waste Here, Mate!

Right, so you've made a batch of breadbowls soup and, by some miracle, you have leftovers. firstly, keep the soup in bread bowls separate! the bread will get soggy if you leave them together.

For the soup: bung it in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll be grand for about 3 days. reheat gently on the hob, stirring occasionally.

For the bread, you can try freezing the crusty bread bowl recipe , but honestly, it's best fresh. if you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil.

Reheat in the oven for that "freshly baked" feel.

Variations: Fancy a Change?

Don't fancy cheddar broccoli soup? no worries! loads of different soups in bread bowls works nicely, from a spicy tomato soup to clam chowder or hearty beef stew.

This easy bread bowl recipe is versatile! for the dairy-free folks, use plant based milk and cheese. you could even use a gluten-free flour blend.

Seasonally, you could try a butternut squash soup in autumn or a pea and mint soup in spring.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel for the Body

Okay, deep breath! this homemade bread bowl recipe paired with a creamy soup is admittedly a bit of a treat.

Each serving is about 750-850 calories. you know? the good stuff: protein (30-35g) and some fiber (5-7g). but the naughtier stuff: fat (40-45g) and carbs (70-80g).

Listen, everything in moderation! enjoy your bread bowl with soup ideas .

There you have it! a few notes to make your bread bowl recipe experience even better. don't be scared to experiment and have fun.

Happy cooking, and may your bread bowls always be perfectly crusty!

Frequently Asked Questions

My bread bowl came out too hard! What went wrong?

A hard bread bowl usually means it was overbaked. Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe suggests. The bread bowl should be golden brown and sound hollow when you tap it.

Also, make sure you didn't add too much flour to the dough during kneading, as that can also lead to a tougher loaf.

Can I make the dough for this bread bowl recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, take the dough out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping the bowls.

This is a great tip for those who are short on time during the week, a bit like batch cooking that sunday roast

What kind of soup works best in a bread bowl?

Hearty, thick soups are the best choice. Creamy soups like cheddar broccoli or tomato soup, or thick chowders work wonderfully. Avoid thin, watery soups, as they'll soak into the bread bowl too quickly and make it soggy. Think something that can hold its own in the soggy bottom battle like they have on Bake Off.

How do I store leftover bread bowls and soup?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the bread bowls, it's best to store them separately at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap or in a bread bag, to prevent them from drying out.

You can refresh the bread bowl by briefly warming it in the oven before serving again this works a treat.

Is there a way to make a healthier bread bowl recipe?

You can increase the whole wheat flour content in the bread dough for added fiber. For the soup, use low-fat milk and cheese, and load up on the broccoli. A dash of nutmeg can enhance the flavor without adding extra sodium or calories, something Mary Berry would definitely approve of.

Can I freeze the bread bowls after baking?

Yes, you can! Let the bread bowls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven to crisp them up.

This is a great way to have bread bowls on hand for a last minute comforting meal, handy like that emergency chocolate digestive!