Cheesy Broccoli Soup in a Bread Bowl

1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 8 ounces)
1 large carrot, finely chopped
3 cups chicken stock
2 cups half-and-half cream
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup water or additional chicken stock
2-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 small round bread loaves (about 8 ounces each), optional
Optional toppings: Crumbled cooked bacon, additional shredded cheddar cheese, ground nutmeg and pepper

This creamy, cheesy broccoli soup tastes just like the one served at Panera Bread!

In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat butter over medium heat; saute onion and garlic until tender, 6-8 minutes. Stir in broccoli, carrot, stock, cream and seasonings; bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, until vegetables are tender, 10-12 minutes.

Mix cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into soup. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Stir in cheese until melted.

If using bread bowls, cut a slice off the top of each bread loaf; hollow out bottoms, leaving 1/4-in.-thick shells (save removed bread for another use). Fill with soup just before serving.

Test Kitchen tips

These make for a hearty meal on their own but are also delicious as appetizers. Smaller, sturdy breads such as hard rolls are a good choice.

Be a smooth operator. Avoid gritty cheese sauces by allowing soup to cool slightly before you add cheese. Stir in a little at a time until it melts in.