If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for any chilly day, this Chipotle Tomato Soup with Smoked Cheddar Pull Apart Bread is just what you need. Imagine dipping warm, cheesy, pull-apart bread into a rich, smoky tomato soup that has just the right amount of heat from chipotle peppers. It’s like a hug in a bowl, with each bite of that melty, gooey cheese and smoky flavor making you feel all sorts of cozy inside. Trust me, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites.
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Why You’ll Love Chipotle Tomato Soup with Smoked Cheddar Pull Apart Bread
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about comforting yourself with flavors that are both familiar and exciting. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Warm & Comforting: There’s something about the combination of a rich tomato soup and cheesy, warm bread that makes you feel like everything is right in the world.
Smoky & Flavorful: The chipotle adds a smoky, spicy depth to the soup, while the smoked cheddar in the pull-apart bread takes it over the top.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Goodness: The bread is loaded with melted smoked cheddar and pulls apart with ease, making each bite a cheesy, flavorful moment of joy.
Easy to Make: While this dish might sound fancy, it’s actually simple to whip up. Perfect for a weekday dinner or a weekend treat.
Perfect Pairing: The creamy, spicy soup and the cheesy bread are a match made in heaven. Each bite complements the other, making every moment of this meal unforgettable.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this hearty, delicious dish:
For the Chipotle Tomato Soup:
Tomatoes: The base of the soup. You’ll use crushed tomatoes to make it rich and flavorful.
Onion & Garlic: These provide that aromatic foundation that makes the soup irresistible.
Chipotle Peppers: The star ingredient! Smoky, spicy chipotles give the soup its unique flavor.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds depth and richness to the soup.
Heavy Cream: For that creamy texture that makes the soup velvety and comforting.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic and adding a touch of richness.
Salt & Pepper: To season and bring everything together.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme adds a pop of freshness to the soup right before serving.
For the Smoked Cheddar Pull Apart Bread:
Bread Dough: You’ll need a good dough for pull-apart bread. You can either make your own or use a pre-made dough for convenience.
Smoked Cheddar: The cheese that takes this bread to the next level! It melts beautifully and adds that irresistible smoky flavor.
Butter: For brushing the dough and making it golden and crispy on the outside.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For extra flavor that complements the smoky cheese.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a pop of color to finish off the dish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s how to create this soul-warming meal:
1. Make the Tomato Soup:
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and chipotle peppers, then pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting it cook for 20-25 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. Afterward, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smooth soup, you can blend it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until creamy and velvety. Keep warm while you prepare the bread.
2. Prepare the Pull Apart Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using pre-made dough, roll it out onto a floured surface. Cut the dough into small squares (about 2-3 inches in size). Layer each square with a generous amount of shredded smoked cheddar, then stack them in a greased baking dish, making sure they’re snug but not too tight. Brush the top of the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. Bake the Bread:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. The top should be crispy and the inside gooey and cheesy.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside your chipotle tomato soup. Dip those cheesy, pull-apart bread pieces into the soup and let the flavors melt together. You’re in for a treat!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Chipotle Tomato Soup with Smoked Cheddar Pull Apart Bread
This meal is fantastic on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are some ideas to serve alongside:
Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the rich soup and cheesy bread.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, zucchini, or a medley of your favorite vegetables for a nutrient-packed side.
Garlic Bread: If you’re really craving bread, a side of garlic bread will pair perfectly with the soup.
Pickles or Olives: A small bowl of tangy pickles or olives will add a pop of brightness to the meal and cut through the richness.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make this recipe even easier:
Use Canned Chipotle Peppers: If you’re short on fresh chipotles, canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are a great substitute. Just be sure to adjust the quantity based on how spicy you like it.
Make the Soup Ahead: The soup can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently before serving.
Use Fresh Bread Dough: If you have time, try making your own bread dough for a more homemade touch. The dough can also be prepared ahead of time.
Customize the Bread: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda, or add fresh herbs to the bread for extra flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese for the pull-apart bread?
A1: Yes! While smoked cheddar is fantastic, you can swap it out for other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Q2: Can I make the soup ahead of time?
A2: Yes, the soup can be made in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the bread, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, both the soup and the bread freeze well! Store the soup in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. The bread can be wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, then frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Q5: How do I make the soup spicier?
A5: If you like more heat, feel free to add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup for an added kick.
Q6: Can I use store-bought bread dough?
A6: Absolutely! Using store-bought dough is a time-saver. Just be sure to follow the instructions for the best results.
Q7: How do I know when the bread is done?
A7: The bread is ready when it’s golden brown on top and the cheese is bubbling. If you’re unsure, use a toothpick to check the bread’s center—it should come out clean.
Q8: Can I make the soup without cream?
A8: Yes, you can use coconut milk or almond milk as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream for a lighter version of the soup.
Q9: How do I keep the bread warm while I prepare the soup?
A9: Keep the bread covered with foil in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) to keep it warm until you’re ready to serve.
Q10: Can I add meat to the soup?
A10: Yes! You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken for added protein and flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it—Chipotle Tomato Soup with Smoked Cheddar Pull Apart Bread, the perfect combo of rich, smoky flavors and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal for yourself or looking to impress guests at your next gathering, this dish is sure to deliver. It’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Chipotle Tomato Soup with Smoked Cheddar Pull Apart Bread
- Prep Time: undefined
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Bread
- Method: Blended, Baked
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chipotle Tomato Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a creamy texture and a spicy kick from chipotle chili powder. Paired with smoked cheddar pull-apart bread, it’s a perfect, cozy meal that brings warmth and flavor together in every bite.
Ingredients
- Chipotle Tomato Soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 28 oz diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2/3 cup cooking sherry
- 1/3 cup chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- Freshly snipped chives for garnish
- Smoked Cheddar Pull Apart Bread:
- 1 loaf sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 8 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- Fresh chives, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Chipotle Tomato Soup: Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and garlic, cooking until soft and golden (about 8 to 10 minutes). Stir in the tomato paste and chipotle chili powder, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, sherry, chicken stock, brown sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Transfer soup to a blender and carefully puree. Return to the pot over low heat and stir in heavy cream just before serving. Taste and season with more salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chives.
- Smoked Cheddar Pull Apart Bread: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice a grid pattern into the loaf of sourdough bread (be careful not to cut all the way through). Loosely tent with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the foil and gently pry apart the bread squares. Drizzle melted butter into the crevices, stuff with smoked cheddar cheese, and pile it on top.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Sprinkle with fresh chives and serve immediately.
Notes
- This soup has a mild heat from chipotle chili powder, but you can adjust it based on your preference for spice. Add more if you like it spicier or use a milder chili powder for a less intense kick.
- The smoked cheddar bread is irresistible, so consider doubling the recipe if you’re serving a crowd!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (soup and bread)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg