Souped Up Bread

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

A cheesy, savory bread dish featuring melted cheese, onions, and creamy mushroom soup, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large loaf French or Italian bread
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Velveeta or other)
  • 1 cup chopped onions (optional)
  • 1 cup chopped meat (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the loaf of bread vertically but not completely to the bottom of the loaf.
  2. Place the bread on enough foil to cover it completely.
  3. Pour the can of cream of mushroom soup over the top of the bread.
  4. Layer chopped onions and shredded cheese over the top of the soup.
  5. Cover the bread with the foil, sealing all seams securely.
  6. Place the foil-wrapped bread on a baking sheet if desired.
  7. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour.
  8. Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the soup mixture. If you prefer a meatless version, feel free to skip the chopped meat or use a vegetarian alternative. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors—try pepper jack for a little kick! This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or the Classic Chess Pie for dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish warm, allowing guests to pull apart pieces of the cheesy bread. It makes a great appetizer or a comforting side dish. Pair it with a fresh green salad or a hearty soup for a complete meal. For a delightful finish, consider serving with a slice of Virginia Pound Cake to round out the experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Souped Up Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This way, the bread stays soft and the cheese melts perfectly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Souped Up Bread contains roughly 488 calories, with 22g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 817mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

488 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22.1g 44% DV
Total Fat 16.8g 21% DV
Carbs 64.1g 23% DV
Fiber 7.2g 26% DV
Sugar 8.8g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 817.1mg 36% DV
Potassium 701mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 6.4mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 24.6mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 1.4mg 2% DV
Calcium 235.9mg 18% DV
Iron 6.1mg 34% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of mushroom?

Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or any cream-based soup you prefer. This will give the dish a different flavor profile while still keeping it creamy and delicious.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make Souped Up Bread vegetarian, simply omit the chopped meat and use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based soups. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?

While Velveeta is a popular choice for its meltability, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites. Just ensure the cheese melts well to achieve that gooey texture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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