High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect blend of creamy comfort and healthy goodness, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. Packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, this soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports your nutritional goals. It’s a great choice for family dinners, meal prep, or a hearty lunch that warms you up on chilly days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Comfort Food: This soup offers all the cozy vibes without the guilt, thanks to its high protein content.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in just 35 minutes.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or add extra protein sources!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick and nutritious meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools is essential. Below are a few must-haves for preparing this delicious soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Blender (or immersion blender)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: The size allows you to cook all ingredients evenly while providing ample space for stirring.
- Blender: Essential for achieving that creamy texture; it blends the soup perfectly without lumps.
Ingredients
This rich and creamy broccoli cheddar soup is secretly healthy, with 20 grams of protein per serving! It’s the perfect comfort food recipe!
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Base Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth (I like the not-chicken style)
Main Components
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
Seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Paprika
Add the smoked paprika and flour. Stir well for one minute until all vegetables are coated with flour.
Step 5: Pour in Broth and Broccoli
Add vegetable broth along with chopped broccoli. Bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Simmer the broccoli for about 8-9 minutes until it’s softened but still vibrant green.
Step 7: Add Milk
Pour in the milk and cook over low heat until warm throughout.
Step 8: Blend in Cheeses
Mix in blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar until melted. Be careful not to let it curdle by keeping the heat low.
Step 9: Blend Soup Mixture
Transfer one cup of soup to a blender. Blend carefully while allowing steam to escape through the vent. Return blended soup back to pot. Alternatively, an immersion blender can be used directly in the pot.
Step 10: Season to Taste
Finally, add salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.
Enjoy your delightful High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious and healthy soup.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Thyme Garnish: A few thyme leaves can add an aromatic touch that complements the soup.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve with slices of warm baguette for dipping.
- Garlic Breadsticks: These can add a crunchy texture to your meal.
Complementing Salads
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing pairs nicely with the cheesy flavors of the soup.
Topped with Extras
- Croutons: Add a crunchy element with homemade or store-bought croutons.
- Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top before serving enhances the cheesy goodness.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To achieve the best results with your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, consider these tips for perfecting your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and high-quality cheese enhance the overall flavor.
- Blend Gradually: If using a blender, do it in batches to avoid overflow from steam.
- Adjust Consistency: If too thick, add more milk or broth until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Season Well: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving for optimal flavor balance.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing side dishes with your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing, perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious, this salad adds a healthy crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned veggies provide a tasty contrast to the creamy soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy wedges make for a satisfying side that complements the soup’s texture.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with grains and beans for added protein.
- Pita Chips: Crunchy chips offer an enjoyable texture alongside the smooth soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Broccoli – This can lead to mushy broccoli and a less appealing texture. To avoid it, simmer just until tender, about 8-9 minutes.
- Skipping the Blending Step – Not blending some of the soup can result in a chunky consistency instead of a creamy one. Always blend a portion or use an immersion blender for that smooth texture.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese – Cheap cheese may not melt well or offer the best flavor. Choose a good quality cheddar for the best results.
- Forgetting Seasoning – A bland soup is disappointing. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end for maximum flavor.
- Using Whole Milk – While it may seem tempting, whole milk adds unnecessary calories and fat. Stick with 1% milk for a healthier option without sacrificing creaminess.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes or until warm throughout.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
- Stovetop – Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well too! Just add it directly into the pot with the broth.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour in the recipe.
Can I add more protein?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken or tofu for an extra protein boost.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I customize my High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Feel free to add different vegetables like spinach or kale, or switch up the cheese varieties to suit your tastes!
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or quick lunches throughout the week. Try it today and enjoy its creamy goodness!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in a bowl of our High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, the ultimate comfort food that merges creamy richness with healthy ingredients. This delightful soup is packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, making it not only satisfying but also a nutritious option for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy lunch on chilly days. With vibrant broccoli blended into a creamy base featuring cheddar and cottage cheese, this soup promises to warm your heart and nourish your body. Plus, it can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins for an extra boost! Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add flour and smoked paprika; stir for one minute until coated.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli; bring to simmer.
- Simmer for about 8-9 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Mix in milk; heat through on low.
- Blend in cottage cheese and cheddar until melted.
- Blend part of the soup for a creamy texture (use a blender or immersion blender).
- Season with salt and pepper before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
