High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This rich and creamy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is more than just comfort food; it’s a nutritious powerhouse with 20 grams of protein per serving! Perfect for chilly evenings or as a wholesome lunch, this soup is both satisfying and healthy. Its velvety texture and cheesy flavor make it a family favorite, while the addition of cottage cheese keeps it light yet filling. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a cozy meal at home, this soup will surely impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious Comfort: Enjoy all the comforting flavors of broccoli cheddar soup while packing in protein and nutrients.
- Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delicious dish even on busy nights.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen broccoli based on what you have on hand, making it easy to adapt to your pantry.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This soup appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite spices or proteins to tailor the soup to your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, gather your tools. The right equipment will help you create this dish efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Blender (or immersion blender)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the vegetables evenly and simmering the soup thoroughly.
- Blender: Helps achieve that creamy texture by smoothly blending part of the soup. An immersion blender can also save time on cleanup.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
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
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base
- 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 Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cups 1% milk
Cheesy Goodness
- 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 until it starts to bubble.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for one more minute.
Step 4: Incorporate Paprika and Flour
Add the smoked paprika and flour. Stir for one minute until all vegetables are coated with flour.
Step 5: Add Broth and Broccoli
Pour in the vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Until Softened
Allow the broccoli to simmer for 8-9 minutes until it becomes tender.
Step 7: Mix in Milk
Reduce heat and add milk. Cook gently until warmed through without boiling.
Step 8: Add Cheese Blends
Incorporate blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted completely, being careful not to let it curdle.
Step 9: Blend for Creaminess
Transfer one cup of soup to a blender. Blend carefully while allowing steam to escape through the vent. Return blended soup back into the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a quick blend.
Step 10: Season to Taste
Finally, taste your soup and add salt if needed before serving warm.
Enjoy your delicious bowl of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and textures. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the creamy soup perfectly. Toast it lightly for added crunch.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread adds a buttery, aromatic element that pairs beautifully with the soup.
- Breadsticks: Soft, chewy breadsticks give a fun twist and can be dipped directly into the soup.
Add Fresh Toppings
- Chopped Chives: These provide a mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast.
- Croutons: Crunchy croutons add texture and can be seasoned to match the soup’s flavors.
- Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top enhances the cheesy goodness of the soup.
Serve in Creative Ways
- Bread Bowl: Hollow out a small loaf of bread and serve the soup inside for a fun presentation.
- Mason Jars: For a casual gathering, serve individual portions in mason jars for easy handling.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To ensure your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and vegetables enhance the flavor and nutrition of your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of it until smooth. For a thinner consistency, add extra broth or milk.
- Monitor Heat Carefully: Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent curdling. This helps maintain a smooth texture.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to your preference. This ensures balanced flavors throughout.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing side dishes with your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can make for a well-rounded meal. Here’s a list of delicious options that complement this comforting dish.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth of flavor and are an excellent way to include more nutrients in your meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs provides protein and fiber, making it an ideal sidekick for the soup.
- Pita Chips and Hummus: Crunchy pita chips with creamy hummus bring an enjoyable texture contrast alongside the smooth soup.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors of the broccoli cheddar soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice or ground turkey make for filling companions that are also nutritious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes that you should steer clear of.
- Skipping the sauté step: Failing to sauté the onions, carrots, and celery can lead to a lack of flavor. Always take the time to cook these veggies until they soften.
- Using high-fat dairy: Opting for full-fat milk or heavy cream can make the soup too rich. Instead, stick with 1% milk and low-fat cottage cheese for a healthier option.
- Overcooking the broccoli: Cooking the broccoli too long can result in mushy vegetables. Simmer until just tender to keep some texture.
- Not blending properly: If you don’t blend enough of the soup, it may not have the creamy texture you desire. Make sure to blend at least one cup or use an immersion blender for a uniform consistency.
- Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can diminish your soup’s flavor. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually around 3-5 minutes.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
How much protein is in High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
This soup contains approximately 20 grams of protein per serving, making it a nutritious option for those looking to boost their protein intake.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and vegan cheese for a delicious vegan version of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just follow the storage instructions mentioned above.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like spinach or peas to enhance nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only rich and creamy but also packs a nutritious punch with plenty of protein. This recipe is versatile; you can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices. Give it a try—you’ll love how comforting and satisfying it is!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a delightful blend that not only comforts but also nourishes. With 20 grams of protein per serving, this soup is the perfect solution for chilly evenings or a satisfying lunch. Featuring fresh broccoli, low-fat cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese, it delivers a velvety texture and cheesy flavor that will please both kids and adults alike. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, this nutritious powerhouse is adaptable to any pantry and customizable with your favorite spices. Impress your family or guests with this wholesome dish that redefines comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add smoked paprika and flour; stir until coated.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add broccoli; bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 8-9 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Lower heat and mix in milk until warmed through.
- Add blended cottage cheese and cheddar cheese; stir until melted.
- Blend one cup of soup for creaminess; return to pot or use an immersion blender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
