High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of rich flavors and healthy ingredients, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting friends, this creamy soup provides comfort without the guilt. Loaded with 20 grams of protein per serving, it stands out as a nutritious choice that satisfies cravings while promoting wellness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Comfort Food: Indulge in a creamy soup that’s packed with nutrients and flavor.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep, you can whip up this soup in just 35 minutes.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with available veggies or adjust the cheese levels to fit your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week—perfect for lunches or quick dinners.
- Kid-Friendly Flavor: The cheesy goodness and vibrant color make it appealing to kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing the High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is straightforward, but having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are some essential tools you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Blender (or immersion blender)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A sturdy pot allows even cooking of vegetables and prevents sticking.
- Blender: Essential for achieving that creamy texture; you can use an immersion blender for convenience.
- Cutting board & knife: These tools ensure easy chopping of veggies, making prep fast and efficient.
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 & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning & Thickening Agent
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Base & Creaminess
- 3 cups vegetable broth (I like the not-chicken style)
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
Final Touches
- 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. Allow it to foam slightly before adding vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes until they soften, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Mix in the minced garlic and continue cooking for one minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Paprika
Add smoked paprika along with flour. Stir continuously 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 everything to a simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Simmer the broccoli for about 8-9 minutes until it softens but retains some texture.
Step 7: Mix in Milk
Lower the heat; add milk gradually while stirring. Allow it to warm without boiling.
Step 8: Add Cheeses
Stir in blended cottage cheese along with shredded cheddar cheese until melted completely. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
Step 9: Blend for Creaminess
Transfer one cup of soup into a blender. Blend gently 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 smoother texture.
Step 10: Season to Taste
Finally, add salt and pepper according to your preference before serving hot.
Enjoy your delicious High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate your meal experience. This creamy soup pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to consider.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Perfect for dipping, a warm baguette complements the richness of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Adds a savory touch; the garlic flavor works beautifully with cheddar.
Topped with Garnishes
- Chopped Green Onions: Offers a fresh, mild onion taste that brightens the dish.
- Croutons: Provide crunch and texture, making each spoonful more delightful.
Pairing with Salads
- Caesar Salad: A classic option; the creamy dressing contrasts nicely with the soup’s texture.
- Mixed Greens Salad: Light and refreshing, it balances the heaviness of the soup.
Serving in Bread Bowls
- Bread Bowls: These edible bowls add fun and flavor; just scoop out some bread to enjoy every bit.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To achieve the best results with your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, consider these helpful tips for a smooth and flavorful dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and cheese will enhance flavor and nutrition, giving you a better overall taste.
- Blend Properly: For a creamy texture, ensure you blend enough of the soup while leaving some chunks for added bite.
- Don’t Overheat Cheese: Add cheese at low heat to prevent curdling; this keeps your soup smooth and delicious.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go when adding salt and pepper to find the perfect balance without overdoing it.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Complementing your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup with tasty side dishes can create a satisfying meal. Here’s a list of side dishes that pair wonderfully with this comforting soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Classic pairing; buttery goodness combined with cheese enhances richness.
- Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious; adds protein while keeping things fresh and colorful.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers bring variety; they are hearty yet healthy.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add depth to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside; perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad brings contrast in temperature and textures to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes ensures a perfect dish every time.
- Overcooking the Broccoli: If you cook the broccoli too long, it can lose its vibrant color and nutritional value. Simmer just until tender.
- Skipping the Blending Step: Not blending the soup will leave it chunky. For that creamy texture, blend part of the soup or use an immersion blender.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: Cheap cheese can lead to a greasy soup. Opt for high-quality cheddar for a rich flavor.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting salt and pepper can result in bland soup. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Not Using Enough Protein: To keep it a high protein dish, ensure you blend in enough cottage cheese and use low-fat options for creaminess without excess calories.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, nutritious soup loaded with protein from ingredients like cottage cheese and cheddar.
How can I make this soup vegan?
To make a vegan version of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, substitute dairy with plant-based milk and use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas for extra nutrition in your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free flour as a thickener, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a healthy meal option, this soup satisfies cravings while keeping things nutritious. Give it a try!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the creamy richness of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a delightful dish that combines healthy ingredients with irresistible flavors. Perfect for cozy nights or entertaining friends, this nutritious soup boasts 20 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for guilt-free comfort food. With a vibrant green color and cheesy goodness, it appeals to both kids and adults alike. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this versatile recipe allows you to customize it with your favorite veggies or alter the cheese levels to suit your taste. Enjoy this protein-packed delight as a wholesome meal option that satisfies cravings while promoting wellness.
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
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in flour and smoked paprika; cook for one minute.
- Add vegetable broth and chopped broccoli; bring to a simmer.
- Simmer until broccoli is tender but retains some texture (8-9 minutes).
- Lower heat and gradually stir in milk without boiling.
- Mix in blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar until melted.
- Blend part of the soup for creaminess; return to pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
