High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only rich and creamy but also packs a healthy punch with 20 grams of protein per serving. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a hearty lunch, this soup combines the delightful flavors of cheddar cheese with nutritious broccoli, making it an ideal comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or serve a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Comfort Food: This soup offers all the creaminess and flavor you crave but is made healthier with cottage cheese and plenty of veggies.
- Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from prep to table, you can enjoy this delicious soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out veggies or cheese types based on what you have at home, making it a flexible dish for any pantry.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week—it’s even better the next day!
- Family Friendly: Kids love the cheesy flavor while parents appreciate the added nutrition from broccoli and cottage cheese.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this high protein broccoli cheddar soup recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking all your ingredients together evenly while allowing enough space to stir without spilling.
- Blender: Helps create a smooth texture for your soup by blending some of the mixture until creamy.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even cooking while adding a rustic touch to your kitchen.
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!
For the Soup Base
- 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
For the Soup
- 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
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Melt Butter
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook Vegetables
Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently until softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Introduce garlic to the pot and continue cooking over medium heat for one minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Paprika and Flour
Add smoked paprika and flour. Stir continuously for one minute until vegetables are well-coated with flour.
Step 5: Pour in Broth and Broccoli
Add vegetable broth and chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Let broccoli simmer for about 8-9 minutes until softened.
Step 7: Mix in Milk
Pour in the milk. Cook over low heat until warmed through.
Step 8: Blend in Cheeses
Stir in blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until melted; avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
Step 9: Blend for Creaminess
Transfer one cup of soup to a blender. Blend smoothly while letting steam escape through the vent. Return blended soup back to pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
Step 10: Season to Taste
Finally, add salt if needed before serving hot. Enjoy your comforting bowl of high protein broccoli cheddar soup!
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This rich and creamy high protein broccoli cheddar soup is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. Sourdough or a baguette works wonderfully.
Topped with Croutons
- Add some crunchy croutons on top for texture. You can make them easily by toasting bread cubes in the oven.
Sprinkle Fresh Herbs
- Garnish your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Side Salad
- Serve alongside a light side salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
Drizzle with Olive Oil
Serve in Bread Bowls
- For a fun twist, serve your high protein broccoli cheddar soup in edible bread bowls. This makes for an impressive presentation!
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To achieve the best version of this high protein broccoli cheddar soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the soup better flavor and nutrition compared to frozen options.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allowing the vegetables to soften properly enhances their natural sweetness.
- Blend Wisely: If using a blender, let steam escape to avoid pressure build-up. An immersion blender works great for convenience.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
- Keep Heat Low: When adding milk and cheese, keep heat low to prevent curdling, ensuring a smooth finish.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for varied flavors; Gruyere or Monterey Jack can be great additions.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This high protein broccoli cheddar soup pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some options you might enjoy.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky taste of garlic bread perfectly balances the creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and acidity, enhancing the soup’s richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, making them a healthy partner for your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be made with quinoa or rice and provide additional protein and fiber alongside your soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: An all-time favorite, grilled cheese sandwiches are fantastic for dipping into the warm soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.
- Pita Chips or Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips add a fun texture and can be used for dipping into the soup.
- Baked Potatoes: Simple baked potatoes topped with sour cream or cheese make for a hearty addition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing your veggies enhances their flavor. Don’t rush this step; cook them until they’re soft.
- Using low-quality cheese: The type of cheese matters! Choose a good quality cheddar for the best taste and texture in your soup.
- Not blending enough: A smooth soup is key. Make sure to blend part of the soup to get that creamy consistency.
- Ignoring seasoning: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper gradually helps you achieve the right balance.
- Cooking at too high heat: High heat can curdle the milk. Always keep it on low once the cheese is added.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this delicious soup.
What makes this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup healthy?
This soup is packed with protein from both cheddar and cottage cheese, while broccoli adds fiber and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious choice!
Can I customize the ingredients in High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or kale, use different cheeses, or even add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
How do I make this soup thicker?
To achieve a thicker consistency, blend more of the soup before serving or add additional flour during cooking.
Is this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Give it a try; it’s sure to warm your heart!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. This creamy soup features a delightful blend of cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli, delivering 20 grams of protein per serving, making it the perfect choice for a cozy dinner or hearty lunch. Simple to prepare in just 35 minutes, this recipe is versatile and allows for ingredient substitutions based on your pantry. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly day or serve it to impress guests, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.
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)
- 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 onions, carrots, and celery; cook for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add flour and smoked paprika; stir continuously for one minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for about 8-9 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Mix in milk and heat through on low.
- Stir in cottage cheese and cheddar until melted.
- Blend one cup of soup until smooth; return it to the pot or use an immersion blender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
