High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not just any soup; it’s a creamy, delicious dish that offers a healthy twist with 20 grams of protein per serving. Perfect for chilly evenings, lunch, or as a starter for any meal, this soup combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese with the nutritious goodness of broccoli. Enjoy it on its own or paired with crusty bread for a satisfying experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 35 minutes, you can have a warm bowl of soup ready in no time.
- Nutritious Comfort: Packed with protein and veggies, this soup is both heartwarming and health-conscious.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a side; it fits perfectly into any meal plan.
- Easy Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever cravings hit.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and cheesy taste.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delightful soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Blender (or immersion blender)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Blender: Helps achieve that creamy consistency by blending part of the soup smoothly.
- Cutting board and knife: A good setup for chopping veggies quickly and safely.
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 tablespoons butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
Seasonings and Thickener
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Liquids
- 3 cups vegetable broth (I like the not-chicken style)
- 2 cups 1% milk
Cheeses
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
Finishing 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.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently until softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Incorporate the minced garlic and continue to cook for one minute.
Step 4: Mix in Spices
Add smoked paprika and flour. Stir for one minute until vegetables are coated.
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
Let the broccoli simmer for about 8-9 minutes until tender.
Step 7: Incorporate Milk
Stir in the milk. Cook over low heat until warmed through but avoid boiling.
Step 8: Blend Cheeses In
Add blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted carefully without curdling milk.
Step 9: Blend Part of the Soup
Transfer one cup of soup to a blender. Blend gently while allowing steam to escape. Return blended soup back to pot or use an immersion blender directly in pot.
Step 10: Season to Taste
Finally, add salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This rich and creamy high protein broccoli cheddar soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
In a Bread Bowl
- Serve the soup in a warm, hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and edible presentation.
Topped with Croutons
- Add crunchy croutons on top for texture and extra flavor. Garlic croutons work wonderfully!
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate the flavors and add richness to the soup.
Accompanied by Crackers
- Pair your soup with crispy whole-grain crackers for a satisfying crunch alongside each spoonful.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To ensure your high protein broccoli cheddar soup comes out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will provide better flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
- Blend Wisely: If using a blender, allow steam to escape to prevent pressure buildup while blending.
- Control Heat: Keep the heat low when adding cheese to avoid curdling the milk.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go when adding salt and pepper, ensuring balanced seasoning.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing side dishes with your high protein broccoli cheddar soup can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread complements the creamy soup beautifully.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for a hearty side that pairs well.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring extra nutrients and flavor to your meal.
- Quiche: A slice of quiche offers a savory complement with its flaky crust and rich filling.
- Pita Chips: Serve pita chips for a healthy crunch that you can dip into your warm soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be straightforward, but common mistakes can lead to less than ideal results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the sauté: Not cooking the onions and carrots properly can result in an uneven flavor. Always sauté them until softened.
- Overheating the milk: Heating the milk too quickly can cause it to curdle. Use low heat and stir constantly when adding it to the soup.
- Not blending enough: Failing to blend a portion of the soup may lead to an unappealing texture. Blend at least one cup for creaminess.
- Ignoring seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Using low-quality cheese: Using subpar cheddar may affect flavor. Opt for good quality, sharp cheddar for a richer taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your soup in airtight containers.
- It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup healthy?
This soup is healthy because it combines broccoli with high-protein ingredients like cottage cheese and cheddar, providing a delicious way to boost your protein intake.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! While cheddar is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
How can I customize my High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
You can add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein, or toss in other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrients.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This soup stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk and use vegan cheese options along with nutritional yeast for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only creamy and comforting but also packed with nutrients. It’s ideal for a cozy dinner or lunch. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite proteins or veggies. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is to whip up a deliciously healthy meal!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Indulge in a bowl of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a creamy and nutritious delight that warms you from the inside out. This delicious soup is not only comforting but also packs a protein punch with 20 grams per serving, making it an ideal choice for chilly nights or as a hearty lunch. The rich flavors of cheddar cheese blend seamlessly with tender broccoli, creating a dish that’s satisfying and healthy. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this versatile soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread for an elevated dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 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.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in smoked paprika and flour; cook for one minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli; bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for about 8-9 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Stir in milk gently over low heat until warmed through.
- Mix in blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar until melted.
- Blend part of the soup for creaminess using an immersion blender or standard blender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
