High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not just a delicious comfort food; it’s a nutritious option with secret health benefits! Packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, this soup can be enjoyed on chilly evenings or served as a hearty lunch. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor will satisfy your cravings while providing essential nutrients. Enjoy this versatile dish any day of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Comfort Food: Enjoy the rich flavors without the guilt. This recipe is designed to be both satisfying and nutritious.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this soup in just 35 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and cheesy taste, making it perfect for family meals.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a starter, main course, or even as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread!
- Protein-Packed: With 20 grams of protein per serving, this soup helps keep you full and energized.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools you’ll need to make your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Blender (or immersion blender)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A sturdy pot is crucial for simmering your soup evenly without burning.
- Blender: Blending the soup creates a creamy texture that enhances its flavor.
- Cutting board: Safe chopping surfaces help you prepare vegetables quickly and efficiently.
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
Seasonings
- 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
Final Touches
- 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 until bubbly.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute over medium heat.
Step 4: Add Seasonings
Incorporate the smoked paprika and flour into the mixture. Stir for one minute until all vegetables are coated with flour.
Step 5: Add Broth and Broccoli
Pour in the vegetable broth along with chopped broccoli. Bring it to a simmer.
Step 6: Simmer
Let the broccoli simmer for about 8-9 minutes or until softened.
Step 7: Add Milk
Stir in the milk and cook overall low heat until warmed through.
Step 8: Mix in Cheeses
Blend in the cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Be cautious with heat to avoid curdling.
Step 9: Blend Soup
Transfer one cup of soup to a blender (allowing steam to escape). Blend until smooth then return it to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot if preferred.
Step 10: Season
Taste your soup before serving; add salt and pepper as necessary.
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This rich and creamy high protein broccoli cheddar soup can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a starter, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: The tanginess of sourdough complements the richness of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Adds a savory crunch and aroma that pairs beautifully with each spoonful.
- Breadsticks: Soft and chewy, they are great for dipping.
Add Toppings for Extra Flavor
- Croutons: Crunchy croutons can give your soup an added texture.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or chives adds freshness and color.
- Extra Cheese: A little more shredded cheddar on top can elevate the cheesy flavor.
Serve in Creative Bowls
- Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread rolls.
- Mini Mason Jars: These are perfect for individual servings at gatherings.
Accompany with a Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing balance the soup’s richness.
- Mixed Green Salad: Light and refreshing, it offers a nice contrast to the creamy texture.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To make your high protein broccoli cheddar soup even better, consider these helpful tips for achieving the best flavor and consistency.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also provides more nutrients compared to frozen options.
- Blend Cottage Cheese Smoothly: Blending cottage cheese until smooth ensures no lumps remain in your soup for a creamy finish.
- Control the Heat: Maintain low heat after adding milk to prevent curdling; this keeps your soup smooth and velvety.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper gradually allows you to achieve the perfect seasoning balance without overpowering.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing your high protein broccoli cheddar soup with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with garlic and parmesan make a hearty addition.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and vinaigrette refreshes your palate between bites of rich soup.
- Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa tossed with vegetables adds protein and complements the flavors of the soup.
- Vegetable Platter: A colorful array of raw veggies provides crunch and freshness alongside your creamy dish.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with any bowl of soup!
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa add an extra layer of heartiness to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that could affect the final taste and texture. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the sautéing step: Not cooking the onion, carrot, and celery properly can lead to an underdeveloped flavor. Always sauté these vegetables until they are soft for the best taste.
- Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese can alter the creamy texture of your soup. Opt for good-quality cheddar cheese for a rich flavor and creamy consistency.
- Overcooking broccoli: If you cook the broccoli too long, it can become mushy and lose its vibrant color. Simmer just until tender for the best results.
- Not blending enough: Failing to blend part of the soup can result in a chunky texture. For a creamier soup, blend at least one cup of the mixture back into the pot.
- Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Remember to taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow soup to cool completely before sealing containers.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers to allow for expansion.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each, until warm throughout.
- Stovetop: Heat over low-medium heat, stirring frequently until hot; add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still curious about making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, here are some common questions answered:
Can I use frozen broccoli in High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just add it directly into the pot without thawing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 8 cups, serving approximately 4-6 people depending on portion sizes.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
Feel free to use any cheese you prefer, such as Gruyère or mozzarella, but keep in mind that flavor may vary.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour alternative for thickening instead of all-purpose flour.
How can I customize this soup?
You can add other vegetables like spinach or kale. For extra protein, consider adding shredded chicken or beans!
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only comforting but also nutritious with its impressive protein content. It’s versatile too; feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Whether enjoyed on a chilly day or as a satisfying meal prep option, this soup is sure to delight your taste buds! Give it a try and enjoy its creamy goodness!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 to 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the comfort of our High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a delightful blend of creamy texture and cheesy goodness. This nutritious soup is packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, making it an ideal choice for those chilly evenings or as a satisfying lunch. With vibrant broccoli and rich cheddar cheese, this dish not only pleases your palate but also nourishes your body. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for family meals or meal prep. Enjoy it with crusty bread or topped with crunchy croutons for a complete dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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, carrots, and celery for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in smoked paprika and flour; coat vegetables evenly.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli; bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 8-9 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Stir in milk and warm through on low heat.
- Blend in cottage cheese and cheddar until melted.
- Transfer one cup of soup to a blender and blend until smooth; return to pot.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
