This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, this creamy soup offers comfort and satisfaction without compromising on health. Whether you’re looking for a warming weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this recipe will not disappoint. Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it an instant favorite among family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious Comfort Food: Enjoy the creamy goodness of cheddar cheese while benefiting from the health properties of broccoli.
- Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from prep to table, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a main dish or a side, it pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
- High Protein Content: Each serving delivers an impressive 20 grams of protein, making this soup a filling choice for any meal.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Using vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients ensures everyone can enjoy this comforting bowl.
Tools and Preparation
To create your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Blender (or immersion blender)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing ample space for all ingredients.
- Blender: Perfect for achieving that smooth, creamy texture that makes this soup irresistible.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps you chop vegetables quickly and safely, saving you time in preparation.
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!
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Thickening Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Broth & Vegetables
- 3 cups vegetable broth (I like the not-chicken style)
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
Dairy Ingredients
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 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: Sauté the Vegetables
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
Step 2: Add Garlic & Spices
Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to cook over medium heat for one minute. Then add smoked paprika and flour. Cook for one additional minute while stirring until all vegetables are coated with flour.
Step 3: Combine Broth & Broccoli
Pour in the vegetable broth along with chopped broccoli. Bring your mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 8-9 minutes until the broccoli is softened.
Step 4: Incorporate Dairy
Once the broccoli is tender, lower the heat and add milk. Heat until warm but do not boil. Stir in blended cottage cheese along with shredded cheddar cheese until melted completely.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess
Transfer one cup of soup to a blender, allowing steam to escape through the vent while blending until smooth. Return this blended portion back into the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Step 6: Final Touches
Taste your soup before serving; add salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavor.
Enjoy your delicious High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your dish.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying crunch and to soak up every last drop of creamy goodness.
Topped with Croutons
- Add homemade or store-bought croutons on top for an extra texture contrast that complements the smoothness of the soup.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the soup for a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- Serve alongside a light side salad for a refreshing balance, making the meal more wholesome.
With Grated Cheese
- Offer additional shredded cheese on top so everyone can customize their bowl according to their cheesy preferences.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To ensure your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is truly delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and onions will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
- Monitor Heat Carefully: When adding milk and cheese, keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
- Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup gives it a creamy texture without needing excessive cream.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go when adding salt and pepper, allowing you to perfect the flavor profile.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add spices like nutmeg or cayenne for an extra kick.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A well-rounded meal is always more enjoyable. Here are some fantastic side dishes that pair perfectly with your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Garlic Bread
Serve warm garlic bread for a flavorful addition that’s easy to prepare and loved by many.Mixed Greens Salad
A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette provides freshness and balances the richness of the soup.Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice make for a hearty side dish that complements the soup’s flavors.Roasted Vegetables
Roasted seasonal vegetables add depth and nutrition, making them an excellent accompaniment to your meal.Cheesy Biscuits
Fluffy cheesy biscuits are perfect for dipping into the rich broth of your soup while adding more comfort to your plate.Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing adds protein and complements the flavors without overwhelming them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s how to avoid them:
Using Low-Quality Cheese: Always opt for high-quality cheddar cheese. This will enhance the flavor and creaminess of your soup. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
Neglecting Vegetable Prep: Properly dice your vegetables to ensure even cooking. Large chunks may lead to uneven texture in the final soup. Take the time to chop them uniformly.
Overcooking Broccoli: If you cook broccoli too long, it can become mushy and lose its vibrant color. Aim for a simmer of 8-9 minutes until just tender for the best results.
Skipping the Blender Step: For a creamy texture, don’t skip blending a portion of the soup. This is essential for achieving that rich consistency desired in broccoli cheddar soup.
Not Seasoning Enough: Taste as you go! Salt and pepper can drastically change the flavor profile. Adjust seasoning before serving to ensure a flavorful dish.
Using Cold Ingredients: Cold milk or cheese can cause curdling when added to hot soup. Let them sit at room temperature before use for smoother incorporation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can last up to 3 months when properly stored.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat until warm.
Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Microwave on medium power, stirring every minute until heated through.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a pot, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup:
What makes this broccoli cheddar soup high in protein?
This recipe includes both shredded cheddar cheese and blended cottage cheese, contributing significant protein content while keeping it creamy and delicious.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! You can substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese while using nutritional yeast for added flavor.
How do I customize my High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach. You can also experiment with different spices such as thyme or cayenne for extra flavor!
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well; just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly since it may cook faster than fresh broccoli.
How do I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup is thinner than preferred, you can mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering soup until thickened.
Final Thoughts
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting dish that combines health and taste perfectly. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s great for any meal of the day. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices for added flair!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Indulge in the comforting warmth of this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a delightful blend that marries rich flavors with nutritious ingredients. Each serving boasts 20 grams of protein, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome meal any time of the day. This creamy soup is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from kitchen to table. Perfect as a main course or paired with crusty bread and a fresh salad, this recipe will surely become a family favorite. The combination of tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy cottage cheese creates a delicious harmony that’s both enjoyable and nourishing.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 portions 1x
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
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in melted butter over medium heat for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in smoked paprika and flour; cook for another minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli. Simmer for 8-9 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Lower heat and stir in milk, blended cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar until melted.
- Blend one cup of soup for creaminess; return to pot or use an immersion blender if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use fresh vegetables for enhanced flavor. Adjust spices according to your preference for added kick. For a vegan version, substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese.