High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With its rich and creamy texture, it’s packed with flavor while delivering an impressive 20 grams of protein per serving. Perfect for cozy nights, lunch boxes, or gatherings, this soup stands out as a nourishing comfort food that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Creamy: The blend of cheddar cheese and cottage cheese creates a rich texture that satisfies your cravings.
- High in Protein: Each bowl provides 20 grams of protein, making it great for muscle repair and satiety.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy this comforting dish in under an hour.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen broccoli and adjust veggies to your preference for a personalized touch.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Enjoy the rich flavors without compromising on nutrition—this soup is both comforting and wholesome.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to create this tasty high protein broccoli cheddar 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: A sturdy pot is essential for evenly cooking the vegetables and simmering the soup.
- Blender: This tool helps achieve that creamy consistency by blending part of the soup for smoothness.
- Cutting board & knife: These are necessary for prepping your vegetables efficiently, ensuring even cuts for even cooking.
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!
Fresh Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Flavor Enhancers
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Soup Base
- 3 cups vegetable broth (I like the not-chicken style)
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
Creamy Additions
- 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: Melt the Butter
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. This will serve as the base for sautéing your vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook over medium heat for one minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Spices
Add smoked paprika and flour. Cook for one minute while stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
Step 5: Add Broth and Broccoli
Pour in the vegetable broth along with the chopped broccoli. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Allow the broccoli to simmer for about 8-9 minutes until it is softened but still bright green.
Step 7: Stir in Milk
Add the milk to the pot. Cook over low heat until warmed through without boiling.
Step 8: Add Cheeses
Stir in blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until everything is melted together smoothly.
Step 9: Blend Part of Soup
Transfer one cup of soup to a blender. Blend until smooth while allowing steam to escape through the vent. Return this blended portion back into the pot or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
Step 10: Final Seasoning
Taste your soup and add salt as needed 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 is versatile and pairs beautifully with various accompaniments to enhance its delicious flavors.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough: The tanginess of sourdough complements the soup’s richness perfectly.
- Whole Wheat Bread: A hearty, nutty flavor that adds a nutritious touch.
- Garlic Bread: A buttery, garlicky side that enhances the cheesy goodness.
Topped with Extras
- Croutons: Add some crunch and texture by sprinkling homemade or store-bought croutons on top.
- Chopped Fresh Herbs: Garnish with parsley or chives for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of additional cheddar cheese melts beautifully over hot soup.
As a Meal Starter
- Appetizer Portion: Serve in smaller bowls as an appetizer before a main course for a delightful start.
- Mini Shooters: Present in shot glasses for a fun and trendy tasting experience at gatherings.
Pairing with Salad
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crisp romaine contrast nicely with the warm soup.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with fresh veggies balances out the richness of the soup.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To ensure your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and high-quality cheese greatly enhance the flavor of your soup.
- Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup gives it a rich, creamy texture while keeping some chunks for heartiness.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper at the end to achieve your desired flavor profile.
- Prevent Curdling: Keep the heat low when adding milk and cheese to prevent curdling; stir gently until melted.
- Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain texture.
- Add Protein Options: For even more protein, consider adding cooked chicken or beans to make it even heartier.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing side dishes with your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Garlic Knots: These soft, buttery knots offer a flavorful side that complements the soup well.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides a healthy grain option packed with protein and nutrients.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal while enhancing its flavors.
- Pita Chips with Hummus: Crunchy pita chips paired with hummus make a fun, easy-to-eat side dish that balances the creamy soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or grains add an extra layer of flavor and nutrition to your dinner table.
- Cheese Toasties: Grilled cheese sandwiches made with your favorite breads and cheeses make for a comforting pairing that echoes the flavors in the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the sauté step: Not cooking the onions and vegetables can lead to a bland soup. Always sauté them until they are soft for maximum flavor.
- Using low-quality cheese: Low-quality cheese may not melt well and can alter the texture. Opt for high-quality cheddar for a creamy finish.
- Ignoring the blending process: Blending part of the soup gives it a rich and creamy texture. Don’t skip this step for the best consistency.
- Adding too much salt at once: If you over-salt your soup, it can be hard to fix. Add salt gradually and taste as you go.
- Cooking over high heat: High heat can cause dairy to curdle. Always cook on low heat once milk is added to achieve a smooth soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Pour into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Place soup in a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup that you might find helpful.
What makes this soup high in protein?
The addition of low-fat cottage cheese and cheddar cheese significantly boosts the protein content, making each serving hearty and nutritious.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Substitute the dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or almond milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
How can I customize my High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or even cooked chicken for extra flavor and nutrients!
Is this broccoli cheddar soup gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour while preparing the roux.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The total time from start to finish is approximately 35 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal option!
Final Thoughts
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not just delicious but also offers nutritional benefits without sacrificing comfort. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins! Give it a try; you’ll love how satisfying this healthy soup can be!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the comfort of our High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a delightful spin on a beloved classic. This creamy, rich soup boasts 20 grams of protein per serving, thanks to a wholesome blend of cottage cheese and cheddar. Perfect for cozy dinners or lunch boxes, it’s not just delicious but also packed with nutrition. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh broccoli and aromatic vegetables in a dish that warms the soul without compromising on health. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
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 low-fat 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 garlic; cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in flour and smoked paprika; cook for another minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli; bring to a simmer for about 8-9 minutes until tender.
- Lower heat; stir in milk until warmed through.
- Mix in cheddar and cottage cheese until melted.
- Blend one cup of soup for creaminess; return it to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
