This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a nutritious lunch, this soup offers 20 grams of protein per serving, making it a satisfying choice for comfort food lovers. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s an ideal dish for family gatherings, meal prep, or simply enjoying on your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Comfort Food: This soup delivers the warmth and richness you crave while packing in protein and nutrients.
- Quick to Prepare: In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a batch that serves eight, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with different vegetables or cheeses based on what you have at home.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it appealing to children and adults alike.
- Freezer Friendly: Make extra and freeze portions for an easy meal solution later on!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking of all ingredients without overcrowding.
- Blender or immersion blender: Blending gives the soup its creamy consistency, ensuring a delightful texture.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
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 Base:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Thickening:
- 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
For Creaminess:
- 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 until it’s fully melted.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes until they soften, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Flour and Paprika
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour. Stir continuously for one minute until the vegetables are coated with flour.
Step 5: Incorporate Broth and Broccoli
Pour in the vegetable broth along with chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Let the broccoli simmer for about 8-9 minutes or until it becomes tender.
Step 7: Add Milk
Stir in the milk. Keep cooking over low heat until the soup is warm but not boiling.
Step 8: Blend in Cheese
Incorporate blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until both cheeses are melted into a creamy mixture.
Step 9: Blend Some of the Soup
Transfer one cup of soup to a blender. Blend carefully while allowing steam to escape through the vent. Return this blended portion back to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for convenience.
Step 10: Season to Taste
Finally, add salt and pepper according to your taste preference before serving hot. Enjoy your delicious High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few creative ideas. Here are some suggestions to elevate your soup presentation and flavor.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Enjoy the soup with slices of crusty bread, perfect for dipping.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish your bowl with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Add a Dollop of Sour Cream
- A scoop of sour cream on top adds creaminess and a tangy contrast to the soup.
Serve in a Bread Bowl
- For an impressive presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls.
Accompany with a Salad
- A light mixed green salad balances the richness of the soup.
Offer Grated Cheese on the Side
- Provide extra shredded cheddar cheese for those who want an extra cheesy experience.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To make your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh broccoli and quality cheese will enhance the flavor significantly.
Control the Heat – Keep the heat low when adding milk to prevent curdling.
Blend for Creaminess – For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup before serving.
Adjust Seasoning – Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing side dishes with your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy and flavorful, garlic bread is always a hit alongside soup.
- Caesar Salad – This classic salad adds crispness and complements the creamy soup nicely.
- Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal roasted veggies offers a healthy side that’s easy to prepare.
- Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad provides texture and additional nutrients.
- Stuffed Peppers – Hearty stuffed peppers make for a filling accompaniment that pairs well with broccoli cheddar flavors.
- Pita Chips with Hummus – For something light, serve crunchy pita chips alongside creamy hummus.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Not prepping ingredients properly: Always chop your vegetables evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate for a well-blended texture.
- Skipping the sauté step: Skipping the sautéing of onions, carrots, and celery will result in a lack of depth in flavor. Take that extra time; it’s worth it!
- Using low-quality cheese: Low-quality cheese may not melt well and can affect the soup’s creaminess. Always use good-quality cheddar for the best results.
- Not blending enough: Blending part of the soup gives it a creamy texture. Don’t skip this step for that velvety finish!
- Overheating milk: Heating milk too quickly can cause it to curdle. Always warm your soup on low heat after adding the milk for smoothness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring often to maintain smoothness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and storing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute with plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
How can I increase protein in my broccoli cheddar soup?
Adding more cottage cheese or even cooked chicken can help boost the protein content further.
Is High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and tastes great reheated, making it an excellent meal prep option.
What can I serve with this soup?
Pair your soup with whole grain bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. Its versatility allows for various customization options such as adding different vegetables or proteins. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Indulge in the creamy goodness of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a deliciously wholesome dish that combines rich flavors with nutritious ingredients. Perfect for cozy evenings or as a hearty lunch, this soup delivers an impressive 20 grams of protein per serving. With its velvety texture and cheesy delight, this recipe is ideal for family gatherings, meal prep, or a comforting solo treat. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, it’s customizable with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and freezer-friendly—making it not only tasty but practical too!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 milk (1%)
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle flour and paprika; stir for one minute.
- Pour in broth and add broccoli; simmer gently for 8–9 minutes until tender.
- Stir in milk until warmed through (do not boil).
- Blend in cottage cheese and cheddar until melted.
- For creaminess, blend part of the soup using a blender or immersion blender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
