High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delicious blend of creamy flavors and healthy ingredients, making it perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week. With 20 grams of protein per serving, it’s not just comfort food; it’s also a nutrition-packed option that fits well into various occasions, from family dinners to lunch prep. Enjoy this soup as a hearty starter or a main dish, and impress your friends and family with its rich taste and health benefits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious Comfort Food: This soup combines the warmth of traditional broccoli cheddar with added protein, making it a filling choice.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this soup in just 35 minutes.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out veggies or adjust the cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store it for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Serve this dish at dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or as a cozy weeknight meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Blender (or immersion blender)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and accommodating all ingredients.
- Blender: Helps achieve the desired creamy texture by blending part of the soup effectively.
- Cutting board & Knife: Necessary for safely prepping vegetables, 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!
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Base Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 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 until it begins to bubble.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently until they are soft.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Paprika
Mix in the smoked paprika and flour. Stir constantly for one minute until all vegetables are coated with flour.
Step 5: Add Broth and Broccoli
Pour in the vegetable broth along with the chopped broccoli. Bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Broccoli
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 8-9 minutes until the broccoli is softened but still vibrant in color.
Step 7: Pour in Milk
Reduce heat and add milk. Warm gently without boiling.
Step 8: Add Cheeses
Incorporate blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir until both cheeses melt completely.
Step 9: Blend Soup
Carefully transfer one cup of soup to a blender. Blend while allowing steam to escape through the vent. Return blended soup back to pot or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
Step 10: Season to Taste
Taste your soup before serving; adjust salt as needed.
Enjoy your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup warm!
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate your dining experience. This creamy dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes to enhance its flavors.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the richness of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Adds a deliciously buttery and garlicky crunch that everyone will love.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Chives: Sprinkle fresh chives on top for a mild onion flavor.
- Parsley: A bit of chopped parsley can add a pop of color and freshness.
Topped with Extra Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar: Melt more cheddar on top for a gooey finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor.
With a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing complements the soup’s texture well.
- Garden Salad: A light, refreshing salad balances the richness of the cheddar soup.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To ensure your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli has better texture and flavor compared to frozen. It enhances the overall taste.
- Blend Gradually: If using a blender, blend in batches to prevent overflow. This helps maintain safety while blending hot ingredients.
- Monitor Heat Levels: Keep the heat low after adding cheese to prevent curdling. This maintains creaminess in your soup.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning during cooking. This ensures you achieve the perfect flavor balance.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing side dishes with your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can make for a delightful meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that adds crunch and extra cheesy goodness.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies provides nutrition and color to your meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats offer great flavor and complement the soup nicely.
- Cornbread Muffins: Their sweet flavor contrasts well with savory soup, making for a satisfying meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are perfect for dipping into your creamy soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light and nutritious option that adds protein and fiber to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be easy, but avoiding common mistakes ensures a perfect outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
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Using too high heat: Cooking on high heat can curdle the milk or overcook the broccoli. Always use medium to low heat when adding dairy.
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Not blending enough: Blending is key for a creamy texture. Make sure to blend part of the soup thoroughly or use an immersion blender to achieve desired consistency.
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Skipping seasonings: Not seasoning your soup can lead to bland flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving for best results.
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Ignoring fresh ingredients: Using wilted or old broccoli impacts flavor and nutrition. Always choose fresh, vibrant vegetables for your soup.
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Overcooking vegetables: Cooking broccoli for too long makes it mushy and dulls its color. Simmer until just tender for optimal texture and taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The soup will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the soup in an oven-safe dish, stirring occasionally.
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Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Stir every minute until heated through.
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Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup healthy?
This soup is packed with protein from cottage cheese and cheddar while using low-fat ingredients, making it a nutritious option without sacrificing flavor.
Can I customize the High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like spinach or kale, swap cheeses for different flavors, or even add cooked chicken for extra protein.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
To make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour in the recipe.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly since it’s already blanched.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also versatile and healthy. It serves as a perfect comfort food while being packed with nutrients. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for a unique twist!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a delightful blend of comfort and nutrition. With 20 grams of protein per serving, this soup is not only satisfying but also loaded with healthy ingredients that make it perfect for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to meal prep for busy weekdays. Packed with vibrant broccoli and rich cheddar, this warm bowl of goodness will impress your friends and family while keeping your health goals on track. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this versatile recipe allows you to customize ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy it as a hearty starter or main dish; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for about 10 minutes until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic; cook for another minute.
- Mix in smoked paprika and flour; stir constantly 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 but bright green.
- Reduce heat; stir in milk gently without boiling.
- Add blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar; stir until melted.
- Carefully blend part of the soup until creamy; return to pot or use an immersion blender.
- Adjust seasoning 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: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
