High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not just a delicious comfort food; it is also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. With a creamy texture and rich flavor, this soup provides 20 grams of protein per serving, ensuring you feel satisfied while enjoying its warmth. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch, a light dinner, or something to warm you up on a chilly day, this soup fits the bill!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: This soup is filled with fresh broccoli and cottage cheese, providing essential vitamins and minerals alongside high protein.
- Quick to Prepare: With only 35 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delicious dish even on busy weeknights.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or using different types of cheese based on your preference.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and smoked paprika creates a delightful taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
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 sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup evenly.
- Blender or immersion blender: Perfect for achieving that creamy consistency without leaving any chunks behind.
- Cutting board & Knife: These are vital for safely chopping your vegetables into uniform pieces.
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 tablespoons 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 (I like the not-chicken style)
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.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently until they begin to soften.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the garlic and cook for one additional minute over medium heat.
Step 4: Incorporate Spices and Flour
Add the smoked paprika and flour. Stir for one minute until all vegetables are coated with flour.
Step 5: Add Broth and Broccoli
Pour in the broth along with the chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Until Softened
Let the broccoli simmer for approximately 8-9 minutes or until tender.
Step 7: Mix in Milk
Stir in the milk. Cook over low heat until the soup warms through.
Step 8: Add Cheeses
Incorporate the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese into the pot. Stir gently until melted. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
Step 9: Blend for Creaminess
Carefully transfer one cup of soup to a blender. Blend to desired consistency while allowing steam to escape through the vent. Return blended soup back into the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
Step 10: Final Touches
Season with salt to taste if needed before serving hot. Enjoy your comforting bowl of high protein broccoli cheddar soup!
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate the dining experience and complement its rich flavors. Here are some delightful ideas for serving this creamy soup.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve with fresh, crusty sourdough or baguette slices for a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the smooth soup.
Topped with Extra Cheese
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top just before serving for an extra cheesy touch that’s hard to resist.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and depth while enhancing the soup’s flavor profile.
Garnished with Chives
- Finely chopped chives make a great garnish, adding a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the soup.
Accompanied by a Salad
- Pairing with a simple green salad can provide freshness and balance to the meal, making it more nutritious.
Served in Bread Bowls
- For an impressive presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible serving idea.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To achieve the best results with your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh broccoli and vegetables will enhance the flavor and nutrition of your soup.
- Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture without adding heavy cream.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; adjusting salt and pepper can significantly enhance overall flavor.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese varieties like gouda or Monterey Jack for unique flavor twists.
- Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to three days.
- Reheat Gently: When reheating, do it slowly on low heat to prevent curdling of the milk.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To complement your delicious High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, here are some side dishes that pair perfectly together.
- Garlic Bread: This classic side adds buttery flavor and is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing contrasts nicely with the warm soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms offer a delightful bite-sized option that enhances any meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings additional protein and texture, making for a hearty meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and extra nutrients alongside your comforting soup.
- Cheese Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese create a wonderful pairing full of gooey goodness.
- Baked Potato Wedges: These crispy potatoes provide a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy texture of the soup.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: This warm, cheesy dip makes an indulgent side that guests will love alongside their bowl of soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure it turns out perfectly.
- Using too much heat: Cooking on high heat can curdle the milk. Always use low to medium heat when adding dairy.
- Skipping the blending step: Not blending the soup leaves it chunky instead of creamy. Blend at least part of the soup for a smoother texture.
- Overcooking broccoli: If you cook the broccoli for too long, it becomes mushy. Simmer until just tender for the best bite.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season adequately can lead to bland soup. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper throughout cooking.
- Not measuring ingredients: Guessing quantities can throw off the balance. Use precise measurements for consistent results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot. Use a microwave-safe container.
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries related to our High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe.
Can I make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegan?
Yes! Substitute dairy with plant-based milk and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
How do I add more protein to High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
You can include cooked chicken, turkey, or additional cottage cheese for extra protein.
Can I substitute fresh broccoli with frozen?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well; just adjust cooking time as needed since it’s usually pre-blanched.
What herbs complement High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Thyme and parsley add a lovely flavor. You can also experiment with dill or basil for variety.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a comforting meal any day of the week. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your taste!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting embrace of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a delicious bowl that marries creamy textures with nutritious ingredients. This delightful soup features fresh broccoli and protein-packed cottage cheese, ensuring each serving delivers an impressive 20 grams of protein. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s ready in just 35 minutes and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Whether you’re seeking a hearty lunch or a light dinner, this soup is sure to warm you up on chilly days while satisfying your taste buds.
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
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic; cook for another minute.
- Stir in smoked paprika and flour for one minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add broccoli; bring to a simmer.
- Cook until broccoli is tender (8-9 minutes).
- Stir in milk and heat through on low.
- Add blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar; mix until melted.
- Blend part of the soup for creaminess if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
