High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of creamy goodness and nutritious ingredients. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or even as a warm appetizer at gatherings. With 20 grams of protein per serving, this soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides essential nutrients. You’ll find it’s a comforting dish that doesn’t compromise on health, making it ideal for various occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, this soup will keep you satisfied longer.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, cooking this soup is a breeze.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or as an appetizer; it fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the cheesy flavor and creamy texture, making it great for family dinners.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store it for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the right tools ready. These essential kitchen items will make your cooking experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without spillage.
- Blender or immersion blender: Helps achieve that creamy texture by blending the soup to your desired consistency.
- Measuring cups: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for consistent results every time.
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
Pantry Staples
- 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 until fully melted.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the pot:
1. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently until they soften.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic:
– Continue cooking over medium heat for one minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Spices and Flour
Add smoked paprika and flour:
– Cook for one minute while stirring until vegetables are well coated with flour.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Broccoli
Pour in the vegetable broth along with chopped broccoli:
– Bring to a simmer and cook for about 8-9 minutes until broccoli is tender.
Step 6: Add Milk
Reduce heat to low:
– Stir in the milk and gently heat until warmed through.
Step 7: Blend Cheeses
Add blended cottage cheese and shredded cheese:
– Stir until melted completely. Be careful not to let the milk curdle by keeping heat low.
Step 8: Blend for Creaminess
Transfer one cup of soup into a blender:
– Blend until smooth while allowing steam to escape through the vent. Return blended soup back to pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
Step 9: Season to Taste
Finally, check seasoning:
– Add salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavors before serving.
Enjoy your deliciously healthy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate your dining experience. Whether you want to add a twist or keep it classic, here are some suggestions to enhance your meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. A fresh baguette or sourdough works beautifully.
Topped with Extra Cheese
- Sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving. This adds a delightful melty layer and enhances the cheesy flavor.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Add a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This not only looks appealing but also complements the soup’s flavors.
Served in a Bread Bowl
- For a fun presentation, serve the soup in an edible bread bowl. This adds texture and is perfect for soaking up every last drop.
Accompanied by Salad
- A light salad, such as mixed greens with vinaigrette, pairs well with the richness of the soup. It provides a refreshing contrast.
With Crispy Bacon Bits
- For those who enjoy a savory crunch, top your soup with crispy bacon bits. This adds saltiness and depth to each spoonful.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To achieve the best results when making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, follow these tips for a creamy and flavorful dish.
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Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will provide better texture and flavor compared to frozen options. Look for bright green florets.
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Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup helps create that creamy consistency without adding too much cream. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender carefully.
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Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference in flavor.
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Watch the Temperature: When adding cheese, keep the heat low to prevent curdling. Melt slowly for smooth results.
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Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, for unique flavors that complement broccoli well.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Completing your meal with side dishes can enhance your enjoyment of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Here are some delicious options:
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread sticks offer a flavorful complement and are perfect for dipping into the soup.
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Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a nice contrast to the warm soup, balancing textures and tastes.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add nutrition while their caramelized sweetness pairs excellently with cheesy broth.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad filled with veggies adds protein and fiber, making it a hearty side that complements the soup well.
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Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with grains or meat can be filling and nutritious alongside your comforting bowl of soup.
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Cheese Quesadilla: Simple cheese quesadillas cut into triangles make an easy-to-eat side that kids and adults alike will enjoy dipping into their soup.
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Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with creamy soup.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers sweetness that cleanses the palate after each rich spoonful of soup while being healthy too.
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:
- Using too high heat: Cooking on high heat can curdle the milk in your soup. Always keep the heat low when adding dairy ingredients.
- Skipping the blending step: Blending part of the soup gives it a creamy texture. Don’t skip this step for a smooth finish!
- Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoned soup can taste bland. Always taste and adjust with salt and pepper before serving.
- Adding cheese too quickly: If you add cheese when the soup is boiling, it may not melt evenly. Stir in cheese over low heat for best results.
- Not preparing the vegetables properly: Unevenly chopped vegetables can lead to inconsistent cooking. Make sure all pieces are similar in size for even tenderness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- To freeze, use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months; just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until warm.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup healthy?
This soup is packed with protein from cottage cheese and cheddar, making it a nutritious choice while still being comforting and delicious.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just add it directly without thawing for a quick and easy option.
How can I customize my High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale. You can also swap out the cheddar for different cheeses or add spices for extra flavor.
Is there a vegan version of this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
You can make it vegan by using plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese alternatives while keeping the protein content high with blended tofu or a vegan protein powder.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only rich and creamy but also offers a nutritious boost with its protein content. It’s perfect for cozy nights or meal prep! Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect blend of creamy indulgence and nutritious goodness. This heartwarming dish packs an impressive 20 grams of protein per serving, making it a satisfying option for cozy dinners or meal prep. With its cheesy flavor and velvety texture, even picky eaters will adore it. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this versatile soup can serve as a main course or appetizer, making it ideal for various occasions. Plus, it’s family-friendly and great for quick lunches throughout the week!
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 butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in smoked paprika and flour; cook for one minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add broccoli; simmer for 8-9 minutes until tender.
- Reduce heat; stir in milk until warmed through.
- Mix in blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar until melted.
- Blend a portion of the soup for creaminess; return to pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
