High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, making it perfect for cozy dinners or quick lunches. With 20 grams of protein per serving, this soup not only comforts but also nourishes. The creamy texture and cheesy goodness are sure to impress your family and friends, making it an ideal option for various occasions—from casual weeknight meals to festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: Each serving contains a whopping 20 grams of protein, making it a filling and nutritious meal.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and broccoli offers a classic taste that everyone loves.
• Easy to Prepare: With just one pot needed, cleanup is a breeze while you create a delicious dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own!
• Healthy Twist: Enjoy the richness without guilt—this soup is packed with nutrients while being lower in fat.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and enhance your overall experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Blender or immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering soup ingredients together, ensuring even cooking.
• Blender: Perfect for creating a creamy texture by blending part of the soup smoothly.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently, saving you time in preparation.

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
• 4 cups chopped broccoli

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)

Dairy

• 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 Butter

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. This will be the base for your flavorful soup.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the onion, carrot, and celery into the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step enhances the aroma of your soup.

Step 4: Incorporate Spices

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika along with the flour. Cook for one minute while stirring until all vegetables are coated with flour.

Step 5: Add Broth and Broccoli

Pour in the vegetable broth along with chopped broccoli. Bring this mixture to a simmer on medium heat.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Let the broccoli simmer for about 8-9 minutes until softened. This helps develop depth in flavor.

Step 7: Add Milk

Lower the heat and add milk gradually. Stir gently until everything is warmed through—avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Step 8: Blend Cheese

Incorporate blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese into the mix. Stir until melted completely for a creamy consistency.

Step 9: Blend Portions

Transfer one cup of the soup to a blender. Blend carefully while allowing steam to escape through the vent before returning it back to the pot.

Step 10: Season To Taste

Finally, add salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavors before serving your delicious high protein broccoli cheddar soup!

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serving High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delicious ways to present this creamy delight.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: The tanginess complements the soup’s richness.
• Garlic Bread: Adds a flavorful kick that pairs well with the cheesy notes.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Chives: A mild onion flavor enhances the soup’s taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and a fresh finish.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Croutons: For an extra crunch, sprinkle some seasoned croutons on top.
• Toasted Nuts: Almonds or walnuts provide a nutty contrast and texture.

Serve in Unique Bowls

• Bread Bowls: Hollowed-out bread bowls make for a fun serving option.
• Stylish Soup Cups: Use colorful or patterned cups for a vibrant presentation.

Garnish with Cheese

• Extra Shredded Cheddar: A sprinkle of cheese on top melts beautifully into the hot soup.
• Parmesan Crisps: These add a gourmet touch with a delightful crunch.

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How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To make your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup truly exceptional, consider these tips for perfection:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality cheese will enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture without excess cream.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning; add salt and pepper incrementally.
• Keep it Low Heat When Melting Cheese: High heat can cause cheese to separate; melt slowly for smooth results.

Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Enjoying your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is even better with side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Classic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with broccoli cheddar flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini add color and nutrients to your meal.
4. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed side that adds texture and complements the soup’s creaminess.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, or meat create a hearty meal alongside the soup.
6. Potato Wedges: Baked or fried, these crispy potatoes make for an indulgent pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are a few mistakes to steer clear of.

• Ignoring the vegetable sizes: If your onion, carrots, and celery are not diced evenly, they may cook at different rates. Make sure all vegetables are similar in size for even cooking.
• Rushing the blending process: Blending hot soup can be dangerous if done improperly. Always allow steam to escape when blending or use an immersion blender for safety.
• Adding dairy too quickly: Adding milk and cheese too soon can cause them to curdle. Wait until the soup is warm before incorporating these ingredients for a smooth texture.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting your soup before serving can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Overcooking broccoli: Cooking broccoli for too long can result in mushy texture and loss of color. Aim for 8-9 minutes of simmering for perfect tenderness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer for best quality.

Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over low heat. Stir frequently until warmed, ensuring it doesn’t boil.

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 choice without sacrificing flavor.

Can I customize the ingredients in High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or substitute different cheeses based on your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is great for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I make this soup vegan?

You can make a vegan version by substituting dairy with plant-based milk and using vegan cheese along with nutritional yeast for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup not only satisfies your comfort food cravings but also provides a healthy dose of protein. It’s versatile enough to allow various ingredient swaps, making it easy to customize according to your dietary preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its rich flavors any time!