High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of creamy texture and rich flavors, making it the ideal dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a nutritious option for lunch, this soup has you covered. Packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, it stands out as a healthy choice without sacrificing taste. With its vibrant green broccoli and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Comfort Food: Enjoy all the warmth and flavor of comfort food while keeping your health in check.
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup ready in under an hour.
- Versatile Ingredients: Swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the cheese to fit your dietary needs.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep across the week.
- Kid-Approved: The creamy texture and cheesy taste make this soup a hit with picky eaters.
Tools and Preparation
To create your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Blender or immersion blender
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: This allows you to cook all ingredients evenly while providing enough space for blending later.
- Blender or immersion blender: These are crucial for achieving that creamy texture that makes this soup irresistible.
- Cutting board & Knife: Sharp knives and a sturdy cutting board will make prepping 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!
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoons butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Flavorings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Liquids
- 3 cups vegetable broth (I like the not-chicken style)
- 2 cups 1% milk
Cheeses
- 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 until it sizzles.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes or until they are tender, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the garlic and continue to cook over medium heat for one additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Spices
Mix in the smoked paprika and flour. Stir continuously for one minute until all vegetables are evenly coated.
Step 5: Add Broth and Broccoli
Pour in the vegetable broth along with the chopped broccoli. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Allow the broccoli to simmer for about 8-9 minutes until it becomes softened but still vibrant green.
Step 7: Pour in Milk
Gradually add the milk into the pot. Let it cook over low heat until warmed through without boiling.
Step 8: Blend Cheeses
Add both cheeses—blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar—stirring constantly until melted. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
Step 9: Blend Soup
Transfer one cup of soup to a blender; blend until smooth while allowing steam to escape through the vent. Return blended soup back into the pot or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
Step 10: Season to Taste
Finally, add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences before serving warm.
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is an opportunity to enhance its rich flavors and create a delightful meal. Here are some ideas to elevate your soup experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough: This tangy bread pairs beautifully with creamy soups, offering a satisfying crunch.
- Garlic Bread: Flavorful and aromatic, garlic bread complements the cheesy notes of the soup perfectly.
As a Main Dish
- Topped with Croutons: Add store-bought or homemade croutons for extra texture and flavor.
- Garnished with Chives: Fresh chives add a burst of color and mild onion flavor, enhancing the dish’s presentation.
With Salads
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy soup.
- Mixed Greens: Simple mixed greens with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
For Special Occasions
- Serve in Bread Bowls: Impress guests by serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun twist.
- Pair with Wine: A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, can elevate the meal with its crispness.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To ensure your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli offers better flavor and texture than frozen options.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend more of the soup or reduce the broth slightly.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Season Wisely: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper based on your preference for seasoning.
- Avoid Boiling After Adding Milk: Keep heat low after adding milk to prevent curdling and maintain creaminess.
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:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic combo of gooey cheese between crispy bread is always a hit.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients while complementing the soup’s flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and fiber, making your meal more balanced.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, or meat for added heartiness alongside your soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a satisfying crunch that pairs well with creamy soup.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad can refresh your palate while adding texture to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results.
- ingredient selection: Using low-quality or expired ingredients can affect the soup’s flavor. Always choose fresh produce and high-quality cheese for the best taste.
- overcooking vegetables: Cooking broccoli for too long can make it mushy and lose nutrients. Aim for 8-9 minutes of simmering for perfectly tender broccoli.
- ignoring cheese blending: Not blending the cottage cheese properly may leave lumps in your soup. Blend it until smooth before mixing it in to ensure a creamy texture.
- neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season your soup can make it bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed during cooking for a well-balanced flavor.
- rushing the blending process: Blending hot soup without allowing steam to escape can create a messy situation. Use a vented lid when blending hot liquids to avoid splatters.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Pour into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour into an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
How much protein is in High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
This comforting soup contains approximately 20 grams of protein per serving, making it a nutritious choice.
Can I use frozen broccoli for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just add it directly without thawing.
Is High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free?
You can make this soup gluten-free by using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
What can I serve with High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also healthy, making it perfect for any time of year. Its creamy texture and rich flavor will satisfy your cravings while providing plenty of nutrition. Feel free to customize it by adding other vegetables or spices to suit your taste!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a perfect fusion of flavors that offers both comfort and nutrition. With a rich, velvety texture and the delicious taste of cheddar cheese, this soup is a delightful choice for chilly evenings or quick lunches. Each serving packs an impressive 20 grams of protein, making it not only satisfying but also a wholesome option for health-conscious individuals. Vibrant green broccoli adds a pop of color while ensuring that both kids and adults will enjoy every spoonful. This easy-to-make recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables, making it an ideal meal prep solution for busy weeks.
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
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup blended low-fat cottage cheese
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for about 10 minutes until tender.
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Mix in smoked paprika and flour; cook for one minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli; bring to a simmer.
- Simmer until broccoli is tender (about 8-9 minutes).
- Gradually stir in milk; heat gently without boiling.
- Add cheeses, stirring until melted.
- Blend soup until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
