High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of rich flavors and healthy ingredients. Perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy family gathering, this soup not only warms you up but also packs a punch with 20 grams of protein per serving. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it an irresistible comfort food option that you can enjoy guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Comfort Food: Indulge in the rich taste without the guilt, thanks to the nutritious ingredients.
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a light lunch or pair it with bread for a hearty dinner.
- Kid-Friendly: This soup is loved by both kids and adults, making it perfect for family meals.
- Easy to Customize: Add more veggies or adjust the cheese level to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
To make this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Blender (or immersion blender)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A good-sized pot allows for easy cooking and stirring, ensuring even heating throughout.
- Blender: Helps achieve that smooth, creamy texture by pureeing part of the soup.
- Cutting board & Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently and safely.
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
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 the Butter
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat until bubbly.
Step 2: Cook Vegetables
Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently until they soften.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Paprika
Add smoked paprika and flour to the pot. Stir well for about one minute to coat the vegetables evenly.
Step 5: Add Broth and Broccoli
Pour in the vegetable broth along with chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Broccoli
Let the mixture simmer for about 8-9 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Step 7: Mix in Milk
Lower the heat and stir in the milk. Cook until warmed through but do not boil.
Step 8: Add Cheeses
Incorporate blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese into the soup. Stir continuously until melted without raising heat too high.
Step 9: Blend Part of Soup
Transfer one cup of soup to a blender. Blend carefully, allowing steam to escape. Return blended soup back into the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
Step 10: Season to Taste
Finally, add salt and pepper as needed before serving hot!
Enjoy your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate your meal experience. This comforting dish pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the creamy soup perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Adds a savory crunch that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the soup.
With Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a fresh contrast to the rich soup.
- Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed greens can balance the heaviness of the cheddar.
With Toppings
- Croutons: Add a delightful crunch and additional flavor to each spoonful.
- Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top enhances the cheesy goodness of the soup.
As a Meal Prep Option
- Store in Portions: Divide into individual containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To ensure your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also retains more nutrients compared to frozen options.
- Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture without adding too much fat.
- Control Heat Carefully: Keep the heat low after adding milk to prevent curdling and ensure smoothness.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding nutmeg or cayenne for an unexpected twist that enhances flavor.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing side dishes with your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Knot Rolls: Buttery, garlicky rolls are perfect for dipping into your soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and fiber while keeping it healthy.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies complement the flavors in your soup beautifully.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy, cheesy biscuits offer a comforting addition to this hearty meal.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet contrast to the savory soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Filling peppers with grains and beans adds heartiness and nutrition to your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your soup turns out creamy and delicious.
- Skipping the vegetable prep: Not properly dicing your vegetables can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to chop them into similar sizes for even texture.
- Using high heat: Cooking at too high a temperature can curdle the milk and ruin the soup’s creaminess. Always keep it on low heat when adding dairy products.
- Over-blending the soup: Blending too much can turn your soup into a smoothie consistency. Blend just enough to achieve a desired creaminess while still having some chunks.
- Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to taste and season your soup can result in bland flavors. Always adjust salt and pepper at the end for the best taste.
- Storing improperly: Using non-airtight containers can lead to spoilage. Store your soup in airtight containers to keep it fresh longer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
- Leave space for expansion as liquids can expand when frozen.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until heated through.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat on low heat while stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
How can I increase protein in my High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
You can add more cottage cheese or even include shredded chicken or turkey for additional protein without compromising flavor.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Substitute dairy with plant-based milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan version of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour as a thickener, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What is the best way to store leftovers of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a hit among family and friends. Feel free to customize with additional veggies or proteins based on your preferences. Enjoy making this delightful soup!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4
Description
Indulge in a bowl of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a wholesome delight that combines rich flavors with nutritious ingredients. This creamy and cheesy soup is perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings, delivering an impressive 20 grams of protein per serving. With its velvety texture and comforting taste, you can enjoy this guilt-free meal any night of the week. Quick to prepare, it’s also versatile enough to serve as a light lunch or paired with crusty bread for a fulfilling dinner. Kids and adults alike will love this satisfying blend that can easily be customized to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 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 onions, carrots, and celery for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in flour and smoked paprika for one minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli; simmer for 8-9 minutes until tender.
- Lower heat and mix in milk; warm without boiling.
- Incorporate blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar until melted.
- Blend part of the soup for creaminess; return to pot.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
