High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of rich flavors and creamy texture, while still being healthy! With 20 grams of protein per serving, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty lunch option, this soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body. It’s easy to make and packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Filling: Each serving contains an impressive 20 grams of protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
• Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the vegetables or cheese to suit your taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy flavor, making it a go-to meal for the whole family.
• Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it later.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious high protein broccoli cheddar soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make preparation much smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Blender (or immersion blender)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: This is essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to meld together perfectly.
• Blender: A standard blender or immersion blender helps achieve that creamy texture by blending part of the soup smoothly.
• Cutting board and knife: These are crucial for prepping your vegetables quickly 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!

• 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 (or gluten-free flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 cups vegetable broth (I like the not-chicken style)
• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 cups 1% milk
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
• 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: Cook Vegetables

Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently until they are softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic and continue to cook over medium heat for one minute.

Step 4: Combine Flour and Spices

Add the smoked paprika and flour to the pot. Stir continuously for one minute until all vegetables are coated with flour.

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: Incorporate Milk

Stir in the milk and cook on low heat until warmed through.

Step 8: Add Cheeses

Mix in blended cottage cheese along with shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted while ensuring not to boil too aggressively to prevent curdling.

Step 9: Blend Soup

Transfer one cup of soup to a blender. Blend gently while allowing steam to escape. Pour it back into the pot or use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a smoother consistency.

Step 10: Season Soup

Taste your soup before serving. Add salt as needed to enhance flavors.

Enjoy your nourishing high protein broccoli cheddar soup!

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serving your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate your dining experience. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or as part of a multi-course meal, here are some delicious serving suggestions.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette complements the creamy texture of the soup.
• Caesar Salad: The crunchiness of croutons and romaine in a Caesar salad adds a nice contrast to the soup.

Add Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: This tangy bread is perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor enhances the overall meal experience.

Top with Garnishes

• Chopped Chives: Sprinkle fresh chives on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Extra Cheese: Melted cheese on top makes for an indulgent finish.

Serve in Unique Bowls

• Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls.
• Mason Jars: Presenting individual servings in mason jars gives a rustic feel to your meal.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To achieve the best version of your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, follow these simple tips that will enhance its flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and vegetables significantly improve taste and nutrition.
• Blend Smoothly: Ensure that you blend enough of the soup to create a creamy consistency without losing all the texture.
• Control Temperature: Always heat gently after adding dairy to prevent curdling; keep it on low heat.
• Experiment with Spices: Adding spices like nutmeg or cayenne can enhance flavor without overpowering the dish.

Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Pairing your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: These crispy potatoes add hearty satisfaction alongside the creamy soup.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides additional protein and fiber, balancing out your meal.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Filled with grains and veggies, stuffed peppers are nutritious and flavorful companions.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and contrasts nicely with the warm soup.
5. Cheesy Biscuits: These fluffy biscuits are perfect for dipping while adding an extra cheesy element to your meal.
6. Fruit Platter: A refreshing fruit platter can cleanse the palate between bites of rich soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to help you achieve the best results.

• Skipping the sautéing step: Not cooking the vegetables properly first can lead to a lack of flavor in your soup. Always sauté onion, carrots, and celery until they’re soft before adding other ingredients.
• Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese can affect the creaminess and taste of your soup. Opt for good quality cheddar for a richer flavor and texture.
• Overcooking the broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy and unappealing. Keep an eye on it and simmer just until tender.
• Not blending enough: A chunky soup may not provide the creamy consistency you desire. Ensure you blend part of the soup for that smooth texture.
• Ignoring seasonings: Forgetting to adjust salt and pepper can leave your soup bland. Always season to taste before serving for maximum flavor.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed for creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just add it directly without thawing; however, you may need to adjust cooking times slightly.

Is this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Just follow storage instructions above.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute dairy milk with almond milk or another plant-based alternative, and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of cheddar.

How can I customize my High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

You can add other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients or spices such as cayenne pepper for heat!

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only comforting but also nutritious with its creamy texture and rich flavor. It’s versatile enough to adapt with different veggies or spices based on your preference. Give it a try; you might discover your new favorite healthy comfort food!