This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of creamy goodness and healthy ingredients. With 20 grams of protein per serving, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly night or a nutritious lunch option, this soup delivers on both flavor and nutrition. You can enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite bread for an extra treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Protein: Each serving contains 20 grams of protein, making it filling and nutritious.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen broccoli based on what you have on hand.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of cheddar and cottage cheese creates a rich and smooth soup.
- Comforting Flavor: The balance of savory spices and cheesy goodness makes this soup irresistible.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process and help you create this delicious soup effortlessly.
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 cooking all the ingredients evenly without spilling.
- Blender: Perfect for creating that creamy texture by blending part of the soup.
- Chef’s knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables, enhancing your cooking efficiency.
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!
For the Soup Base
- 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
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Melt 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 soften.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot. Continue cooking over medium heat for one more minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in Flour and Spices
Add the smoked paprika and flour to the pot. Cook for one minute while stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Broccoli
Pour in the vegetable broth along with chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a simmer.
Step 6: Cook Until Tender
Let the broccoli simmer for about 8-9 minutes until it becomes tender.
Step 7: Incorporate Milk
Lower the heat and add milk to warm through without boiling.
Step 8: Mix in Cheeses
Stir in blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted smoothly into the soup.
Step 9: Blend for Creaminess
Transfer one cup of soup to a blender (allowing steam to escape), then blend until smooth. Return it back to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
Step 10: Season to Taste
Lastly, add salt and pepper according to your preference before serving. Enjoy your high protein broccoli cheddar soup!
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This rich and creamy high protein broccoli cheddar soup is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you want a simple bowl or something more elaborate, these suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough: The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the soup perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread adds an aromatic touch.
- Breadsticks: Light and fluffy, they are great for dipping.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chives: Chopped chives add a mild onion flavor.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Thyme: A sprinkle of thyme enhances the soup’s earthy notes.
With a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing contrast nicely with the soup.
- Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens provide a refreshing balance.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers texture and a bit of sweetness.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Achieving the perfect high protein broccoli cheddar soup is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out creamy and delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also retains more nutrients than frozen.
- Blend Gradually: When blending, do it in batches or use an immersion blender to maintain a good texture.
- Monitor Temperature: Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent curdling.
- Season Well: Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like Gruyère for unique flavor profiles.
- Add Protein Variations: Consider adding cooked chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pairing your high protein broccoli cheddar soup with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors wonderfully.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic choice, grilled cheese provides a crunchy contrast.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add depth to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are great for dipping into the soup.
- Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa salad brings in extra protein and texture.
- Pita Chips with Hummus: Crunchy pita chips paired with creamy hummus offer delightful bites.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, avoiding common mistakes can ensure a smooth cooking experience and delicious results. Here are some key pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the sauté step: If you don’t sauté the onions, carrots, and celery, your soup may lack depth of flavor. Always take the time to cook these vegetables until they soften.
- Not blending enough: Leaving too many chunks in your soup can result in an inconsistent texture. Make sure to blend at least a cup of the soup for a creamy finish.
- Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese doesn’t melt well and affects the soup’s creaminess. Opt for good quality cheddar cheese for better flavor and texture.
- Adding all ingredients at once: If you throw everything into the pot simultaneously, flavors won’t meld well. Follow the recipe steps carefully for optimal taste.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting your soup before serving is crucial. You might need to add more salt or pepper to enhance flavors, so don’t skip this step.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving space for expansion.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over low-medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegan?
You can substitute butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk, and replace cheese with vegan alternatives to create a vegan version of this soup.
How can I increase protein in High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
To boost protein content further, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or additional cottage cheese before blending.
What variations can I make to this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for extra nutrients. You can also experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well and saves prep time. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly as frozen broccoli may take less time to soften.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients and protein. Its creamy texture makes it a delightful meal that can be tailored to suit your tastes—try adding different veggies or spices! Enjoy this healthy twist on a classic comfort food recipe!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a delightful recipe that’s both nutritious and satisfying. With 20 grams of protein per serving, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or healthy lunches. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal weeknight meal. The combination of fresh broccoli, rich cheddar cheese, and creamy cottage cheese creates a velvety texture that will warm your soul. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x
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
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 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.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Mix in flour and smoked paprika; cook for one minute.
- Slowly add vegetable broth and chopped broccoli; bring to a simmer.
- Cook until broccoli is tender (about 8–9 minutes).
- Lower heat; stir in milk.
- Add blended cottage cheese and cheddar; mix until melted.
- Blend part of the soup for creaminess; return to pot.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Use fresh broccoli for optimal flavor and nutrients. For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken or turkey. Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère for variation.
