High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of creamy goodness and nutritious ingredients. Perfect for cozy nights or as a hearty lunch, this soup packs a punch with 20 grams of protein per serving. It’s not only comforting but also secretly healthy, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without the guilt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: Each serving contains 20 grams of protein, thanks to the addition of cottage cheese and cheddar.
- Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or use different types of cheese for a unique twist.
- Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this soup is sure to be a hit with everyone.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love the cheesy taste and creamy texture, making it an ideal meal for the whole family.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools will help you create your delicious High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup with ease.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Blender or immersion blender
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A sturdy pot allows even cooking and prevents sticking while sautéing vegetables.
- Blender or immersion blender: Blending the soup creates that creamy texture we love in broccoli cheddar soup.
- Cutting board: It provides a safe space for chopping vegetables efficiently and safely.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting through vegetables easier and quicker.
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!
Main 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 (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 until it’s bubbly.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the pot.
- Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently until soft.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Mix in Flour and Paprika
- Stir in smoked paprika and flour.
- Cook for one minute until all vegetables are coated.
Step 5: Pour in Broth and Broccoli
Add vegetable broth and chopped broccoli. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Simmer the broccoli for about 8–9 minutes or until it becomes softened.
Step 7: Add Milk
Pour in the milk and heat over low until warmed through.
Step 8: Incorporate Cheeses
Add blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir until melted but avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
Step 9: Blend for Creaminess
Transfer one cup of soup to a blender. Blend gently while letting steam escape through the vent. Return it back to 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 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. This rich and creamy soup pairs well with various sides and garnishes, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Garnish Suggestions
- Chopped Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of parsley or chives for a fresh touch.
- Croutons: Top with crunchy croutons for added texture and flavor.
Accompaniments
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
- Salad: A light garden salad balances the richness of the soup.
Pairing Beverages
- White Wine: A crisp white wine complements the cheese flavors nicely.
- Sparkling Water: Refreshing sparkling water is a great non-alcoholic option.
How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To achieve the perfect bowl of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, consider these useful tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli provides better flavor and nutrients compared to frozen.
- Blend Strategically: Blend part of the soup for creaminess while keeping some chunks for texture.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Temperature Control: Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent curdling.
- Experiment with Spices: Try different spices like nutmeg or cayenne pepper to customize the flavor profile.
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 excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread enhances the soup’s flavors and makes every bite delightful.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crunch and a tangy contrast to the creamy soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for a filling side dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add a healthy balance and extra nutrients.
- Quinoa Salad: Light quinoa salad topped with lemon vinaigrette offers freshness alongside the rich soup.
- Cheese Biscuits: Fluffy cheese biscuits are perfect for dipping into your warm, cheesy soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.
- Using the wrong cheese: Choosing a low-quality cheese can lead to a bland flavor. Opt for sharp cheddar for a richer taste.
- Overcooking the broccoli: Cooking broccoli for too long makes it mushy. Aim for 8-9 minutes until just tender to maintain texture.
- Skipping the blending step: Not blending part of the soup will leave you with a chunky texture. Blend at least one cup for a creamier consistency.
- Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to taste and season your soup can lead to a flat flavor. Always adjust salt and pepper before serving.
- Rushing the cooking process: Cooking on high heat may curdle the milk. Keep the heat low when adding dairy ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The soup lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup healthy?
This soup is packed with protein from cottage cheese and cheddar, making it nutritious while still being comforting and delicious.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan cheese alternatives.
How can I customize my High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale, or incorporate spices like cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with different veggies or spices, making it perfect for any season. Give it a try; you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a delightful blend of nutritious ingredients that makes for the perfect cozy meal. Each serving packs 20 grams of protein, thanks to the addition of low-fat cottage cheese and sharp cheddar. This soup is not only a comforting classic but also a healthy option that the whole family will love. With its quick preparation time of just 35 minutes, you can easily whip up this delicious dish on busy weeknights. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses to make it uniquely yours!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, 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
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in flour and smoked paprika; cook for one minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add broccoli; bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for about 8–9 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Lower heat and stir in milk until warmed through.
- Mix in blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar until melted.
- Blend one cup of soup until smooth; return to pot or use an immersion blender directly.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 282
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
