High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner at home or looking for a healthy option to serve guests, this creamy soup stands out with its secret health benefits. With 20 grams of protein per serving, you can indulge in comfort food without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious Comfort: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is a healthy twist on traditional recipes.
• Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize to your liking by adding extra vegetables or swapping cheese types.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy flavor, making it a hit for family dinners.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures ease in preparation and cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups
• Blender or immersion blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking large quantities, ensuring even heat distribution for your soup.
• Blender or immersion blender: Helps achieve that creamy texture by blending the soup seamlessly.

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

Base Ingredients

• 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)

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 cups 1% milk

Cheesy Goodness

• 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’s fully melted.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently until they soften.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook over medium heat for one additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Paprika

Add smoked paprika and flour to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with flour and cook for another minute.

Step 5: Add Broth and Broccoli

Pour in vegetable broth along with chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a simmer.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Let the broccoli simmer for about 8-9 minutes until it’s softened but still bright green.

Step 7: Add Milk

Lower the heat and add milk to warm through without boiling.

Step 8: Blend in Cheese

Stir in blended cottage cheese along with shredded cheddar until melted smoothly into the soup.

Step 9: Blend for Creaminess

Take one cup of soup out and blend it until smooth. Return it back to the pot or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.

Step 10: Season

Taste your soup and add salt or pepper as needed before serving hot.

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This rich and creamy high protein broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting dish that can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance your meal. Here are some serving suggestions to make your dining experience even better.

With Crusty Bread

• A warm slice of crusty bread is ideal for dipping. Choose a sourdough or baguette for a delightful crunch and flavor.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• Sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top before serving for an added cheesy goodness that melts beautifully into the soup.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness that complements the flavors.

With a Side Salad

• Serve with a light side salad to balance the richness of the soup. A simple mix of greens with vinaigrette works well.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top just before serving adds a luxurious finish and enhances the flavor profile.

Paired with Crackers

• Offer some crackers on the side for added crunch. Choose whole grain or herb-flavored crackers for an extra layer of taste.

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How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To make your high protein broccoli cheddar soup even more delicious, follow these helpful tips to ensure the best results every time you cook this recipe.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
• Blend well: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture without needing heavy cream, keeping it healthy.
• Monitor heat carefully: Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent curdling, which can ruin the smooth consistency.
• Adjust seasoning last: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end of cooking to get the perfect seasoning balance.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or chili flakes for an exciting twist on flavor.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will deepen after a day!

Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Pairing side dishes with your high protein broccoli cheddar soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread – Toasted bread slathered in garlic butter makes for a savory accompaniment.
2. Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and tanginess that pairs well with creamy soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted vegetables provide a healthy contrast and additional nutrients.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers packed with grains or quinoa add heartiness to your meal.
5. Cheesy Quesadillas – Quick and easy quesadillas filled with cheese complement the soup’s cheesy nature.
6. Quinoa Salad – Light yet filling, a quinoa salad offers protein and fiber while being refreshing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is simple, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the blending step: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture. If you skip this, the soup may be less smooth and enjoyable.
• Using too high heat: Cooking on high heat can curdle the milk and ruin your soup’s creaminess. Keep the heat low when adding dairy.
• Not seasoning properly: Failing to add enough salt and pepper can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Overcooking broccoli: Cooking broccoli for too long will make it mushy and lose its vibrant color. Simmer until just tender for best results.
• Ignoring dietary needs: If you’re making this for guests, consider dietary restrictions. Using gluten-free flour or dairy-free cheese ensures everyone can enjoy it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store the soup in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Duration: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish until hot throughout.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stopping to stir every minute until warmed evenly.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over low-medium heat, stirring frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure you’re using vegetable broth.

What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

You can use any melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda if you want a different flavor.

Is this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.

How can I add more protein to my High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Consider adding cooked chicken or turkey, or even beans such as white beans for extra protein without altering the flavor much.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great option and will save prep time.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only comforting but also nutritious with its rich flavors and creamy texture. It’s perfect for cozy nights or meal prep. Feel free to customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins based on your taste preferences!