High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of creamy texture and rich flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a quick lunch, this soup stands out with its impressive 20 grams of protein per serving. Enjoy the healthy ingredients without sacrificing taste, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort food with a nutritious twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Comfort Food: This soup offers a comforting experience while packing in nutrients.
• High in Protein: With 20 grams of protein per serving, it’s ideal for muscle recovery and satiety.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, you can whip it up on busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen broccoli and adjust the cheese to your liking for a personalized touch.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the cheesy flavor while you appreciate its health benefits.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create this high-protein delight.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
• Blender or immersion blender: Helps achieve that creamy consistency by blending the soup smoothly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe space for chopping vegetables efficiently.

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!

Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Thickeners

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Broth and Vegetables

• 3 cups vegetable broth (I like the not-chicken style)
• 4 cups chopped broccoli

Dairy Components

• 2 cups 1% milk
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended

Final Touches

• 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: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Seasonings

Sprinkle in smoked paprika and flour. Stir everything together 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 this mixture to a simmer.

Step 6: Simmer Until Softened

Allow the broccoli to simmer for approximately 8-9 minutes until it becomes tender.

Step 7: Mix in Milk

Reduce heat to low and add milk. Heat gently until warmed through but do not boil.

Step 8: Blend in Cheese

Stir in blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until fully melted; avoid high heat to prevent curdling.

Step 9: Blend for Creaminess

Transfer one cup of soup to a blender. Blend carefully while allowing steam to escape. Return this mixture back to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for convenience.

Step 10: Season to Taste

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, perfect for satisfying both hunger and health goals!

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serving High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative suggestions to enhance the meal.

Pair with Crunchy Bread

• Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor complements the creamy soup beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Adds a burst of flavor and is perfect for dipping.
• Breadsticks: These are fun to munch on alongside your warm bowl.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic that adds crispness and richness to the meal.
• Mixed Greens: Tossed with a light vinaigrette, this salad balances the heaviness of the soup.
• Coleslaw: Its crunch and slight tang can provide a refreshing contrast.

Top with Extra Ingredients

• Croutons: Add texture with crispy croutons sprinkled on top.
• Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese enhances the cheesy goodness.
• Chopped Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives can brighten the dish visually and in flavor.

Serve in Unique Bowls

• Bread Bowls: Make your serving vessel part of the meal by using hollowed-out bread.
• Mini Mason Jars: For individual servings, these jars create a charming presentation.

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How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To make sure your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality cheese will provide better flavor and texture.
• Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup creates a silky texture without heavy cream.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go; adding salt or pepper gradually helps achieve balance.
• Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Allowing vegetables to soften completely makes for a smoother soup.
• Control Temperature Carefully: Keep heat low when adding dairy to prevent curdling.

Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Pairing side dishes with your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can enhance the meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Toast: Crispy and buttery, it’s perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Quinoa Salad: This adds protein and nutrients, making your meal more filling.
3. Stuffed Peppers: They offer a colorful presentation and complement the flavors well.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil provide an excellent side that echoes the broccoli theme.
5. Cheese Quesadillas: These are easy to prepare and add more cheesy goodness to your meal.
6. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing option that contrasts nicely with the rich soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch for.

• Neglecting the Vegetables: Not cooking the vegetables long enough can lead to a crunchy texture. Make sure to sauté them until soft for the best flavor.
• Ignoring the Flour: Adding flour directly to liquid can cause lumps. Always coat your vegetables with flour before adding any broth.
• Overheating the Soup: Heating the soup too quickly can curdle the milk. Keep the heat low once you add dairy ingredients.
• Forgetting Seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for a flavorful result.
• Not Blending Properly: Failing to blend part of the soup means losing that creamy texture. Remember to blend adequately for a smooth finish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through; avoid boiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just add it during the simmering step and adjust cooking time if necessary.

What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

You can use any shredded cheese you prefer, like Monterey Jack or even vegan cheese alternatives.

How can I make this soup vegan?

Replace dairy with plant-based milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. You might also want to add more spices for flavor.

How do I boost protein further?

To increase protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or legumes such as white beans or chickpeas.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins. Perfect for a cozy meal, this hearty soup is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping it healthy. Give it a try!