High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting dish packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or meal prep for the week, this soup boasts a creamy texture while secretly delivering a hefty dose of protein—20 grams per serving! Whether you enjoy it as a hearty main or a side dish, its rich taste and health benefits make it a must-try recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich in Protein: Each serving offers 20 grams of protein, making it a filling option.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli creates a deliciously comforting dish.
• Easy to Prepare: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with crusty bread for dipping.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and low-fat dairy, this soup keeps your diet in check.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delicious soup, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing enough space for all ingredients.
• Blender: Helps achieve that creamy texture by blending part of the soup seamlessly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface 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!

For the Base

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

For Thickening and Flavor

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

For the Soup

• 3 cups vegetable broth (I like the not-chicken style)
• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 cups 1% milk

For Creaminess

• 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 the Butter

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Spices

Mix in the smoked paprika and flour. Stir continuously for one minute until vegetables are coated with flour.

Step 5: Add Broth and Broccoli

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

Step 6: Simmer Until Softened

Allow the broccoli to simmer for about 8-9 minutes until tender.

Step 7: Stir in Milk

Lower the heat and add milk. Warm gently without boiling.

Step 8: Blend in Cheese

Add blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted completely without raising heat too high.

Step 9: Blend for Creaminess

Transfer one cup of soup to a blender. Allow steam to escape through the vent while blending until smooth. Return blended soup back to pot, or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.

Step 10: Seasoning

Taste your soup and add salt and 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 fantastic dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your meal experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A slice of fresh crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, adding a satisfying crunch to each spoonful.

Top with Extra Cheese

• Sprinkle shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese on top just before serving for an extra cheesy delight.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top not only makes the soup look appealing but also adds a burst of flavor.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light, crisp salad can balance the richness of the soup. Consider a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing.

Include Protein-Rich Toppings

• Add cooked chicken or turkey pieces to amp up the protein content and make it a more filling meal.

Offer Crackers or Breadsticks

• Serve with crunchy crackers or breadsticks on the side for added texture and flavor.

How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To ensure your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality cheese will elevate the flavor of your soup significantly.
• Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture while keeping some chunks for added interest.
• Monitor Heat: Cooking on low heat after adding milk prevents curdling and ensures a smooth consistency.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
• Experiment with Spices: Adding spices like garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the taste even further.
• Cool Before Storing: If you have leftovers, let the soup cool down before placing it in an airtight container for storage.

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 excellent options:

1. Garden Salad
   A light salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers offers freshness alongside the creamy soup.

2. Garlic Bread
   Crispy garlic bread pairs perfectly, providing an aromatic crunch that contrasts nicely with the smooth soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition while enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.

4. Quinoa Salad
   A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with vegetables makes for a hearty addition to your table.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   These colorful peppers filled with rice or grains add both visual appeal and substance to your meal.

6. Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms
   Baked mushrooms filled with cheese provide a delightful bite-sized complement to your comforting bowl of soup.

7. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries bring sweetness and crunch that contrast delightfully against the creamy texture of the soup.

8. Pita Chips with Hummus
   Pita chips served alongside hummus offer a fun dipping option that enhances the dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Overcooking broccoli: This can lead to a mushy texture. Cook just until tender for the best results.
• Not blending enough: Blending only some of the soup can leave it too chunky. Ensure you blend a portion for a creamy consistency.
• Using low-quality cheese: Cheddar quality affects flavor. Use good quality cheese for the best taste.
• Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting salt and pepper can make the soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning for flavor.
• Ignoring heat control: Cooking on high can curdle the milk. Keep heat low when adding dairy products.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor.

Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Best used within 2-3 months for maximum freshness.

Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually around 2-4 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a pot, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, approximately 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other vegetables in the High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Yes, you can add vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.

How can I make this soup vegan?

Substitute dairy with plant-based milk and use vegan cheese alternatives while ensuring all other ingredients are plant-based.

What types of cheese work best in High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Sharp cheddar is preferred for its bold flavor, but you can experiment with gouda or mozzarella as well.

Can I make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and flavors develop further after sitting. Just reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only comforting but also nutritious with its high protein content. It offers endless customization options—add your favorite veggies or spices! Give it a try; it’s perfect for cozy nights or meal prep!