High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful combination of rich flavors and healthy ingredients. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this soup features 20 grams of protein per serving, making it a satisfying choice for anyone looking to enjoy comfort food without the guilt. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or bringing it to a gathering, this creamy soup will impress everyone with its taste and nutritious benefits.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Vegetables and Aromatics
• Seasoning and Thickeners
• Base Ingredients
• Dairy Ingredients
• Final Touches
• How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Step 1: Melt Butter
• Step 2: Cook Vegetables
• Step 3: Add Garlic
• Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Paprika
• Step 5: Add Broth and Broccoli
• Step 6: Simmer Broccoli
• Step 7: Add Milk
• Step 8: Mix in Cheeses
• Step 9: Blend Soup
• Step 10: Season
• How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Pair with Crusty Bread
• Add Fresh Herbs
• Include Toppings
• Serve in a Bread Bowl
• How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make this soup vegan?
• How can I increase the protein content further?
• What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
• Is this soup gluten-free?
• How long does it take to make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Comfort Food: This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, giving you the warmth of comfort food without compromising your health.
• High Protein Content: With 20 grams of protein in each serving, this soup is an excellent option for those looking to boost their protein intake.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Ready in just 35 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish even on busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute vegetables based on what you have at home, making it a flexible recipe for any occasion.
• Creamy Texture: The blend of cheeses and cottage cheese creates a rich, creamy texture that makes every spoonful enjoyable.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started on this delicious High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Blender (or immersion blender)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the vegetables and simmering the soup evenly.
• Blender: Ideal for achieving that creamy texture by blending part of the soup smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pot, helping to mix ingredients thoroughly.

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 and Aromatics

• 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

Base Ingredients

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

Dairy Ingredients

• 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 Butter

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat until it’s bubbly.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic. Continue to cook over medium heat for one minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Paprika

Add the smoked paprika along with the flour. Stir well for one minute until the vegetables are coated with flour.

Step 5: Add Broth and Broccoli

Pour in the vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6: Simmer Broccoli

Let it simmer for about 8-9 minutes until the broccoli softens.

Step 7: Add Milk

Reduce heat to low and stir in the milk. Warm gently until heated through.

Step 8: Mix in Cheeses

Add blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted while taking care not to let it boil too hard to prevent curdling.

Step 9: Blend Soup

Transfer one cup of soup into a blender. Blend carefully while allowing steam to escape through the vent. Return blended soup back to pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.

Step 10: Season

Taste your soup and add salt as needed before serving hot!

Enjoy your soul-soothing bowl of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serving your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this creamy, nutritious dish.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: A slice of tangy sourdough complements the rich flavors of the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a crunchy texture that balances the creaminess.
• Breadsticks: Soft and warm breadsticks make for a perfect dipping companion.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a burst of freshness.
• Chives: Finely chopped chives lend a mild onion flavor that enhances the soup’s taste.
• Basil: Fresh basil gives an aromatic touch, making each spoonful delightful.

Include Toppings

• Extra Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top makes it even cheesier and more indulgent.
• Croutons: Crunchy croutons provide a satisfying crunch and additional texture in every bite.

Serve in a Bread Bowl

• Bread Bowl Option: Hollow out a small loaf of bread to serve the soup in, creating an edible bowl that’s delicious to eat.

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How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To make your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup even better, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also retains more nutrients compared to frozen options.
• Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup creates a smooth texture while keeping some chunks for added heartiness.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving; adjusting salt and pepper can enhance its flavor profile significantly.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor variations.

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 tasty options:

1. Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens adds crunch and lightness to the meal.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and complement the soup’s flavors.
3. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad can enhance the nutritional value while adding texture.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms provide an exciting bite-sized treat alongside your soup.
5. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: These soft biscuits incorporate cheese and garlic, pairing perfectly with the creamy soup.
6. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup, making for a delightful combo.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Using too much flour – Adding excessive flour can make the soup too thick. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
• Not cooking the vegetables enough – Undercooked veggies can lead to unpleasant textures. Make sure to sauté them until softened before adding liquids.
• Ignoring the blending step – Skipping blending or not blending well enough can result in a chunky soup. Take time to blend thoroughly for creaminess.
• Overheating after cheese is added – High heat can cause cheese to curdle. Stir gently over low heat once cheese is added.
• Forgetting seasoning adjustments – Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as necessary for flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The soup will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until hot.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Pour into a pot and reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute dairy milk with almond milk and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese.

How can I increase the protein content further?

You can add cooked chicken, turkey, or even extra blended cottage cheese for more protein per serving.

What if I don’t have vegetable broth?

You can use chicken broth or water with added seasonings as an alternative base for flavor.

Is this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour alternative in place of all-purpose flour.

How long does it take to make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

The total time is approximately 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick meal option!

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a comforting choice for any meal. Feel free to customize it by adding proteins or different vegetables according to your preference!