High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful and nourishing dish that brings comfort to any table. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty lunch, this soup combines the classic flavors of broccoli and cheddar while packing in an impressive 20 grams of protein per serving. It’s a healthy twist on a beloved favorite, making it suitable for both family dinners and meal prep.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Base
• For Thickening
• For the Soup
• For Creaminess
• To Taste
• How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Step 1: Melt the Butter
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 3: Add Garlic
• Step 4: Incorporate Flour & Paprika
• Step 5: Add Broth & Broccoli
• Step 6: Simmer
• Step 7: Mix in Milk
• Step 8: Blend Cheeses
• Step 9: Blend Soup
• Step 10: Season
• How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Crusty Bread
• Salad
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Roasted Vegetables
• Crackers
• Baked Potatoes
• 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
• What is the protein content in High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
• Can I make this soup dairy-free?
• How can I customize my High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Health-Conscious Comfort: Enjoy a creamy soup without the guilt, as this recipe is rich in protein and lower in fat.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip this up in just 35 minutes.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of broccoli and cheddar creates a savory taste that’s pleasing to both kids and adults.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store it for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite spices or vegetables to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious soup, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: This is crucial for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup, ensuring everything cooks evenly.
• Blender: A blender helps achieve that creamy texture, making sure your soup is perfectly blended. An immersion blender offers convenience by blending directly in the pot.

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

• 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

To Taste

• 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 bubbles gently.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for one additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour & Paprika

Add smoked paprika and flour. Stir constantly for about one minute until all vegetables are coated with flour.

Step 5: Add Broth & Broccoli

Pour in the vegetable broth along with chopped broccoli. Increase heat to bring it to a simmer.

Step 6: Simmer

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

Step 7: Mix in Milk

Lower heat before adding milk. Cook gently until warmed through but do not boil.

Step 8: Blend Cheeses

Add blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted carefully without increasing heat too much.

Step 9: Blend Soup

Transfer one cup of soup to a blender to achieve desired creaminess. Blend carefully while allowing steam to escape. Return blended soup back to pot or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.

Step 10: Season

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

Enjoy your warm bowl of 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 creamy soup pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.

Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich soup. Choose a sourdough or baguette for added flavor.

Salad

• A light garden salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. Fresh greens and veggies add a refreshing crunch.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Pairing this soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich makes for a comforting meal. Use your favorite cheese for melty goodness.

Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, complement the soup’s taste while adding extra nutrients.

Crackers

• Serve with crunchy crackers for an easy and satisfying texture contrast. Whole grain varieties are a healthier option.

Baked Potatoes

• A baked potato topped with Greek yogurt or sour cream can make for a hearty side that goes well with the cheesy soup.

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How to Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To achieve the best version of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, consider these helpful tips:

• Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also retains more nutrients than frozen options.

• Experiment with cheeses: Try different types of cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.

• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend in more cottage cheese or reduce the amount of broth used.

• Add spices: Enhance the flavor profile by adding spices like thyme or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

• Serve hot: Enjoy the soup while it’s hot for the best taste and texture. Reheat gently if necessary to avoid curdling.

Best Side Dishes for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Pairing side dishes with High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup can create a fulfilling meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the flavors of the soup beautifully, making it a favorite choice.

2. Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons in a Caesar salad work well alongside this cheesy soup.

3. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with grains and beans provide extra protein and fiber.

4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds texture and nutrition, enhancing the meal without overwhelming it.

5. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs nicely with savory soups, bringing a delightful contrast to each bite.

6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet counterbalance to the creamy richness of the soup.

7. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges are an easy side that adds heartiness to your meal.

8. Spinach Dip: A creamy spinach dip served with pita chips provides an extra layer of flavor alongside your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final taste and texture. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Not using fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen broccoli for a better soup experience.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Keep an eye on your cooking times to maintain a good texture.
• Skipping the blending step: Blending part of the soup adds creaminess. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall consistency of your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
• Ignoring seasoning: Not adding enough salt or pepper can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for optimal flavor.
• Using low-quality cheese: The type of cheese you use greatly affects the taste. Always opt for good quality cheddar for the best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the protein content in High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

This delicious soup contains approximately 20 grams of protein per serving, making it a great choice for a nutritious meal.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese options.

How can I customize my High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Feel free to add different vegetables, such as spinach or kale, or even some cooked chicken for extra protein.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and can be made ahead of time, perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners.

Final Thoughts

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that combines comfort with nutrition. Its versatility allows you to customize it to suit your tastes, whether through added proteins or extra veggies. Give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy its creamy richness while benefiting from its healthy ingredients!