High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

If you’re looking for a warm hug in a bowl, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is just what you need! It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying while sneaking in a whopping 20 grams of protein per serving. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this soup will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). I promise it’ll become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!

Imagine the aroma of sautéed onions and garlic wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delightful dish. It’s comforting yet healthy—a combination that makes it stand out among typical comfort foods. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this delicious soup that’s perfect for any night of the week.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the cheesy goodness and vibrant broccoli flavor.
• High in protein: With 20 grams of protein per serving, it fills you up without weighing you down.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare this soup in advance and enjoy it throughout the week—perfect for meal prep!
• Versatile flavors: Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup! These are pantry staples that create a deliciously creamy base while keeping things nutritious.

For the Soup 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
• 3 cups vegetable broth (I like the not-chicken style)

For Creaminess

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

To Taste

• Salt & pepper

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun variations to mix things up:

• Add extra veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Change the cheese: Swap sharp cheddar for a milder cheese or even try a dairy-free alternative!
• Boost the protein: Stir in cooked quinoa or lentils for an extra protein punch.

How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently. This step is important because sautéing brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to your soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Next, sprinkle in the smoked paprika along with the flour. This will help thicken your soup while adding a hint of smoky flavor. Cook everything together for one more minute until the vegetables are nicely coated.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Broccoli

Now it’s time to add in your vegetable broth and chopped broccoli! Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Simmering will soften those broccoli florets beautifully over about 8-9 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in Milk

Once the broccoli is tender, reduce the heat and pour in your milk. Keep cooking on low until everything is warmed through. Be careful not to let it boil—this will keep your milk from curdling.

Step 5: Add Creaminess with Cheese

Now comes the best part! Stir in both the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar until melted into that creamy goodness we all love. Make sure to keep the heat low during this step!

Step 6: Blend It Up

For that perfect creamy texture, transfer one cup of soup to a blender (remember to allow steam to escape!) or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until smooth before returning it back to its pot.

Step 7: Season and Serve!

Finally, taste your soup before serving. Add salt and pepper as needed to balance those flavors just right! Ladle into bowls and enjoy every comforting spoonful.

Now that you have this lovely recipe at hand, you’re all set to bring warmth and deliciousness into your kitchen with this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Creating the perfect bowl of high protein broccoli cheddar soup can be a delightful experience, especially with these handy tips!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of the soup, making it more vibrant and satisfying.

• Don’t rush the sautéing: Taking your time to sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until they are tender releases their natural sweetness, adding depth to your soup.

• Blend for creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup as directed. This creates a smooth base while leaving some chunky pieces for added heartiness.

• Experiment with cheese: Feel free to mix cheeses! Adding a bit of Gruyère or Monterey Jack along with cheddar can give a unique twist on flavor while still keeping it cheesy.

• Season gradually: Taste as you go when adding salt and pepper; this ensures you don’t overpower the flavors. Adjusting seasoning at different stages allows for better control over the final taste.

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serving your high protein broccoli cheddar soup is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas that will make your dish look as good as it tastes.

Garnishes

• Chopped chives or green onions: Sprinkling these on top adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought, croutons provide a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy texture of the soup.

Side Dishes

• Whole grain bread: A slice of hearty whole grain bread is perfect for dipping and helps round out your meal with additional fiber.
• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup while adding freshness and crunch to your dinner.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs exceptionally well with savory flavors, making them a delicious side option.
• Quinoa salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with veggies can complement your meal wonderfully, creating a nutritious combo that’s filling yet light.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to enjoy a comforting bowl of high protein broccoli cheddar soup that’s not only healthy but also full of flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only delicious, but it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making it a convenient option for busy nights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Keep any leftover cheese separate if you plan to reheat portions.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down completely before freezing.
• Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also use a microwave: transfer your portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• If the soup thickens too much during storage, stir in a little vegetable broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Here’s some helpful information about this comforting soup!

Can I make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup without cheese?

Yes! You can substitute nutritional yeast for cheese to maintain a cheesy flavor while keeping it dairy-free.

How much protein is in High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Each serving contains about 20 grams of protein, making this soup a nourishing choice for any meal.

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great and can be added directly to the pot without thawing.

Is High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This soup stores well in the fridge and even freezes nicely for future meals.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup as much as I do! It’s rich, creamy, and packed with nutrients that make it not just comfort food but also a wholesome choice. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or packing it for lunch, this recipe is sure to warm your heart and nourish your body. Happy cooking!