High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness that’s both delicious and nutritious, you’ve come to the right place! This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a family favorite in my kitchen. It’s rich and creamy, yet it packs a punch with 20 grams of protein per serving! Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this soup will warm your heart.

What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to whip up. You can have it on the table in just 35 minutes. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. So grab a spoon, and let’s dive into this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Protein-packed: Enjoy a hearty bowl filled with 20 grams of protein per serving!
• Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the cheesy flavor, making it perfect for even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead friendly: This soup stores well, so you can easily enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Versatile base: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or grains for added nutrition!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll find everything you need right here to create your rich and creamy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

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 Flavor and Creaminess

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

To Finish

• Salt & pepper to taste

Variations

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is super flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale for extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
• Boost the protein: Stir in cooked quinoa or lentils for an even heartier meal.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little kick!
• Creamy alternative: Use almond milk or oat milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

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, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook these vegetables for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor base of our soup!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Next, toss in the minced garlic and continue to cook over medium heat for one more minute. Garlic adds depth to your soup’s flavor! After that, sprinkle in the smoked paprika along with the flour. Stir constantly for another minute until everything is nicely coated.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Now it’s time to add the vegetable broth and chopped broccoli. Bring this mixture to a simmer; it should start bubbling away in no time! Let it simmer for about 8-9 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender.

Step 4: Cream It Up

After your broccoli has softened, pour in the milk and cook over low heat just until warmed through. Then add in both your blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until everything melts together beautifully. Remember not to raise the heat too high; we want creamy soup—not curdled milk!

Step 5: Blend It Smooth

For a lovely texture contrast, take one cup of soup and blend it until smooth—this helps create that creamy consistency we all adore. If you have an immersion blender handy, feel free to use that instead!

Step 6: Season & Serve

Finally, taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with some crusty bread on the side if you like—and enjoy every spoonful of this delightful High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup!

Pro Tips for Making High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Creating the perfect bowl of high protein broccoli cheddar soup can be a delightful experience if you keep these helpful tips in mind!

• Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only enhances the flavor but also retains more nutrients, giving you a healthier and tastier soup.
• Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup creates a lovely creamy texture without needing excessive cream. It also helps incorporate more protein with the cottage cheese.
• Adjust Cheese to Taste: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! This can give your soup a unique flavor profile while keeping it rich and satisfying.
• Season Gradually: Start with minimal salt and pepper, then add more as needed. This allows you to control the flavor without over-salting right from the start.
• Make Ahead: This soup stores beautifully! Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Just reheat gently on low heat to prevent curdling of the dairy.

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serving this comforting soup is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds color and a fresh taste that brightens up the rich flavors of the soup.
• Croutons: Toasted bread cubes add a crunchy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the creaminess of the soup, making each spoonful exciting.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is an excellent choice; it’s perfect for dipping into your creamy soup while adding a savory touch.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup, providing freshness and crunch.
• Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with veggies offers a healthy side dish that complements the flavors without overpowering them.
• Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs well with savory dishes, creating a deliciously satisfying meal together.

Enjoy crafting this high protein broccoli cheddar soup and impressing your loved ones with its nourishing goodness!

Make Ahead and Storage

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time and store it for busy weeknight dinners or delicious lunches.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the soup to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top as the soup may expand.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe container and heat in intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

What makes this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup healthy?

This soup packs a punch with 20 grams of protein per serving thanks to the combination of cheddar and blended cottage cheese. It’s also loaded with nutrients from fresh veggies!

Can I customize my High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition, or swap out the cheddar for another type of cheese if you prefer.

How do I thicken my High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

If you’d like a thicker consistency, consider adding more blended cottage cheese or using an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup. You can also add a little more flour when cooking the vegetables.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this rich and creamy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup as much as I do! It’s a delightful way to sneak in some extra protein while savoring comfort food. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner or meal prep for those busy days, this recipe is sure to warm your heart. Happy cooking!