Looking for a hearty and delicious soup that’s packed with protein? Look no further than this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup! With its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, this soup is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great Flavors: This soup combines the savory taste of cheddar cheese with the freshness of broccoli, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Quick Prep Time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have this soup ready in no time.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of this soup and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes:
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the soup.
- Yellow Onion, Carrots, and Celery: These vegetables provide a savory base for the soup.
- Garlic: Adds a depth of flavor.
- All-purpose Flour: Thickens the soup to create a creamy texture.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness to the dish.
- Vegetable Broth: Provides a flavorful base for the soup.
- Broccoli: Adds fiber and nutrients to the dish.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the soup.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a cheesy flavor.
- Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: Blended for added creaminess.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the flour and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, stirring constantly.
- Add the broccoli and simmer until tender.
- Stir in the milk, cheddar cheese, and blended cottage cheese until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a thicker soup, blend some of the cooked broccoli before adding the milk and cheese.
- Add some crispy bacon or croutons on top for added texture.
- Swap out the cheddar cheese for a different type of cheese for a new flavor profile.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Blend the cottage cheese until smooth to avoid any lumps in the soup.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences for the best results.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light beer for the perfect combination.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from separating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Can I freeze this soup? While you can freeze this soup, the texture of the cheese may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion:
Warm, creamy, and full of flavor, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your feedback and any variations you try. Enjoy!
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High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and hearty bowl of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, packed with nutritious ingredients like broccoli, carrots, and cheddar cheese. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 1 tablespoons butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: In a large pot, melt butter and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add Flour & Spices: Stir in flour and paprika, cook for a minute.
- Add Broth & Broccoli: Pour in vegetable broth and add broccoli. Simmer until broccoli is tender.
- Add Milk & Cheese: Stir in milk, cheddar cheese, and blended cottage cheese until cheese melts.
- Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.
Notes
- You can blend the soup for a smoother consistency if desired.
- Feel free to customize the soup with additional spices or herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg