High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A Healthy Comfort Food

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Looking for a hearty yet nutritious dish? This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup combines rich flavors with a healthy twist. With 20 grams of protein per serving, this soup is perfect for those seeking a creamy, comforting meal without sacrificing health. The secret? Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture while boosting the protein content, making it the ideal comfort food that’s both filling and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a game-changer when it comes to comfort food. It brings together the beloved flavors of a classic broccoli cheddar soup with the added benefit of extra protein. By incorporating cottage cheese, you can enjoy a creamy texture without the added saturated fat, making this soup a lighter, more nutritious option. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for any time of year, whether you’re craving a cozy winter meal or a nourishing weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and healthy soup:

• Butter: Used to sauté vegetables and add richness to the soup.
• Onion: Adds a mild, savory base flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the soup’s aromatic profile.
• Carrots: Provide a slight sweetness and vibrant color.
• Celery: Adds a crunchy texture and subtle flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings a smoky undertone to the soup.
• Flour: Used to thicken the soup and give it a creamy consistency.
• Vegetable Broth: The base liquid, providing savory depth.
• Broccoli: The star of the soup, packed with fiber and vitamins.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy texture.
• Cottage Cheese: A key ingredient for adding protein and creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds the signature cheesy flavor to the soup.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to modify this recipe based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand, here are a few suggestions:

• Olive Oil: Substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter option.
• Gluten-Free Flour: Easily swap for gluten-free flour if you’re on a gluten-free diet.
• Non-Dairy Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.
• Vegan Cheese: Though not ideal for this specific recipe, vegan cheese could work if you’re seeking a plant-based alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the smoked paprika and flour, stirring for one more minute to coat the vegetables.
Add the Broth and Broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 8-9 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.

Incorporate the Dairy: Pour in the milk and cook over low heat until the soup is warmed through.
Blend the Soup: Blend the soup for a smoother texture. You can use an immersion blender or carefully transfer a cup of soup to a regular blender. Return the blended soup to the pot.
Add Cheeses: Stir in the cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep the heat low to prevent the milk from curdling.

Final Seasoning: Add salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the soup is perfectly seasoned.

Tips & Tricks for Perfecting Your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Texture Tips: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only part of the mixture. Alternatively, for an extra-smooth texture, blend all of it.
• Don’t Overheat: When adding cheese, be cautious not to increase the heat too much, as this could cause the milk to curdle.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Flavor Adjustments: If you like a more intense cheese flavor, increase the amount of cheddar cheese, but keep in mind that a little goes a long way with extra sharp cheddar.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal with these pairing ideas:

• Healthy Side Salad: Try pairing the soup with a light, fresh salad, like an apple walnut kale salad, for a balanced meal.
• Bread for Dipping: Serve the soup with whole-grain or sourdough bread for a satisfying crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy variation of this otherwise creamy dish.

Seasonal and Health Benefits of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup isn’t just delicious — it’s also packed with health benefits. Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, which are important for overall health. The addition of cottage cheese provides a protein boost that helps keep you full longer, making this soup a perfect meal for maintaining energy throughout the day. Plus, this dish can be enjoyed year-round, making it a versatile option whether you’re craving something warm and comforting in the winter or something nourishing any other season.

Conclusion

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect way to enjoy a healthy and hearty meal without compromising on taste. With a creamy, cheesy base and a significant protein boost from cottage cheese, it’s a great option for anyone looking to add more nutrition to their diet while still enjoying the comforts of a classic soup. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or lunch, this recipe will surely become a family favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup healthy?

Yes! Unlike traditional broccoli cheddar soup, this version is made with cottage cheese, adding protein while keeping the fat content lower. The addition of fresh broccoli and other vegetables also provides essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

2. Can I make this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup vegan?

Unfortunately, making this soup completely vegan is tricky due to the dairy-based ingredients, including the cheddar cheese and cottage cheese. However, you could try a different soup recipe, such as a creamy vegan quinoa soup, if you’re looking for a plant-based alternative.

3. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in place of fresh broccoli. However, fresh broccoli will provide a better texture and taste. If you use frozen broccoli, make sure to reduce the cooking time to prevent it from becoming too mushy.

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High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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Author: Anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a rich, creamy, and healthy twist on the classic. Packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, it’s the perfect comfort food made with wholesome ingredients like cottage cheese and cheddar. It’s an easy-to-make, nutritious dish ideal for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

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1 tablespoon 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
4 cups chopped broccoli
2 cups 1% milk
4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 10 minutes until softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the smoked paprika and flour, cooking for one minute until the vegetables are coated with flour.
Pour in the vegetable broth and chopped broccoli, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8-9 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

Stir in the milk and cook over low heat until the soup is warmed through.
Add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted, making sure to keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
Blend the soup for a smoother texture by transferring one cup of the soup to a blender or using an immersion blender. Return the blended soup to the pot.

Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Notes

For a thicker soup, use less broth. You can always add more if needed.
Be careful not to turn the heat up too high when adding the dairy to prevent curdling.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, only blend a portion of the soup.