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High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

5 from 6 reviews

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl packed with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and blended cottage cheese to boost the protein content. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner, this recipe offers a hearty vegetable base with rich dairy flavors while remaining light with low-fat milk and cottage cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chopped broccoli

Dry Ingredients & Spices

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Liquids & Dairy

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style preferred)
  • 2 cups 1% milk
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking over medium heat for one minute to release the garlic’s aroma without burning it.
  3. Incorporate Flour and Spices: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour, stirring continuously for about one minute until the vegetables are thoroughly coated in the flour, which will help thicken the soup later.
  4. Add Broth and Broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat.
  5. Simmer Broccoli: Allow the broccoli to cook for 8-9 minutes until tender but still slightly vibrant in color.
  6. Add Milk and Warm: Stir in the 1% milk and cook over low heat until the soup is heated through, taking care not to bring it to a boil to prevent curdling.
  7. Add Cheeses: Stir in the blended low fat cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is creamy. Keep the heat low to avoid separation.
  8. Blend Soup: Carefully transfer about one cup of soup into a blender, venting the lid slightly to allow steam escape, and blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to gently blend part or all of the soup for a creamier texture.
  9. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir well and serve hot, garnished as desired.

Notes

  • Using low fat milk and low fat cottage cheese reduces calories while maintaining creamy texture and protein content.
  • You can substitute gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten free.
  • For extra richness, add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
  • Blending a portion of the soup creates a smooth, creamy texture without losing the vegetable chunks.
  • If the soup thickens too much upon standing, thin with a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, High Protein Soup, Low Fat Soup, Healthy Broccoli Soup, Cottage Cheese Soup