High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Introduction

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and nourishing meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with vegetables and rich cheeses, it offers a creamy texture and a boost of protein that keeps you satisfied. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 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 (preferably 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
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute more over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Stir in the smoked paprika and flour, cooking for one minute until the vegetables are coated.
5. Step 5: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring to a simmer.
6. Step 6: Simmer the broccoli for 8 to 9 minutes until tender.
7. Step 7: Add the milk and heat over low until the soup is warm, but avoid boiling.
8. Step 8: Stir in the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar until melted, keeping the heat low to prevent curdling.
9. Step 9: Transfer one cup of soup to a blender and blend, allowing steam to escape. Return the blended soup to the pot. Alternatively, carefully use an immersion blender to gently blend the soup.
10. Step 10: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cheeses with plant-based alternatives.
• Use an immersion blender for a chunkier texture or a regular blender for a smoother soup.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of heat.
• Swap broccoli for cauliflower or a mix of your favorite green vegetables for variety.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, by using vegetable broth, plant-based milk, dairy-free cheese, and a vegan butter substitute, you can create a vegan-friendly version of this soup.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Absolutely. You can make the soup up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, stirring occasionally to maintain a creamy texture.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 122 reviews

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that combines nutrient-rich broccoli and a savory blend of cheddar and cottage cheese for an extra protein boost. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this soup features the smoky warmth of paprika and a velvety texture achieved by blending part of the soup. It is easy to prepare on the stovetop, requiring simple ingredients and minimal time, making it a wholesome and delicious choice for all ages.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Aromatics

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

Spices & Flour

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Liquids & Dairy

• 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

Seasonings

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt Butter and Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for one minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
3. Add Spices and Flour: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly to coat the vegetables with the flour and form a roux-like base to thicken the soup.
4. Add Broth and Broccoli, Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 to 9 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
5. Add Milk and Heat Gently: Stir in the 1% milk, lowering the heat and warming the soup without boiling to prevent curdling.
6. Add Cheeses: Stir in the blended low-fat cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. Keep the heat low to avoid separating the dairy.
7. Blend Soup: Transfer about one cup of the soup to a blender, venting carefully to allow steam to escape, and blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir well. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot to achieve a creamy texture with some chunks remaining.
8. Season and Serve: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed, then serve warm.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
• To avoid curdling, keep the heat low when adding milk and cheeses.
• Using blended cottage cheese boosts the protein content and adds creaminess without excess fat.
• Partially blending the soup creates a nice creamy texture while retaining some broccoli pieces for bite.
• This soup can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, high protein soup, healthy broccoli soup, low fat soup, creamy broccoli soup, vegetable soup, cottage cheese soup