High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting dish packed with nutritious ingredients like broccoli, cheddar cheese, and cottage cheese. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this soup combines fresh vegetables with a rich cheesy base to create a flavorful, protein-rich meal suitable for a healthy diet.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
Liquids & Dairy
- 3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style)
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Flour and Spices: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of flour and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken the soup later on.
- Pour in Broth: Slowly add 3 cups of vegetable broth to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the 4 cups of chopped broccoli, cover the pot, and cook for about 10-12 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Add Dairy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 cups of 1% milk and 1 cup of blended low-fat cottage cheese. Continue to cook gently until the soup is heated through but not boiling.
- Melt Cheese: Gradually stir in the 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
- Season & Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Blending the cottage cheese creates a smooth texture while boosting protein content.
- You can substitute 1% milk with any milk alternative, but it may alter the creaminess.
- For an even thicker soup, simmer uncovered after adding dairy to reduce liquid.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- This soup stores well for up to 3 days refrigerated and freezes nicely.
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, high protein soup, healthy broccoli soup, low fat soup, creamy broccoli soup, homemade soup, easy broccoli cheddar