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High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

4.8 from 94 reviews

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.

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

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Pour in Broth: Slowly add 3 cups of vegetable broth to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Melt Cheese: Gradually stir in the 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
  7. 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