High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl packed with nutrients and rich flavors. Made with fresh broccoli, fragrant veggies, sharp cheddar, and blended cottage cheese, this soup provides a satisfying protein boost in a delicious, hearty recipe perfect for any season.
- 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
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoons butter
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter to create the base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until they become softened and aromatic.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute over medium heat to release its flavor.
- Add smoked paprika and flour: Sprinkle smoked paprika and flour over the vegetables, cooking for one minute while stirring to coat evenly and form a slight roux.
- Pour in broth and broccoli: Add 3 cups of vegetable broth and chopped broccoli to the pot, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer broccoli: Let the broccoli simmer gently for 8-9 minutes, until it softens but holds its bright green color.
- Incorporate milk: Stir in 2 cups of 1% milk and reduce heat to low, warming the soup without boiling to prevent curdling.
- Add cheeses: Mix in the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the soup. Keep the heat low to avoid separating the dairy.
- Blend the soup: Carefully transfer one cup of the hot soup to a blender and blend, allowing steam to escape to avoid pressure buildup. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend part or all of the soup to your preferred texture.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour if you want a gluten-free version.
- Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture while retaining some chunks for a hearty mouthfeel.
- Be sure to keep heat low after adding milk and cheeses to prevent curdling.
- Low-fat dairy options reduce calories while keeping the soup rich and flavorful.
- Vegetable broth makes this recipe vegetarian; use chicken broth if preferred but it changes the dietary classification.
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, high protein soup, creamy broccoli soup, healthy soup recipe, low fat soup
