High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This rich and creamy broccoli cheddar soup is secretly healthy and packed with 20 grams of protein per serving! It’s a comforting and nutritious recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Servings: 4
Calories: 343kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 2 large carrots peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour, if needed
- ½ 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 until smooth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Sauté Vegetables
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened.
Add Garlic and Spices
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the smoked paprika and flour over the vegetables, stirring well to coat.
- Cook for an additional minute.
Add Broth and Broccoli
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 8–9 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
Add Milk and Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the milk, blended cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir gently until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
- Be careful not to let the soup boil, as high heat can cause the milk to curdle.
Blend for Creaminess
- Transfer 1 cup of soup to a blender and blend until smooth, allowing steam to escape through the vent.
- Return the blended soup to the pot and stir to combine.
- Alternatively, use an immersion blender to gently blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture while leaving some chunks intact.
Season and Serve
- Taste the soup and add salt and pepper, as needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Adjusting Thickness: This recipe uses 3 cups of broth for a thicker consistency. If you prefer a thinner soup, add an additional 1 cup of broth.
Blended Cottage Cheese: Blending the cottage cheese creates a smooth and creamy texture without the need for heavy cream, while also boosting the protein content.
Cheese Choice: Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor. Feel free to add more cheese if desired!
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling.
Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but the texture may slightly change due to the dairy. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.