High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy and nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Packed with fresh vegetables, low-fat dairy, and a blend of rich cheddar and cottage cheese, it offers a satisfying and protein-rich meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The soup combines the wholesome goodness of broccoli with the comforting flavors of cheddar, enhanced by a hint of smoked paprika, making it both flavorful and healthy.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop simmering and blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 1 tablespoons butter
- 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
- 3 cups vegetable broth (preferably not-chicken style)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Melt the butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing its flavor to develop without burning.
- Incorporate spices and flour: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for one minute to coat the vegetables and create a base for thickening.
- Add broth and broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the broccoli: Let the soup simmer for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the broccoli becomes tender but still vibrant in color.
- Heat with milk: Pour in the 1% milk and warm the soup over low heat, making sure it doesn’t boil to avoid curdling.
- Add cheeses: Stir in the blended low-fat cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth, maintaining low heat.
- Blend the soup: Carefully transfer one cup of the soup to a blender, allowing steam to escape, and blend until smooth. Return the blended portion to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy texture with some chunks.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Blending a portion of the soup creates a creamy texture while retaining some vegetable chunks for heartiness.
- Use low-fat dairy to keep the soup lighter without sacrificing creaminess.
- Adjust smoked paprika quantity to your taste for a milder or smokier flavor.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240ml)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: broccoli soup, high protein soup, broccoli cheddar soup, healthy soup, low fat soup, creamy soup, vegetable soup