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High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.2 from 45 reviews

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting, and nutritious meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and blended low-fat cottage cheese, it offers a rich source of protein and vibrant flavors. The soup is thickened with flour and enhanced by a subtle smoky paprika, making it both satisfying and wholesome. Suitable for a hearty lunch or dinner, it serves 8 and comes together in just 35 minutes.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chopped broccoli

Dairy

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cups 1% milk
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended

Pantry

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style or 1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon vegetable base)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently until the vegetables soften.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking over medium heat for one minute to release its aroma without burning.
  3. Incorporate Flour and Paprika: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour, stirring constantly for one minute to coat the vegetables and form a roux that will thicken the soup.
  4. Add Broth and Broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the broccoli to cook and soften for 8-9 minutes.
  5. Stir in Milk: Lower the heat and add the milk. Warm the soup gently over low heat to prevent curdling.
  6. Add Cheeses: Stir in the blended low-fat cottage cheese and the shredded sharp cheddar until fully melted and incorporated. Avoid increasing the heat to prevent the milk from curdling.
  7. Blend the Soup: Transfer one cup of the soup into a blender and blend with steam vent open to avoid pressure build-up. Alternatively, use an immersion blender carefully to partially blend the soup to desired consistency.
  8. Season and Serve: Return the blended soup to the pot, season with salt and pepper to taste, and warm gently before serving.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend.
  • Using low-fat dairy options keeps the soup lighter while maintaining creaminess.
  • Blending part of the soup provides a creamy texture while leaving some broccoli chunks for bite.
  • Do not increase heat too much after adding milk and cheese to avoid curdling.
  • Vegetable broth can be replaced with homemade or store-bought for convenience.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat