Description
This high-protein broccoli cheddar soup is rich, creamy, and packed with nutrition. Made with a secret ingredient—cottage cheese—it delivers a satisfying cheesy flavor while adding a protein boost. Ready in under 30 minutes, this cozy, comforting soup is perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 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 the vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally until softened, about 10 minutes.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour, stirring constantly to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Incorporate the broth and broccoli: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the chopped broccoli and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 8-9 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Warm the milk and add cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk. Let it warm through but avoid boiling to prevent curdling. Stir in the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar, mixing until fully melted and combined.
- Blend for texture: Transfer about a cup of soup to a blender and blend until smooth, allowing steam to escape through the vent. Return it to the pot and stir. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup while keeping some texture.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Use extra-sharp cheddar for maximum flavor with less cheese.
- Avoid overheating the soup after adding cheese to prevent separation.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg