Description

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting dish packed with vegetables and protein-rich cottage cheese and cheddar. Featuring a blend of fresh broccoli, aromatic vegetables, and a delicate smoky flavor from paprika, it is perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner. The soup is thickened with flour and enriched with milk and cheese, creating a velvety texture, all made on the stovetop for an easy, wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

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

Liquids & Dairy

3 cups vegetable broth (preferably not-chicken style)
2 cups 1% milk
1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)

Other Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 10 minutes while stirring frequently until softened and fragrant.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute over medium heat to release its aroma.
Create Roux: Sprinkle the smoked paprika and flour over the vegetables and cook for one minute, stirring continuously to coat the veggies and cook out the raw flour taste.
Simmer Broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8 to 9 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Add Milk: Reduce heat to low and stir in the 1% milk, gently warming the soup without letting it boil.
Incorporate Cheeses: Add the blended low fat cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheeses melt, taking care not to overheat the soup to prevent curdling.
Blend Soup: Transfer one cup of the soup to a blender, leaving the vent open for 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 chunkier texture.
Season: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

Using low fat cottage cheese adds protein while keeping the soup light and creamy.
Be cautious when heating after adding milk and cheeses to avoid curdling.
Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture while retaining some broccoli chunks for bite.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour.
Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth but can be omitted if unavailable.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, high protein soup, healthy broccoli soup, creamy broccoli soup, low fat soup, vegetable soup