High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting dish packed with nutrients and rich flavors. Featuring fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of vegetables, this soup is perfect for a healthy meal that boosts your protein intake without sacrificing taste. It’s ideal for those seeking a hearty and nourishing vegetarian option.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering and blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Liquids & Dairy
- 3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style preferred)
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
- Sauté vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute to develop its aromatic flavor.
- Coat with flour and spices: Add the smoked paprika and flour to the pot. Cook for one minute, stirring continuously until the vegetables are evenly coated and the flour is cooked, removing the raw taste.
- Add broth and broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer broccoli: Let the soup simmer gently for 8-9 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
- Incorporate milk: Reduce the heat to low and add the 1% milk. Warm the soup gently, avoiding boiling to prevent curdling.
- Blend cheeses: Stir in the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring on low heat until cheeses melt smoothly into the soup.
- Puree soup: Transfer one cup of the soup to a blender and blend carefully, allowing steam to escape through the vent to avoid pressure build-up. Return the pureed soup to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to puree the soup gently for a smooth texture.
- Season: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the warm, creamy soup into bowls and enjoy as a comforting, protein-packed meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
- Use low-fat dairy options to keep fat content moderate without compromising creaminess.
- Do not boil the soup after adding milk and cheese to prevent curdling.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for extra warmth and spice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave to maintain creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, high protein soup, healthy vegetarian soup, creamy broccoli soup, broccoli cheese soup recipe