High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy Recipe

If you are craving a comforting bowl of soup that is both nourishing and delicious, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy. This soup combines the fresh vibrancy of broccoli with luscious, melted cheddar cheese and a surprising boost of protein from cottage cheese, creating a creamy texture that feels indulgent without any guilt. Every spoonful is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect meal for chilly days or whenever you want something wholesome and satisfying. Trust me, once you try this soup, it will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun. Each one in this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy plays a vital role, delivering layers of taste, color, and texture that make this soup a standout. From the sweet crunch of carrots to the smoky hint of paprika, the ingredients come together to create a harmonious bowl you’ll want to savor.

• 1 tbsp butter: Adds a rich, silky base flavor that helps sauté the veggies beautifully.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced: Brings gentle sweetness and depth to the soup’s foundation.
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced: Contribute natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange color.
• 1 stalk celery, diced: Enhances the flavor with subtle earthiness and crunch.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuse the soup with aromatic warmth and a touch of zing.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The secret to thickening the soup into a perfectly creamy consistency.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a mild smokiness that elevates the taste with complexity.
• 3 cups vegetable broth: Provides savory depth and keeps the soup light and wholesome.
• 4 cups chopped broccoli: The star vegetable, full of fiber, vitamins, and that fresh green vibrancy.
• 2 cups 1% milk: Keeps things creamy yet light on fat for a balanced soup.
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts right in to deliver the classic, cheesy goodness.
• 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended: The protein powerhouse that also enhances creaminess without heaviness.
• Salt to taste: Essential for rounding out the flavors perfectly.
• Pepper to taste: A little kick that wakes up the whole bowl.

How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Start by getting your hands busy chopping! Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic finely so it melds beautifully when it hits the pot. Prepping your vegetables neatly will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Sauté the Base

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt your butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking gently for about 8 to 10 minutes until they soften and become translucent. This slow sautéing coax out their natural sweetness and builds a flavorful backbone for your soup.

Step 3: Garlic Time

Toss in the minced garlic, cooking it for just about a minute. Keep an eye so it doesn’t brown, as you want its fragrance to sparkle without turning bitter.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour and smoked paprika over your softened veggies. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step cooks the flour taste away and creates the thick, velvety texture essential for your soup’s creamy body.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer

Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth until the mixture is smooth. Slowly pour in the milk next, stirring continuously to keep it lump-free. Increase the heat a bit until the soup gently simmers, then reduce to medium-low heat to keep it bubbling softly. The simmering process allows all the flavors to mingle beautifully.

Step 6: Season Your Soup

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your taste, balancing the soup’s flavors early on to guide the seasoning perfectly by the end.

Step 7: Add Broccoli and Cook

Plop in the chopped broccoli, letting it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. You want it tender but still vibrant and with a slight crispness. Stir occasionally to cook evenly, keeping that fresh green color popping.

Step 8: Melt in the Cheddar

Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese in small batches. Let each handful melt fully before adding more, ensuring your soup becomes irresistibly smooth and cheesy all through.

Step 9: Blend in Cottage Cheese

Blend the low-fat cottage cheese until velvety smooth, then stir it into the soup. This magic ingredient boosts the protein content while deepening the creaminess without any heaviness, keeping this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy wonderfully balanced.

Step 10: Final Seasoning Check

Give your soup a taste and tweak salt and pepper if necessary. This last adjustment ensures every bowl is bursting with flavor just the way you like it.

Step 11: Serve it Up

Your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is now ready to serve steaming hot. Ladle it into bowls and prepare for delicious satisfaction in every spoonful!

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy

Garnishes

To add that extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle on some additional shredded cheddar, a handful of crunchy croutons, or fresh parsley for a pop of color. Each garnish not only elevates the soup’s look but gives a delightful texture contrast you’ll love.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, warm garlic toast, or a light salad. These side options complement the creamy texture without overpowering the star flavors, perfect for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or mini pumpkin shells for a festive flair. You can also drizzle a swirl of Greek yogurt or hot sauce on top to surprise your taste buds with additional layers of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to grab a healthy, protein-packed meal on busy days.

Freezing

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy freezes well. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, so you always have comforting homemade soup on hand.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge, then warm gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. This slow reheating helps the soup regain its creamy texture and prevents the cheese from separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives that classic flavor, sharp Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a bit of Parmesan can add unique twists. Just choose a melting cheese you love.

Is this soup suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this recipe uses vegetable broth and all vegetarian-friendly ingredients, making it perfect for a meat-free diet.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

For dairy-free options, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use a plant-based cheese alternative. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might differ slightly but still delicious.

How can I increase the protein content further?

You can add cooked chicken breast, or stir in a scoop of unflavored protein powder after blending the cottage cheese, making it an even heartier meal.

What’s the best way to get the soup extra creamy?

Blending the soup with an immersion blender after simmering the broccoli can create a silkier texture. You can also increase the amount of blended cottage cheese for richer creaminess.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats a bowl of homemade soup that feels both indulgent and nourishing, and this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy checks every box. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a cozy night in or to impress family and friends. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and enjoy every warm, cheesy, protein-packed bite!

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