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High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4 from 71 reviews

A comforting and nutritious High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup that combines fresh vegetables, creamy cheeses, and a smoky paprika flavor. This soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and packed with protein, making it a perfect hearty meal for any day.

  • 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 & Eggs

  • 1 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups 1% milk
  • 4 oz 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)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a rich base for the soup.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the butter and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute on medium heat to release its aroma.
  4. Add spices and flour: Mix in the smoked paprika and flour, cooking for 1 minute while stirring to coat the vegetables evenly and begin thickening the soup.
  5. Add broth and broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer to cook the broccoli thoroughly.
  6. Simmer broccoli: Let the broccoli simmer for 8-9 minutes until it is tender and cooked through.
  7. Add milk: Stir in the 1% milk and continue cooking over low heat just until the soup is warmed, avoiding boiling.
  8. Incorporate cheeses: Add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently until melted into the soup. Keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
  9. Blend soup: Transfer one cup of soup to a blender, venting steam carefully, and blend until smooth. Return blended soup to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to achieve a creamy consistency without removing the soup.
  10. Season to taste: Add salt and pepper as needed, taste-testing and adjusting seasoning for final flavor balance.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free flour to make this soup safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-fat dairy options help keep the soup lighter while maintaining protein content.
  • Be careful to cook the soup gently after adding dairy to avoid curdling.
  • An immersion blender is a handy tool for safely blending hot soups directly in the pot.
  • For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
  • This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat