Description
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with nourishing protein thanks to blended cottage cheese. A lighter, healthier twist on the classic, it’s perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
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 (not-chicken style works best)
4 cups chopped broccoli florets
2 cups 1% milk
4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 1 minute.
Sprinkle in flour and smoked paprika. Stir to coat vegetables, then slowly whisk in the vegetable broth to avoid lumps.
Bring to a simmer and add broccoli. Cook 10–12 minutes until tender.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk. Blend cottage cheese until smooth, then stir it into the pot.
Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For extra protaein, add shredded chicken, ground turkey, or white beans.
- Greek yogurt or ricotta can be swapped for cottage cheese.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months — reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: high protein broccoli cheddar soup, healthy broccoli cheese soup, protein-packed soup, cozy soup recipe