High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

When you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying, this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is the perfect choice. With a rich, velvety texture and a delightful blend of cheese and fresh vegetables, this soup is ideal for any time of year. It’s easy to make and comes together quickly, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup offers the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. The creamy base, made with a combination of milk and cottage cheese, adds richness without being overly heavy. The fresh broccoli and carrots provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the cheddar cheese adds a deliciously sharp flavor. This soup is not only filling but also loaded with veggies, making it a wholesome meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. Plus, the use of blended cottage cheese keeps it lighter than traditional broccoli cheese soups, so you can indulge without the guilt.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup so delicious and nutritious:

• Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps to sauté the vegetables, forming the base of the soup.
• Yellow Onion (1 large, diced): Provides a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Carrots (2 large, peeled and diced): Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Celery (1 stalk, diced): Contributes a mild, earthy flavor and adds texture.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Helps thicken the soup, giving it a creamy consistency. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute with gluten-free flour.
• Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky flavor that deepens the overall taste of the soup.
• Vegetable Broth (4 cups): Forms the savory liquid base of the soup, providing depth and flavor. Using a “not-chicken” style broth gives it a richer, more robust flavor.
• Broccoli (4 cups, chopped): The star of the dish, broccoli adds a hearty texture and is packed with vitamins like C and K.
• 1% Milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess to the soup while keeping it light. You can use whole milk for a richer texture or skim milk for a lighter option.
• Cheddar Cheese (4 oz, shredded, about 1 cup): Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that makes the soup rich and cheesy.
• Low-Fat Cottage Cheese (1 cup, blended): Adds creaminess and protein while keeping the soup light. Blending it ensures a smooth texture.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the soup and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook the vegetables for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions become translucent and the vegetables start to soften. This step builds the flavorful base of the soup.

2. Add Garlic and Flour:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, sprinkle the flour and smoked paprika over the vegetables, stirring constantly for about a minute. The flour will coat the vegetables and help thicken the soup later on.

3. Add Broth and Broccoli:
Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring well to ensure the flour is fully dissolved and incorporated. Add the chopped broccoli and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for 8-9 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and cooked through.

4. Add Milk and Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk. Continue cooking over low heat until the soup is warm but not boiling. Then, add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. Be careful not to let the soup boil, as this could cause the milk to curdle.

5. Blend the Soup:
For a smoother texture, transfer one cup of soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Allow the steam to escape through the vent to avoid pressure build-up. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir to combine. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to gently blend the soup directly in the pot, depending on your desired consistency.

6. Season and Serve:
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This creamy broccoli cheese soup is best enjoyed with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Avoid Curdling: To prevent the milk from curdling, keep the heat low after adding the milk and cheese. Stir constantly and avoid boiling the soup.
• Enhance Flavor with Spices: If you want a bit more depth, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper. These spices complement the cheese and broccoli beautifully.
• Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, use whole milk instead of 1% milk, or add a bit more blended cottage cheese. You can also blend more of the soup for a smoother consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

• Garnishes: Top each bowl with extra shredded cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor.
• Side Dishes: Pair the soup with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in warm, deep bowls to keep it hot longer. Garnish with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of croutons for an elegant touch.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To prepare this recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Large Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot is ideal for evenly cooking the soup and preventing the ingredients from sticking.
• Wooden Spoon: Useful for stirring the vegetables and soup as it cooks.
• Blender or Immersion Blender: For blending part of the soup to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
• Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
• Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for chopping the vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is perfect for leftovers and stores well:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the soup even more delicious the next day.
• Freezing: While this soup can be frozen, note that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, especially with the dairy content. If freezing, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the milk with almond milk or another non-dairy milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also omit the cottage cheese or replace it with a dairy-free yogurt.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to make the soup gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère, Swiss, or a blend of cheddar and Parmesan, to change the flavor profile.

FAQ

Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This will help thicken the soup without adding gluten.

How do I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can either blend more of it or add a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the soup during the simmering stage until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used if fresh is not available. Simply add the frozen broccoli directly to the soup and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this soup is sure to impress with its delicious flavors and creamy texture. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. If you enjoyed this recipe, subscribe to our blog for more comforting and nutritious dishes!

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