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Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Featured in Warm and Comforting Bowls.

This clever twist on classic broccoli cheddar soup proves comfort food can be nutritious too! The secret is using protein-rich cottage cheese to create that signature creamy texture while sneaking in an impressive 20 grams of protein per bowl. What makes it truly special is how it maintains all that cozy, cheesy goodness you expect from broccoli cheddar soup while being so much better for you. The cottage cheese melts down perfectly into the broth, creating this velvety smooth texture that'll have you wondering why you never tried it this way before!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:07:44 GMT
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A bowl of creamy vegetable soup containing broccoli, carrots, and green peppers, with a spoon resting inside. Pin it
A bowl of creamy vegetable soup containing broccoli, carrots, and green peppers, with a spoon resting inside. | tastygusto.com

I've reimagined the classic broccoli cheddar soup into something truly special a protein packed version that's just as creamy and delicious but so much better for you. The secret? Cottage cheese! After countless experiments in my kitchen I've found this ingredient creates that luxurious texture we all love while boosting the protein to an impressive 20 grams per serving.

Good For You Never Tasted So Good

What I love about this soup is how it gives you all the comfort of traditional broccoli cheddar but with smart swaps that make it genuinely nutritious. By using cottage cheese we get that amazing creaminess plus extra protein. It's the kind of recipe that makes you feel good while you're eating it and after.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • Butter: Just a tablespoon does the trick olive oil works too.
  • Onion: One large yellow onion builds our flavor base.
  • Carrots: These add natural sweetness and color.
  • Celery: One stalk brings depth to our soup.
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves make everything better.
  • Flour: Our thickener use gluten free if needed.
  • Smoked Paprika: My secret for extra depth.
  • Broth: I love using not chicken style.
  • Broccoli: Cut into bite sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Milk: 1% works great here.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Extra sharp for maximum flavor.
  • Cottage Cheese: Our protein boosting star.
  • Salt & Pepper: To make everything pop.

Let's Make Some Magic

Start with the Base
Get those veggies going in butter until they're soft and fragrant it's worth taking your time here.
Build the Flavor
That garlic and flour mixture is crucial don't skip the smoked paprika!
Add Your Liquids
Pour in the broth and let those broccoli florets get just tender enough.
Make It Creamy
Here's where our protein stars come in the cottage cheese and cheddar make everything dreamy.
Perfect the Texture
I love using my immersion blender just enough to keep some texture while making it creamy.

Keeping It Fresh

This soup loves to hang out in the fridge for a few days just warm it slowly when you're ready to eat. I like to stir while reheating to keep everything smooth and creamy. Fresh is best here so I don't recommend freezing it.

Perfect Partners

A bowl of this soup alongside a crisp apple walnut kale salad is pure heaven. Don't forget some crusty bread for dipping! Sometimes I'll make a quick grilled cheese to go with it talk about comfort food perfection.

Your Questions Answered

I often get asked if this soup is really healthy and yes it absolutely is! The cottage cheese makes all the difference. For the best results always use freshly shredded cheese it melts so much better. And while I wish I could offer a vegan version the dairy really is key here.

Extra Broccoli?

Don't let any broccoli go to waste! Toss it in a salad or make a quick stir fry. Sometimes I'll roast extra broccoli while making the soup just to have on hand for other meals.

The Magic of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. Once it's blended smooth you'd never know it's there but it adds such amazing protein and creaminess. It's a game changer for making healthier comfort food.

My Best Tips

Start with less broth you can always thin it out later. When it comes to blending less is more keep some texture for interest. And always keep the heat low when adding dairy it makes all the difference in achieving that perfect creamy result.

A creamy broccoli soup filled with pieces of broccoli and carrots in a white bowl, with a spoon resting on the rim, surrounded by fresh vegetables. Pin it
A creamy broccoli soup filled with pieces of broccoli and carrots in a white bowl, with a spoon resting on the rim, surrounded by fresh vegetables. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you prevent the soup from curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding milk and cheese, and stir constantly. Don't let the soup boil after adding dairy ingredients, as this can cause curdling.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

→ Why blend the cottage cheese?

Blending the cottage cheese creates a smooth, creamy texture while adding protein. This helps achieve the classic creamy soup texture without heavy cream.

→ How thick should the soup be?

Start with 3 cups of broth and adjust to your preferred thickness. You can always add more broth if you want a thinner consistency.

→ What's the best way to blend the soup?

You can either blend one cup in a regular blender (allowing steam to escape) or use an immersion blender for the whole pot. Blend just enough to create a creamy texture while leaving some chunks.

Conclusion

A nutritious and delicious soup that combines the classic flavors of broccoli and cheddar with a protein-packed twist using cottage cheese.

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A rich and creamy broccoli cheddar soup that's secretly healthy and protein-packed, made with cottage cheese for extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon butter.
02 1 large yellow onion, diced.
03 2 large carrots, peeled and diced.
04 1 stalk celery, diced.
05 2 cloves garlic, minced.
06 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
07 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
08 3 cups vegetable broth.
09 4 cups chopped broccoli.
10 2 cups 1% milk.
11 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded.
12 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended.
13 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Cook onion, carrot and celery for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

Step 02

Add paprika and flour, cook 1 minute while stirring until vegetables are coated.

Step 03

Add broth and broccoli, bring to simmer. Cook 8-9 minutes until broccoli softens.

Step 04

Add milk and cook on low until warm. Stir in blended cottage cheese and cheddar until melted, keeping heat low to prevent curdling.

Step 05

Blend 1 cup soup and return to pot, or use immersion blender. Season with salt to taste.

Notes

  1. Can be made gluten-free with GF flour.
  2. Start with less broth and add more if needed.
  3. Keep heat low when adding dairy to prevent curdling.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Blender or immersion blender.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 20 g