If you love broccoli cheddar soup but want a healthier option, this high protein broccoli cheddar soup is the perfect solution. It delivers all the creamy, cheesy flavor you expect without heavy cream thanks to blended cottage cheese and low-fat milk. With plenty of vegetables and protein in every serving, it’s ideal for anyone looking for low carb high protein soup recipes that still feel cozy and satisfying.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 large |
| Carrots, peeled and diced | 2 large |
| Celery stalk, diced | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| All-purpose flour (or gluten-free) | ¼ cup |
| Smoked paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Vegetable broth | 3 cups |
| Broccoli florets, chopped | 4 cups |
| 1% milk | 2 cups |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 4 oz (about 1 cup) |
| Low-fat cottage cheese, blended | 1 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Healthy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Low Carb & Creamy)
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Healthy broccoli cheddar soup made high-protein with blended cottage cheese and milk. Creamy, comforting, and lighter than classic versions.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose or gluten-free flour
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 cups vegetable broth
4 cups chopped broccoli
2 cups 1% milk
4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup blended low-fat cottage cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in butter.
2. Add garlic and cook briefly.
3. Stir in flour and paprika.
4. Add broth and broccoli; simmer until tender.
5. Stir in milk over low heat.
6. Add cottage cheese and cheddar.
7. Blend part of soup for creaminess.
8. Season and serve.
Notes
Keep heat low after adding milk.
Blend cottage cheese until smooth.
Reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step 1: Sauté the vegetables
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
Helpful tip: Slow sautéing builds sweetness and depth of flavor.
Step 2: Add garlic
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Helpful tip: Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 3: Add flour and seasoning
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour. Stir well and cook for 1 minute, coating the vegetables evenly.
Helpful tip: This step helps thicken the soup without heavy cream.
Step 4: Add broth and broccoli
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the broccoli. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8–9 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
Step 5: Warm the milk
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk. Heat gently until warmed through.
Helpful tip: Do not boil once milk is added.
Step 6: Add protein and cheese
Stir in the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar. Mix until fully melted and smooth.
Helpful tip: Keep heat low to prevent curdling.
Step 7: Blend for creaminess
Transfer 1 cup of soup to a blender and blend until smooth, venting steam. Return to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.
Helpful tip: Blending just part of the soup keeps texture while adding creaminess.
Step 8: Season and serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Conclusion
This healthy broccoli cheddar soup proves that comfort food can still be nutritious. With high protein, lower carbs, and a creamy texture without heavy cream, it’s a soup you can enjoy any night of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much protein is in this soup?
Each serving contains about 20 grams of protein, thanks to cottage cheese and cheddar.
Is this soup low carb?
Yes, it’s lower in carbs than traditional broccoli cheese soup.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
Does this soup reheat well?
Yes, reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling.