High Protein Broccoli Cheddar

This creamy broccoli cheddar soup transforms a restaurant favorite into a protein-packed powerhouse that doesn't sacrifice flavor for nutrition. With a whopping 20 grams of protein per serving, this soup satisfies hunger while providing comfort in every spoonful.

I first created this recipe during a particularly cold winter when I craved something hearty but didn't want to abandon my nutrition goals. The secret protein boost from blended cottage cheese has fooled even the pickiest eaters in my family who now request it weekly.

Ingredients

• Butter: Creates the foundation for flavor without needing a large amount
• Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness when cooked slowly
• Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast
• Celery: Introduces subtle aromatic notes essential for depth
• Garlic cloves: Enhance savory notes, choose firm bulbs with no sprouting
• All-purpose flour: Thickens without making the soup gummy
• Smoked paprika: Brings unexpected warmth, look for vibrant red color for best flavor
• Vegetable broth: Forms the flavor base, not chicken style works best here
• Fresh broccoli: The star ingredient, choose bright green heads with tight florets
• Low-fat milk: Creates creaminess without excessive calories
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp varieties provide more flavor with less needed
• Blended cottage cheese: The secret protein powerhouse, undetectable in the final soup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté Base:

Melt butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it begins to foam but not brown. This creates the flavor foundation without burning.

Build Aromatics:

Add diced onion, carrot and celery to the melted butter, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for a full 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent browning. This extended cooking time allows natural sugars to develop, creating complex flavor.

Incorporate Garlic:

Add minced garlic to the softened vegetables and continue cooking for exactly one minute. This brief cooking releases aromatic compounds without allowing bitterness to develop through overcooking.

Create Roux:

Sprinkle smoked paprika and flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring constantly for one minute. The mixture will look pasty as the flour absorbs the butter, coating all vegetables. This step prevents flour lumps later.

Simmer Broccoli:

Pour in vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli, bringing to a gentle simmer. Allow broccoli to cook for 8-9 minutes until it pierces easily with a fork but retains a vibrant green color.

Add Dairy Base:

Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to incorporate. Warm the mixture gently, avoiding boiling which causes curdling. This patience ensures silky texture.

Incorporate Protein:

Add blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar, stirring continuously until completely melted and incorporated. Keep heat low to prevent separation of dairy proteins.

Blend For Texture:

Transfer just one cup of soup to a blender, securing lid with a towel to allow steam escape. Blend until smooth and return to pot, or use an immersion blender for partial blending. This creates textural contrast while maintaining recognizable vegetable pieces.

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The blended cottage cheese is my game-changing discovery for this recipe. I stumbled upon this technique when trying to boost protein content without changing the flavor profile. Now my kids have no idea they're eating something so nutritious when they think they're getting restaurant-style comfort food.

Freezing Instructions

This protein-packed soup freezes beautifully for up to three months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The texture may initially appear slightly grainy but will smooth out with gentle heating and stirring.

Smart Substitutions

This versatile recipe accommodates many dietary needs without compromising flavor. For dairy-free versions, substitute plant-based butter, unsweetened almond milk, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. The protein boost can come from silken tofu instead of cottage cheese. Gluten-free flour works perfectly in place of all-purpose flour with no adjustment to quantity needed. For lower carb versions, reduce carrots and replace half the broccoli with cauliflower while using almond flour as thickener.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this hearty soup into a complete meal by serving with homemade whole grain croutons tossed in olive oil and herbs before toasting. A simple side salad with acidic vinaigrette provides pleasant contrast to the creamy soup. For entertaining, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive presentation that eliminates the need for additional sides. This soup also pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for adult dinner parties.

The Nutrition Edge

This soup delivers exceptional nutritional value beyond just protein. The broccoli provides significant vitamin C, K and folate while fiber helps promote fullness. The combination of dairy proteins from milk, cottage cheese and cheddar provides complete amino acid profiles necessary for muscle maintenance and growth. By using lower fat dairy options, the recipe maintains rich flavor while reducing saturated fat compared to restaurant versions that often contain heavy cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk, cheddar cheese, and cottage cheese with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, vegan cheddar, and blended silken tofu for a creamy texture.

→ How can I thicken this soup further?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, use slightly less vegetable broth or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water for extra thickness.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Swap cheddar with other sharp cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.