Amazing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Hey there! Jordan Bell here, coming to you from beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. If you’ve stumbled upon my Easy Detox Recipes blog, you probably know I’m all about making Southern comfort food clean and delicious. After losing 80 pounds myself, I learned that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health, especially when it comes to those dishes that just hug your soul. That’s exactly what this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is all about – taking a classic favorite and making it work for *you*.

Why This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Is Your New Favorite Comfort Food

You know those days when you just need something warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying? That’s where this soup shines! It’s the ultimate comfort food, but with a fantastic twist. We’ve packed it full of goodness so it’s not just delicious, it’s seriously protein-packed. That means it’ll keep you full and happy for hours, unlike those lighter soups that leave you wanting more. And let’s talk about the cheese – oh, the cheese! It’s a wonderfully cheesy soup that hits all the right notes without being heavy or over the top. It proves that you can have that decadent, feel-good meal while still fueling your body right. It’s become my absolute go-to when I need a healthy hug in a bowl!

Ingredients for Your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing soup. Grab your apron and let’s go:

• 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, if you need it!)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 cups 1% milk
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth
• Salt & pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

So, why these specific ingredients? That blended low-fat cottage cheese is my secret weapon for making this soup super creamy and giving it a massive protein boost without adding heavy cream. It just melts right in! If you’re going for a truly gluten-free meal, make sure to use a good gluten-free flour blend. As for the cheese, sharp cheddar gives it a great kick, but feel free to mix in some Monterey Jack or even a bit of Gruyere for a different flavor profile. You can also swap the 1% milk for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk if you prefer, though it might change the creaminess just a smidge. The key is keeping that protein power!

Crafting Your Delicious High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Okay, let’s get this amazing soup simmering! It’s simpler than you think, and the results are totally worth it. First things first, grab your favorite big pot or Dutch oven and melt that tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Let them get happy in the pot for about 10 minutes, giving them a good stir now and then until they’re nice and soft. This is where all those yummy flavors start to build!

Next up, add your minced garlic and cook for just about a minute more until you can smell its wonderful aroma – don’t let it burn! Now, sprinkle in that smoked paprika and your flour (regular or gluten-free, remember!). Stir it all around for about a minute. This little step helps thicken up our soup later, giving it that lovely, luxurious texture.

Time for the broth and the star of the show, the broccoli! Pour in your vegetable broth and add all that beautiful chopped broccoli. Bring it all up to a gentle simmer, then let it bubble away for about 8 to 9 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender, but not mushy – tender-crisp is the goal here.

Once the broccoli is just right, turn the heat down to low and stir in your milk. Let it warm through, but don’t let it boil. Now for the magic! Add in that blended low-fat cottage cheese and all that shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until everything is melted and beautifully incorporated. This is where it gets wonderfully creamy and cheesy! Just be careful not to overheat it at this stage, or the cheese might get a little… unhappy. We want smooth and creamy, not oily!

For that super smooth, restaurant-quality texture, we’re going to blend a portion of the soup. Carefully scoop out about a cup of the soup and pop it into your blender. Make sure to vent the lid to let steam escape – hot soup can be tricky! Blend until it’s smooth, then pour it back into the pot. If you have an immersion blender, even better! Just stick it right in the pot and blend until you reach your desired creaminess. Finally, give it a taste and add salt and pepper until it’s just perfect for you.

Tips for the Perfect High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Achieving that perfect bowl of creamy soup is all about a few little tricks. The biggest one? Don’t let the soup boil after you add the milk and cheese – a gentle simmer on low heat is all you need to melt everything together beautifully and avoid any curdling. When you’re cooking the veggies, make sure they’re tender but still have a slight bite; overcooked broccoli can make the soup a bit… well, mushy. And for that ultimate cheesy soup experience, use a good quality sharp cheddar; it really makes a difference in flavor. Taste and season at the end – a little salt and pepper can totally transform the soup!

Frequently Asked Questions About High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Got questions about this amazing soup? I’ve got answers! Many of you ask if you can make this protein-packed soup dairy-free. While it’s tricky with the cheese, you could try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and a dairy-free milk alternative. Just know it won’t be quite the same! If you like things a little spicier, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce along with the smoked paprika. It gives it a nice little kick!

Can you freeze this soup? Yes, you absolutely can! Just make sure to let it cool completely before popping it into a freezer-safe container. It holds up really well, making it perfect for meal prep. Speaking of meal prep, this soup is fantastic for that. Make a big batch on Sunday and have healthy, delicious lunches ready to go all week. And for those watching their carbs or needing a gluten-free option, remember to use gluten-free flour – it works like a charm!

Storing and Reheating Your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Leftovers are the best, right? Here’s how to keep this delicious soup tasting great:

Storage Method	Reheating Instructions
Airtight container in the refrigerator	Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in intervals until heated through.
Freezer-safe container in the freezer	Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as above.

Nutritional Snapshot of High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Here’s a little peek at what makes this soup so good for you. It’s a seriously satisfying bowl that packs a punch!

Nutrition Item	Amount per Serving
Serving Size	1.5 cups
Calories	250
Protein	18g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	500mg

Share Your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Creation

Now it’s your turn! I’d absolutely love to hear what you think of this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Did you try it? Did you add any fun twists? Please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Your feedback helps me keep making these clean comfort food recipes even better! You can also find more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration on Pinterest or follow my journey on Medium.

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