If there’s one cozy comfort food that tastes decadent but feels just right for your body, it’s this Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. Imagine a warm bowl brimming with velvety smoothness, bright green broccoli bites, and just the right amount of sharp cheddar to make every spoonful a hug in a bowl. What makes this soup truly special is how it blends wholesome ingredients like low-fat cottage cheese and crisp vegetables, delivering all the rich flavor without weighing you down. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for when you want both health and heartiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully and are all easy to find, each bringing its own touch to the soup’s flavor, texture, and color. With nothing complicated in sight, you’ll appreciate how simple staples can create such a nourishing and delicious dish.
- Butter: Adds a lovely richness as the base for sautéing your veggies, enhancing flavor without overpowering.
- Yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth once softened just right.
- Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange hue that livens up the soup.
- Celery: Adds a gentle crunch and aromatic freshness to round out the vegetable mix.
- Garlic: Infuses a savory punch with every smell and taste.
- All-purpose flour: Works as a thickening agent, creating that perfect velvety consistency without heaviness.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a hint of smoky warmth, elevating the soup’s flavor profile.
- Vegetable broth: Serves as the flavorful liquid foundation, whether you want it vegetarian or not.
- Broccoli: The star vegetable offering freshness, color, and plenty of nutrients.
- 1% milk: Keeps the soup creamy while keeping it light on calories.
- Cheddar cheese: Provides the classic, tangy cheesiness that makes this soup crave-worthy.
- Low-fat cottage cheese: Blended into creaminess, it boosts protein and adds a smooth texture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the layers of flavor.
How to Make Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat—it’s the flavorful base that softens and sweetens your veggies perfectly. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook them gently for around 5 to 7 minutes until they’re tender and inviting. Adding the minced garlic last ensures it releases its gorgeous aroma without burning, usually about one minute is just right.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the softened vegetables and stir briskly to coat everything well. Cooking the mixture for about 2 minutes lets the flour lose any raw taste and starts thickening the soup’s base. This little step is magic—creating that luscious texture we all crave in a great broccoli cheddar soup.
Step 3: Add Spices and Broth
Now stir in the smoked paprika, which adds a subtle smoky note that makes this soup stand out. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bringing it to a gentle simmer gives the mixture time to thicken slightly, developing flavors as it cooks for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Broccoli and Milk
Time to add the chopped broccoli! Let it cook in the simmering broth for 5 to 7 minutes until tender but still bright green—this keeps the soup looking fresh and vibrant. Pour in the 1% milk and simmer a bit longer, about 3 to 5 minutes, to let everything meld together into creamy perfection.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and silky. If you prefer a little texture here and there — leaving some broccoli chunks — just blend lightly. No immersion blender? No problem! Carefully blend the soup in batches using a regular blender for the same dreamy effect.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Cottage Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar and the blended low-fat cottage cheese. The cheddar melts in, lending that iconic sharp flavor, while cottage cheese adds extra creaminess and protein, without all the fat. Let the cheese blend with the warm soup for a few minutes until everything is wonderfully smooth and luscious.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve the soup piping hot, ready to warm your soul and delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make a big difference. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for cheesy appeal, or add crunchy croutons for texture contrast. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley brighten the flavor and add color, making every bowl look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with simple sides like crusty whole-grain bread, a fresh green salad, or even a light sandwich. The goal is to complement the soup without overpowering its delicate balance of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the soup in individual mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun twist. Drizzle a little extra cheese sauce or a swirl of yogurt on top to add elegance and an extra layer of taste complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Flavors often deepen after resting overnight, so leftovers might even taste better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that dairy-based soups sometimes change texture slightly upon thawing. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or overheating. Adding a splash of milk or broth can freshen up the texture if it feels too thick after chilling or freezing.
FAQs
Can I make this Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for olive oil, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and find a dairy-free cheddar-style cheese. While the texture might be a bit different, the soup will still be delicious and comforting.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this soup is completely vegetarian-friendly and still packed with flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Cauliflower, zucchini, or even spinach can be great additions. Just add them along with or after the broccoli, depending on cooking times, to keep the texture pleasing.
What’s the best way to blend the soup if I don’t have an immersion blender?
You can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender. Just be sure not to fill it too full and blend in small amounts to avoid hot splashes.
How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?
For a thicker version, add a bit more flour or reduce the broth slightly. To thin it out, simply stir in extra broth or milk during the simmering or reheating process.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a soup that feels indulgent but is actually good for you, and this Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe checks that box perfectly. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy enough to whip up any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how comforting healthy eating can be with a little cheesy flair. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Print
Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free,Vegetarian
Description
This Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting dish made with fresh vegetables, low-fat dairy, and gluten-free options. It’s a perfect balance of rich cheddar cheese and nutritious broccoli, blended into a smooth, satisfying soup. Ideal for a wholesome lunch or dinner, this recipe caters to vegetarian and gluten-free diets with optional ingredient swaps.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended for a creamy texture
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 3 cups vegetable broth (not chicken style for a vegetarian version)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring continuously to combine. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the soup.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the smoked paprika to infuse the soup with a subtle smoky flavor.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Broccoli and Milk: Add the chopped broccoli and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender. Pour in the 1% milk and continue to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. For a chunkier texture, blend partially or leave some broccoli pieces intact. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until desired consistency is reached.
- Add Cheese and Cottage Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and blended cottage cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts fully into the soup, creating a creamy, rich texture.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheddar cheese, croutons, or fresh herbs like parsley if preferred.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian/vegan-friendly (ensure vegan cheese if strictly vegan).
- Immersion blender is recommended for ease; alternatively, use a countertop blender in batches.
- Adjust cheese quantity according to taste or dietary needs.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
