If you’re craving something cozy, nourishing, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It takes that classic comforting soup everyone loves and gives it a fresh twist by using simple, wholesome ingredients that create a smooth, creamy texture without feeling heavy. Perfect for a chilly day or whenever you need a hearty, veggie-packed meal that warms you from the inside out, this soup balances cheesy indulgence and wholesome goodness in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe lies in its approachable ingredients. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s building that lovely base of flavor, adding vibrant color, or enriching the soup’s creamy texture while keeping it light and healthy.
- Butter: Just a tablespoon to gently sauté the veggies and add a subtle richness.
- Yellow onion: Diced to bring natural sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Carrots: Peeled and diced, they add color, sweetness, and texture.
- Celery: Provides a mild, vegetal crunch to enhance overall flavor complexity.
- Garlic: Minced for that punch of savory aroma that lifts every bite.
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative): This helps thicken the soup into a luscious, velvety consistency.
- Smoked paprika: A pinch adds subtle warmth and smoky notes without overpowering.
- Vegetable broth: The liquid base, perfect for a vegetarian version while adding savory depth.
- Broccoli: The star of the show, chopped fresh and bursting with vibrant green color and nutrients.
- 1% milk: A lighter dairy choice that keeps the creaminess without the heaviness.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded to melt perfectly into the soup, delivering that classic tangy, cheesy taste.
- Low-fat cottage cheese: Blended smooth, it enriches the texture without extra fat.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every flavor.
How to Make Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Then toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking everything for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness. This foundational step builds a flavorful base that makes this soup sing.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Make the Roux
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Next, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to create a roux, which will thicken the soup. Let it cook for approximately 2 minutes, then mix in the smoked paprika for a gentle smoky hint.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for around 5 minutes. This gives the roux a chance to thicken nicely, building that cozy soup consistency you want.
Step 4: Cook Broccoli and Add Milk
Next up, add the chopped broccoli to the pot and continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. Pour in the 1% milk, stirring to combine, and let it simmer a few more minutes. This blend keeps the soup creamy while maintaining the broccoli’s fresh flavor.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy—though feel free to leave a bit of broccoli texture if that’s how you like it. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. This step creates that velvety finish that feels indulgent yet healthy.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Season
Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the blended low-fat cottage cheese, allowing them to melt fully into the soup. This is where the magic happens: a cheesy, creamy boost without the heaviness of traditional cream. Season with salt and pepper to your liking and give it a final stir.
How to Serve Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your serving by topping the soup with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese for that melty, irresistible look. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and brightness. Crunchy croutons or a drizzle of olive oil can add delightful textures.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad or crusty whole-grain bread. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a protein-packed quinoa salad. These sides complement the soup’s creamy texture and keep your meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls to amp up the cozy factor and keep your guests delighted. You can also layer it in clear mugs with garnishes visible on top, making it perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners. Making individual portions baked with a bit of extra cheese and breadcrumbs adds an irresistible golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the flavors and creaminess.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Leave a little headroom as the soup will expand when frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
For reheating, warm the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or broth while reheating helps revive its creamy texture. Avoid boiling to stop the cheese from separating or curdling.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this soup?
Absolutely! While cheddar provides that classic flavor, you can mix in Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a bit of Parmesan for a unique twist. Just be sure to choose cheeses that melt well to maintain the creaminess.
Is this Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it’s completely vegetarian as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This makes it a fantastic meat-free meal packed with veggies and protein from the cottage cheese.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
If you want to go dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and select a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind the texture may differ slightly but the flavors will still shine.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and smooth but not too thick. If it feels too thick after blending, simply stir in a little more broth or milk to reach your preferred consistency.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, start by sautéing the vegetables and making the roux on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the broccoli, milk, and broth, and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese at the end to ensure it melts properly without curdling.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy comfort food while keeping things light and nutritious. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress family and friends. Once you make it, this velvety, cheesy, veggie-packed soup will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try and savor every warm, delicious spoonful!
Print
Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting dish made with fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese, and a blend of low-fat milk and cottage cheese for a nutritious twist. Ideal for a cozy lunch or dinner, this soup is packed with flavor while keeping calories and fat content in check.
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
For the Roux and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 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 and Dairy
- 3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style for a vegetarian version)
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended for a creamy texture
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.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring to combine, and cook for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the smoked paprika to infuse a smoky depth of flavor.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring continuously 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. Then pour in the 1% milk and continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. For some texture, leave a few broccoli chunks. If you do not have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add Cheese and Cottage Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and blended cottage cheese. Allow the cheese to melt fully into the soup, stirring occasionally until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra shredded cheddar cheese, croutons, or fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour to make this soup suitable for gluten-free diets.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the vegetable broth is not chicken-based.
- Blending cottage cheese adds creaminess without excessive fat.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or milk if needed.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
