There’s just something supremely comforting about a bowl of Creamy Broccoli & Cheddar Soup, especially when you know you’re getting a secret protein boost from cottage cheese. This Delicious Recipe is rich, velvety, and lighter on the cream than classic versions, yet each spoonful is brimming with savory cheddar, sweet vegetables, and tender broccoli. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive starter for guests, this comforting creation delivers both flavor and nourishment without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ready to whip up this Delicious Recipe? The ingredient list may look simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating that familiar, comforting taste and dreamy texture—while making this version a little lighter and more nutritious. Let’s walk through the lineup:

Butter: The key to a beautifully rich base and gently sautéed veggies; feel free to use olive oil if you prefer!
Yellow onion: Adds sweet, mellow depth to the soup and delivers irresistible aroma as it cooks.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness adds color plus a subtle layer of flavor that balances the sharp cheese.
Celery: For a fresh, savory backbone that elevates every bite of the Delicious Recipe.
Garlic: Aromatic and punchy, it brings the whole pot to life with that classic soup warmth.
All-purpose or gluten-free flour: Essential for thickening—use your favorite depending on your dietary preference.
Smoked paprika: A touch of smoky complexity that sets this soup apart from basic versions.
Vegetable broth: Infuses the soup with deep, savory notes, setting the stage for your veggies to shine.
Chopped broccoli: The star ingredient—don’t hesitate to use frozen florets in a pinch!
1% milk: Brings creaminess without weighing things down; whole milk works too if desired.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into luscious ribbons and gives that classic soup taste we all love.
Blended cottage cheese: For lightness, extra protein, and a beautifully creamy texture you’ll adore.
Salt & pepper: Taste and adjust at the end; they brighten all the flavors in your Delicious Recipe.

How to Make Cozy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with a Protein Twist

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and let them cook down together for about ten minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions turn soft and golden and everything smells sweet and savory—building the perfect foundation for your Delicious Recipe.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Paprika, and Flour

Once those vegetables are soft and fragrant, stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika. Give it a minute to release its scent, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir constantly for another minute. This step helps the flour cook out its raw taste and ensures your soup thickens properly, yielding that velvety finish.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Broccoli

Gradually add the vegetable broth, stirring well so everything stays smooth. Then scoop in your chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 8–9 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrantly green. If you’re using frozen broccoli, add an extra minute or two.

Step 4: Add Milk and Warm Gently

Reduce your heat to low and pour in the milk. Let it warm through gently—you don’t want it to boil, just get cozy enough for what comes next. This helps integrate all the flavors and gets your soup ready for its final, creamy transformation.

Step 5: Stir in Cheddar and Cottage Cheese

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and blended cottage cheese, stirring slowly until everything melds into a silky, creamy soup. The cottage cheese is the secret here: it melts into the background, giving you extra protein and creaminess with less fat than cream. You’ll love what it does for your Delicious Recipe.

Step 6: Blend a Portion & Finish

For a texture that’s both hearty and smooth, ladle about one cup of soup into a blender, blend until silky, then stir it back into the pot. Season generously with salt and pepper, taste, and adjust until perfectly savory. Serve hot—and maybe sneak a taste before anyone else catches you!

How to Serve Cozy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with a Protein Twist

Garnishes

Amp up your soup’s beauty and flavor with a handful of tasty toppings! A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a big grind of black pepper, or even a few crisp roasted broccoli florets turns your Delicious Recipe into a feast for both the eyes and palate. Torn herbs like chives or parsley add fresh color and a lovely aroma, especially if you’re serving for company.

Side Dishes

A chunky slice of toasted sourdough or a warm, pillowy roll makes the ideal companion to a bowl of this cozy soup. For a lighter meal, pair it with a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, or offer roasted potatoes on the side for extra comfort. However you serve it, this Delicious Recipe plays nicely with almost any side.

Creative Ways to Present

Embrace a bit of restaurant flair by serving your soup in small bread bowls, or pour it into petite mugs at a party for a cute, portable appetizer. Drizzle with a swirl of Greek yogurt or top with crunchy croutons for extra texture. Let your imagination run wild—this Delicious Recipe shines in every setting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover soup can be cooled fully, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors typically deepen as they sit, so don’t be surprised if your Delicious Recipe tastes even better the next day! Just stir well before reheating.

Freezing

This soup is surprisingly freezer-friendly, thanks to the blended cottage cheese. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating for best texture—so you’ve always got Delicious Recipe ready when a craving strikes.

Reheating

Warm your leftover soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to keep it creamy. If it’s too thick, splash in a little extra milk or broth. For single portions, microwaving works fine—just reheat in short bursts, stirring between each, until everything is heated through and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this Delicious Recipe. You might need to add an extra minute or so to the simmering step, but otherwise, the results are just as vibrant and tasty.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is already vegetarian if you use vegetable broth and vegetarian cheese. For a vegan twist, try swapping the cheddar for your favorite vegan cheese and use a plant-based cottage cheese and milk. The soup will still be creamy, hearty, and just as satisfying.

How do I make the soup even smoother?

If you love a super-silky texture, blend more (or even all) of the soup until velvety. You can use an immersion blender right in the pot or work in batches with a regular blender—just remember to blend hot liquids with caution.

What’s the best way to blend cottage cheese for this recipe?

Simply add your cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. This helps it melt seamlessly into the soup, giving your Delicious Recipe that classic creamy texture without lumps.

Can I make this soup gluten free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free variety (such as a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend) and you’re all set. Every other ingredient in this Delicious Recipe is naturally gluten free.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a warm, homemade bowl of broccoli cheddar soup—especially when it’s amped up with extra protein, silkiness, and flavor. Whether you’re making a batch for yourself or to share with loved ones, this Delicious Recipe is sure to become a rainy day favorite in your kitchen. Treat yourself soon, and prepare for lots of “second bowl” requests!