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Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy Recipe

Cheddar Soup: Creamy & Healthy Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 16 reviews

A creamy and healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup that packs a nutritious punch with fresh vegetables, a blend of cheddar and low-fat cottage cheese, and a flavorful broth. This comforting soup is perfect for a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and light.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chopped broccoli

Liquids & Dairy

  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups 1% milk
  • 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep vegetables: Cut broccoli into small florets. Dice onion, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic.
  2. Sauté base vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 8-10 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
  4. Make roux: Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika over the vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
  5. Add liquids: Gradually whisk in 3 cups vegetable broth and then 2 cups 1% milk. Increase heat slightly to bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle bubble.
  6. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Cook broccoli: Add chopped broccoli to the pot. Simmer on medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green. Stir occasionally.
  8. Melt cheddar cheese: Remove from heat. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt fully for a creamy texture.
  9. Add cottage cheese: Blend low-fat cottage cheese until smooth. Stir it into the soup until fully incorporated and warmed.
  10. Final seasoning: Taste soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  11. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar, fresh parsley, or croutons if desired.

Notes

  • Blending the cottage cheese adds creaminess while keeping the soup lighter than using heavy cream.
  • Use low-fat dairy options to maintain a healthy profile without sacrificing flavor.
  • Adjust thickness by controlling the amount of flour and liquid. For thicker soup, use less broth; for thinner, add more broth or milk.
  • For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with smoked paprika.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stove to avoid curdling the cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, healthy cheddar soup, creamy broccoli soup, low fat soup, high protein soup, comforting soup recipe

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/cheddar-soup-creamy-and-healthy-recipe/