If you’re a fan of comforting soups food but want to enjoy them without any guilt, my Healthy High-Protein Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is going to be one of your new favorites! This soup is loaded with rich, savory flavor and packed with nutritious, wholesome ingredients. My version of broccoli cheddar soup swaps out the usual heavy cream for blended cottage cheese, cutting the fat and calories significantly, while boosting the protein content. The result? A super creamy, velvety soup that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is gluten, soy, and nut free.
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Why This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is Different
Traditional broccoli cheddar soups often rely on heavy cream or milk to get that rich, creamy texture. While those ingredients certainly make the soup indulgent, they can also pack in a lot of extra calories and fat. To make a healthier version without sacrificing flavor, I’ve replaced heavy cream with blended cottage cheese.
The magic of cottage cheese lies in its high protein content. By blending it into a smooth consistency, it seamlessly integrates into the soup, creating a creamy base without the added calories of heavy cream. Plus, cottage cheese is lower in fat and rich in casein protein, which makes this soup an excellent choice for those looking to increase their protein intake while still enjoying a comforting bowl of soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- High-Protein: Thanks to the blended cottage cheese and the cheddar cheese, this soup is packed with protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
- Creamy Without the Cream: Blending cottage cheese creates a silky-smooth texture that rivals heavy cream, but with much less fat and calories.
- Made in the Crock Pot: This soup is easy to make and requires minimal effort. Simply dump the ingredients into the crock pot and let it do the work!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors by adding different herbs or spices, or even swapping out the cheddar for a different cheese, like Monterey Jack or Gruyere, depending on your taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy flavor and creamy texture make this a hit with kids and adults alike, while the addition of healthy veggies like broccoli and carrots ensures it’s nutritious too.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup celery (chopped; about 2 large sticks)
- 1/2 yellow onion (diced, a medium sized onion)
- 4 cups broccoli (fresh, chopped finely, about 1 1/2 heads broccoli)
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1/4 tsp dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 4 cups chicken bone broth (organic – Use the code COOKINGKATIELADY for 20% off at Kettle & Fire! The best broth ever for real.)
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 4 cups cheddar cheese (freshly grated, not pre grated; Pre-shredded cheese had something called cellulose in it, and it will not melt properly & be starchy. I highly recommend using sharp cheddar for a more pronounced taste.)
- 1 1/4 cup cottage cheese (1%, small curd, blended smooth)
How To Make It
- In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together the corn starch & chicken broth until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large crock pot, add the celery, onion, broccoli, garlic, seasonings, and broth mixture. Mix well. Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Once the time is almost up, freshly grate your cheddar cheese and blend your cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
- After the cooking time, stir in the blended cottage cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover, and cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes. Immediately dig in and enjoy!
A Perfect Soup for Any Season
Whether you’re making this healthy high-protein broccoli cheddar soup for a cozy winter dinner, a light summer lunch, or to meal prep for the week, it’s always a great choice. The best part is, you can feel good about enjoying a big bowl, knowing it’s packed with protein and lower in fat compared to traditional recipes.
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Description
If you're a fan of comforting soups food but want to enjoy them without any guilt, my Healthy High-Protein Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is going to be one of your new favorites! This soup is loaded with rich, savory flavor and packed with nutritious, wholesome ingredients. My version of broccoli cheddar soup swaps out the usual heavy cream for blended cottage cheese, cutting the fat and calories significantly, while boosting the protein content. The result? A super creamy, velvety soup that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together the corn starch & chicken broth until smooth. Set aside.
-
In a large crock pot, add the celery, onion, broccoli, garlic, seasonings, and broth mixture. Mix well. Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
-
Once the time is almost up, freshly grate your cheddar cheese and blend your cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
-
After the cooking time, stir in the blended cottage cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover, and cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes. Immediately dig in and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 347kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 19.7g31%
- Saturated Fat 12.1g61%
- Cholesterol 67.4mg23%
- Sodium 921.5mg39%
- Total Carbohydrate 16.8g6%
- Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
- Sugars 2.4g
- Protein 24.6g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Did you make this recipe?
The next time you make it, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!:)
Please note that my nutrition label is approximate and can have slight rounding.
User Reviews
Easy to make and delicious!
Hi Mary! So glad you enjoyed this:)
Hey Paige! So glad you enjoyed! I would say that it could stay good in the fridge for 4 days or so! You could freeze it as well.
I was wondering how long it lasts in the fridge? It was very delightful! Almost tasted normal, but much better for you, thanks Katie!