Lightened Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Lightened Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This broccoli cheddar soup is lighter than the traditional version but still rich in flavor. With bone broth, cottage cheese, and fresh veggies, it’s a healthier take on a classic favorite without sacrificing taste. It's also gluten-free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup celery, diced

• 1/2 white onion, diced

• 1 medium potato, diced

• 4 cups bone broth

• Salt, to taste

• Pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp oregano

• 2 heads broccoli, chopped

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 1/4 cup half and half

• 4 oz freshly shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup Parmesan-Mozzarella blend (sub for any Italian cheese blend)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

   • Add diced celery, onion, and potato. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

2. Add Bone Broth and Seasonings:

   • Pour in the bone broth and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano. Stir well.

   • Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are fully tender.

3. Blend the Soup:

   • Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender.) Once smooth, return to the pot if needed.

4. Add Broccoli and Carrots:

   • Stir in the chopped broccoli and shredded carrots. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

5. Stir in the Dairy:

   • Lower the heat and fold in the cottage cheese, half and half, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan-Mozzarella blend. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Consider serving with bread like sourdough (or see focaccia recipe below)

   
   

4 Tips for a Healthier Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Blended Potato for Thickening: Use blended potato instead of cream or flour to naturally thicken the soup. Also allows the soup to be gluten-free!

2. Cottage Cheese: Allows you to add less cream- cutting fat and calories. Also adds protein and creaminess.

3. Bone Broth Over Stock: Provides extra nutrients like collagen and protein, with fewer calories and sodium.

4. Extra Veggies: Boosts fiber, vitamins, and minerals for a more nutritious, filling soup.

   
   
   
   

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~250–300 kcal

• Protein: ~15–18 g

• Fat: ~12–15 g

• Carbs: ~25–30 g

• Fiber: ~5–6 g

  
  

  *These estimates can vary based on specific ingredient brands and exact portion sizes.

Bonus Recipe: Single Serving Focaccia

This easy and quick single-serving focaccia is a great side. Made in ramekins with simple ingredients like activated yeast, flour, honey, olive oil, and seasonings.

BEFORE: Single Serve Focaccia Dough

AFTER: Single Serve Focaccia Bread

Ingredients:

• 1/4 tsp activated yeast

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp honey

• 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp dried rosemary (or your favorite herbs)

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)

• Warm water (about 1/4 cup)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

   • In a small bowl, combine activated yeast with warm water and honey. Stir and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy.

2. Mix the Dough:

   • In a small ramekin (about 4-5 inches in diameter), combine flour, salt, rosemary, and garlic powder (if using). Add the activated yeast mixture and 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.

3. Knead and Let Rise:

   • Knead the dough in the ramekin for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth. Cover the ramekin with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour (or until it has doubled in size).

4. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to gently dimple the surface of the dough, pressing down evenly to create those signature focaccia pockets. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top your seasonings and coarse sea salt on top.

   • Bake for 20 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Single Serve Foccacia Estimated Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: ~250–300 kcal

• Protein: ~5–6 g

• Fat: ~10–12 g

• Carbs: ~35–40 g

• Fiber: ~1–2 g