This copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup gets its creamy body from blended cottage cheese instead of heavy cream. It still has plenty of sharp cheddar, soft broccoli, and shredded carrots.
One bowl, about 1 1/2 cups, has about 24 g of protein and 316 calories.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Panera Bread. Panera Bread is a trademark of its owner. This is our own homemade version inspired by the original.
High-Protein Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli and carrot soup thickened with a light roux and blended cottage cheese, finished with sharp cheddar.
Serving: about 1 1/2 cups. Makes: about 6 cups (4 servings). Per serving: 316 calories, 23.6 g protein.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter (14 g)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (80 g)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (23 g)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (720 g)
- 1 cup 2% milk (244 g)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (110 g)
- 4 cups frozen chopped broccoli (about 360 g cooked)
- 1 1/2 cups low-fat (2%) cottage cheese (339 g), blended smooth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (113 g)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion 4 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the broth, then the milk. Add the carrots and broccoli.
- Simmer 15 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
- Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth. Turn the heat to low and stir it in.
- Add the cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until melted. Do not boil. Season and serve.
What drives the protein: cottage cheese and cheddar. One bowl has about 24 g of protein and 316 calories.
Nutrition Per Serving
| Recipe | Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli cheddar soup | about 1 1/2 cups | 316 | 23.6 g | 22.3 g | 15.6 g | 4.0 g | 942 mg |
Values are calculated from USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy) for the ingredients listed. Salt and spices are not included. Brands vary, so check your labels.
Tips
Smooth, not grainy
- Blend the cottage cheese before it goes in.
- Keep the heat low once the cheese is added.
Make ahead
Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently and stir often. Freezing can make the texture grainy.
For more cozy cottage cheese ideas, see our cottage cheese recipes. For more soups and stews you can reheat, try our high-protein lunches that reheat well.
FAQ
Can you taste the cottage cheese?
Not much. Blended smooth and mixed with cheddar, it tastes creamy and cheesy.
How much protein is in this soup?
About 24 g of protein and 316 calories per 1 1/2-cup bowl, calculated from USDA FoodData Central.
Is this Panera’s recipe?
No. It is our homemade version. We are not affiliated with Panera Bread.
