Lighter Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Lighter Broccoli Cheddar Soup - a healthier version of this popular creamy style soup, using milk instead of cream with delicious fresh broccoli, potato and cheddar.

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I think we can all say we love a creamy soup right? But sometimes it can feel hard to create your favourite creamy soup on the lighter side.

For me I have found a combination of semi skimmed milk, stock and cornstarch to thicken work perfectly, the milk gives that creamy taste and far less calories than cream too.

Can I use skimmed milk?

I prefer to use semi skimmed milk for that creamy taste to soups rather than skimmed. Skimmed tends to be a bit more watery.

However if skimmed is all you buy, then by all means use it, just be aware the the soup may not be quite the same.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

I used fresh broccoli is this recipe, as the overall taste of the soup is a lot more fresh. However if you have some frozen broccoli on hand that you would like to use in the soup, then it should be okay.

I do however recommend cooking for slightly less cooking time.

Blending Soup

You don't need a fancy expensive blender to blend this soup, I just use my hand stick blender which was super cheap when I bought it.

If I want a really smooth soup of course my Vitamix is the best, but for soups like this where I just need to roughly blend and keep some of the chunks of the veg, a stick blender is perfect.

Reduced Fat Cheddar

I only buy regular cheese, never been a huge fan of the reduced fat varieties. I find some either don't melt as well or don't have as good a taste.

However if you only buy reduced fat it should be okay, and if you want to use more to the same calories you can do that too.

I don't recommend using pre-grated cheddar though, as it doesn't melt as well due to the starch they add to stop it sticking together in the bag. For best results use a block of cheese that you grate yourself.

Spray Oil instead versus Butter

You will notice I use 1 tablespoon of butter to saute the veg, this adds flavour and depth to the soup, it's a small amount which is not a huge amount of calories when divided into four servings.

If you want to use a spray oil instead, then you can do that, just be aware that you may not get the same flavour.

Sides for Cheddar Broccoli Soup

I tend to enjoy just a bowl of this as it is, as its a really filling bowl of soup, but you could bulk it out with some protein like cooked chicken or even add in some cooked rice to make it more of a meal.

A serving of wholemeal bread or a wholemeal roll on the side is another great option.

More Soup Recipes

Looking for some other soup recipes? Check out these:

• Asparagus and Sweet Potato Soup
• Thai Red Vegetable Soup (Instant Pot or Stove Top)
• Creamy Vegetable Soup
• Butternut Squash Soup with Garlic Herb Croutons
• Creamy Vegan Vegetable Chowder
• Coconut Chicken Rice Soup
• Split Pea and Bacon Soup
• Hearty Vegetable Soup

or if you would like more recipe ideas - head on over to the FULL RECIPE INDEX where you will find over 900 delicious recipes and can search by ingredients, course, diet and more.

All with estimated calories, Slimming Eats and Weight Watchers Smart Points values.

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