Overview:
This Broccoli Cheese Soup is a hearty, healthy version of the classic comfort food, made lighter with fat-free ingredients and a rich, cheesy flavor. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and with only 2 SmartPoints per cup, you can enjoy a filling bowl without feeling guilty!

Ingredients (Makes 4 servings):

  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fat-free chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
  • 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese (or 1 cup for fewer points)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or use cooking spray for fewer points)
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the soup)
  • 1/4 tsp ground mustard (optional, for flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:
    Heat the olive oil (or spray with cooking spray) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Make the Soup Base:
    Add the flour to the pot and stir constantly for 1 minute to make a roux (this will help thicken the soup). Slowly pour in the broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the milk, ground mustard (if using), and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
  3. Cook the Broccoli:
    Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
  4. Blend the Soup (Optional):
    If you like a creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, leaving some chunks of broccoli for texture. If you prefer a smooth soup, you can blend the entire soup. Alternatively, you can transfer half the soup to a blender, blend, and return it to the pot.
  5. Add the Cheese:
    Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve:
    Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot! This soup is great on its own or with a side of whole-wheat bread or crackers.

Nutrition (per serving – 1 cup):

  • Calories: 140 kcal
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600-700mg (depending on broth used)

Weight Watchers SmartPoints:

  • Freestyle SmartPoints: 2 points per cup!

Tips:

  • Reduce Points Further: You can reduce the amount of cheese for even fewer points, or use a lighter cheese like reduced-fat mozzarella for a lower-fat version.
  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in some carrots, cauliflower, or spinach for more veggies and extra nutrition!
  • Use Cauliflower: For a lower-carb option, replace half the broccoli with cauliflower florets to reduce the carbs and keep the flavor similar.