If you are looking for a comforting, nutritious, and absolutely delicious soup, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a total game changer. Combining the vibrant freshness of broccoli with the sharp, melty goodness of cheddar cheese and a surprising protein boost from cottage cheese, this soup is ideal for warming up chilly days or whenever you need a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s creamy yet light, packed with flavor, and filled with wholesome ingredients you’ll feel great about eating every spoonful of.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are simple, approachable, and all play a crucial role in creating a soup that’s creamy, flavorful, and full-bodied. Each component enhances the texture, taste, or color, making your cooking experience both easy and rewarding.

Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the vegetables to soften and bring out their sweetness.
Yellow onion, diced: Provides a subtly sweet and aromatic base to build layers of flavor.
Carrots, peeled and diced: Brighten the soup with a touch of sweetness and vibrant orange color.
Celery, diced: Offers a mild bitterness and crunch to balance the creaminess.
Garlic, minced: Infuses a lovely depth and warmth with every bite.
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative): Essential for thickening the soup to that perfect creamy texture.
Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky flavor that elevates the overall dish.
Vegetable broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base, using a “not-chicken” style broth keeps it vegan-friendly while adding richness.
Chopped broccoli: The star vegetable, loaded with nutrients and texture.
1% milk: Keeps the soup smooth and creamy without being too heavy.
Cheddar cheese, shredded: Brings sharpness and melty goodness that blends irresistibly into the soup.
Low fat cottage cheese, blended: The secret protein powerhouse that adds thickness and nutrition without overwhelming the flavor.
Salt & pepper: Needed to season and bring out all the delicious elements in harmony.

How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook these veggies gently for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become tender and fragrant—the aroma at this stage builds the foundation for your soup, so take your time here!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute so it releases its flavor but doesn’t burn. Then sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour, stirring continuously. This coats the vegetables and will help thicken the soup later while lending a lovely, subtle warmth from the paprika.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Broccoli

Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and add the chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a simmer, giving the broccoli time to soften for about 8 to 9 minutes. This step allows the broccoli to turn tender but still keep a little bite, making the soup satisfyingly textural.

Step 4: Add Milk and Cheese

Reduce heat to low and stir in the milk carefully, warming the soup through without boiling to avoid curdling. Now, add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir gently until all cheeses melt and blend into the soup, transforming it into a creamy and protein-rich delight.

Step 5: Blend for Creaminess

Remove a cup of hot soup and blend until smooth, watching for steam escape to avoid pressure buildup. Then stir this blended portion back into the pot. Alternatively, an immersion blender saves time by evenly pureeing right inside the pot. This step gives the soup a velvety texture with a perfect balance of smooth and chunky.

Step 6: Season to Perfection

Taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Seasoning is key to highlight the deep flavors that developed throughout cooking. Now your vibrant, nourishing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is ready to be served!

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or a few fresh chives on top to give beautiful color and an extra burst of flavor. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream can also add a tangy creaminess that complements the soup wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This soup shines with crusty bread, garlic toast, or simple crackers on the side. Pairing it with a fresh green salad or a light sandwich makes a fantastic, balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in mini bread bowls to wow your guests or drizzle a touch of chili oil or pesto for a flavor twist. For parties, shot glasses filled with the soup make savory little appetizers that everyone will love tasting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it a brilliant option for quick, satisfying meals during a busy week.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, but keep in mind the cheese texture might slightly change. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. When thawed, give it a good stir to recombine before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent curdling. Stir often until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much. Your delicious High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup will taste just as comforting as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar offers a classic flavor, you can try gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well.

Is this soup suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, the recipe uses vegetable broth and contains no meat products, making it perfect for vegetarians. Just double-check your broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

How do I make this soup vegan?

To veganize, replace butter with olive oil, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, skip cheddar or replace it with vegan cheese, and substitute the cottage cheese with blended silken tofu or cashew cream.

Can I add protein powders or other protein sources?

The soup is already packed with protein thanks to cottage cheese, but you can add cooked chicken, turkey, or beans if you’d like extra protein. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

No worries! Use a regular blender to puree a portion of the soup in batches, then return it to the pot. It’s important to blend carefully to avoid hot splashes and burns.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup has quickly become one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes for its effortless preparation, comforting flavors, and hearty nutrition. It’s exactly the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day and satisfies your hunger while nourishing your body. I can’t wait for you to make it and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, broccoli-packed spoonful!

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl packed with nutrition. Combining fresh vegetables, flavorful cheddar, and protein-rich cottage cheese, it delivers a satisfying and hearty meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Easy to prepare and with a velvety texture, this soup offers a healthy twist on a classic favorite.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering, Sautéing, Blending
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 large yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
1 stalk celery, diced
4 cups chopped broccoli
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style)
2 cups 1% milk
1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)

Pantry

1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional one minute to release its aroma without browning.
Add Spices and Flour: Sprinkle the smoked paprika and flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir well and cook for one minute, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated with the flour to help thicken the soup later.
Pour in Broth and Broccoli: Gradually add the vegetable broth followed by the chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Simmer until Broccoli Softens: Let the soup simmer gently for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and cooked through.
Add Milk and Warm: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the 1% milk. Warm the soup gently without boiling, to prevent curdling.
Incorporate Cheeses: Add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses have fully melted into the soup, maintaining low heat to avoid curdling.
Blend the Soup: Carefully transfer one cup of the hot soup to a blender, allowing steam to escape through the lid vent. Blend until smooth, then return the blended portion to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to blend the soup partially for a creamier texture with some chunks.
Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference. Stir well and heat gently for another minute if needed, then serve warm.

Notes

Using blended cottage cheese boosts the protein content while keeping the soup creamy and smooth.
To keep it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour alternative.
Be cautious with the heat when adding milk and cheese to prevent curdling—low heat is key.
This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Optional: Garnish with extra shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added flavor.