If you’re craving a comforting bowl of goodness that also packs a serious nutritional punch, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with vibrant broccoli, it’s elevated by the addition of cottage cheese and a perfect balance of spices, making it both hearty and healthy. Whether you want a cozy lunch or a satisfying dinner, this soup delivers protein without sacrificing that rich, velvety texture you expect from classic broccoli cheddar.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step to creating a soup that delights the senses and nourishes the body. Each one plays an important role—from building the savory base, adding creamy texture, to packing in protein and color that makes every spoonful vibrant and fulfilling.

Butter: Adds a rich, silky mouthfeel and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation for the broth.
Carrots: Contribute natural sweetness and a pop of bright color.
Celery: Gives a subtle depth and freshness to the vegetable medley.
Garlic: Infuses warmth and a touch of savory sharpness.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky nuance that sets this soup apart.
Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients together.
Broccoli: The hero vegetable, bringing texture, color, and nutrition.
1% milk: Keeps the soup creamy but light on fat.
Cheddar cheese: Brings that signature melty, sharp cheesiness you crave.
Low fat cottage cheese: Blended smooth to boost protein without heaviness.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance all flavors.

How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these together for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften and release their lovely aromas — this gentle sweating is key to layering flavor early on.

Step 2: Garlic, Spices, and Flour

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for a minute until fragrant. Then sprinkle in the smoked paprika and the flour. Stir constantly for a minute more to coat the veggies with the flour and awaken those warm spices, which will give the soup depth and subtle complexity.

Step 3: Simmer the Broccoli

Pour in your vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook gently for 8 to 9 minutes, until the broccoli softens but still holds a bit of bite for texture. This step infuses the broth with fresh broccoli flavor while tenderizing the florets.

Step 4: Add Milk and Cheeses

Lower the heat and stir in the 1% milk, warming the soup without boiling to avoid curdling. Then fold in the blended cottage cheese along with the shredded cheddar. Stir until the cheeses melt fully, creating that luscious, creamy body you expect from this comforting concoction.

Step 5: Blend for Creaminess

Carefully transfer a cup of soup into a blender, venting for steam, and blend until smooth. Return this creamy portion back to the pot and stir it through. You can also use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a quicker method—just blend gently so you keep some broccoli texture.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed to bring out all the wonderful flavors. Your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is now ready to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger!

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Garnishes

Sprinkle your soup with freshly chopped chives or finely diced green onions for a pop of color and a fresh zing. For extra indulgence, add a few shreds of sharp cheddar or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance its richness with tangy creaminess.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty whole-grain bread or warm garlic baguette slices for dipping. A crisp side salad with tangy vinaigrette can also add a refreshing contrast to this velvety soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in pretzel bread bowls for a fun and edible container that elevates the experience. Or, drizzle a little smoky paprika oil or a swirl of pesto over the top to add color and an unexpected flavor boost that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flavors meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup freezes well. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, stir after thawing as some separation may occur.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up to creamy perfection.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives this soup its classic flavor, you can experiment with gouda, gruyere, or even a mix of cheeses to add a new dimension. Just be mindful of melting properties and salt content.

Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe uses vegetable broth, so it’s perfect for vegetarians looking for a nourishing and protein-packed meal. Just double-check your broth to ensure it’s truly vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil, use a plant-based milk, and choose a non-dairy cheese alternative. The texture and flavor will change but it can still be delicious and satisfying.

How can I increase the protein even more?

Blending in cottage cheese boosts protein wonderfully, but you can also stir in cooked white beans or lentils before blending to elevate the protein content further while keeping it creamy and rich.

Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the veggies first, then add everything except the cheeses and milk to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in cheeses and milk at the end and gently warm through.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup has quickly become one of those go-to recipes when I want something both nourishing and delicious with minimal fuss. The way the creamy cheeses blend with tender broccoli and those cozy, savory veggies is pure comfort in a bowl. I encourage you to try this soup soon—it’s an absolute winner for fueling your body and warming your heart.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: Elara
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, nutritious High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup that combines tender broccoli with sharp cheddar cheese and cottage cheese for added protein. This comforting soup is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, offering a delicious way to enjoy vegetables with a rich, cheesy flavor and a smooth texture.

Instructions

Prepare the base: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat to start building the soup’s flavor base.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables soften.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic aroma to develop.
Add spices and flour: Sprinkle the smoked paprika and flour over the vegetables. Cook for one minute, stirring continuously so the flour coats the vegetables and cooks out the raw taste.
Add broth and broccoli: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer to begin cooking the broccoli.
Simmer the broccoli: Let the soup simmer for 8-9 minutes until the broccoli is softened and tender.
Add milk: Lower the heat and stir in the 1% milk, warming the soup gently without boiling.
Incorporate cheeses: Add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the soup. Stir gently until the cheeses melt thoroughly. Keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
Blend the soup: Remove one cup of the soup and blend it in a blender, allowing steam to escape to avoid pressure buildup. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to gently blend until smooth and creamy. Return the blended portion to the pot.
Season and serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir well and serve warm.

Notes

Using blended cottage cheese boosts the protein content without compromising creaminess.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
To avoid curdling, keep the heat low when adding milk and cheeses and do not boil the soup after adding dairy.
You can adjust the thickness by blending more or less soup according to your preference.
Smoked paprika adds a subtle depth and smoky flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Sauteing, Simmering, Blending
Cuisine: American