High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Creamy, Healthy Comfort in Every Spoonful

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers everything you love about classic comfort food, but with a nourishing twist. This rich, velvety soup tastes indulgent, yet it packs 20 grams of protein per serving. Even better, it uses wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

If you crave cozy meals but still want balanced nutrition, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup checks every box. It feels hearty, tastes creamy, and satisfies without feeling heavy. Whether you need a simple weeknight dinner or a warm lunch that keeps you full for hours, this recipe makes it easy.

One chilly evening last fall, I stood in my kitchen craving something warm and familiar. I wanted broccoli cheddar soup, but I also wanted something more filling than the traditional version. After experimenting with cottage cheese for added protein, I discovered how beautifully it blended into the soup. The texture turned silky, the flavor stayed rich, and the protein boost made it satisfying enough for a full meal. Since then, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup has become my go-to whenever I need comfort in a bowl.

This rich and creamy High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup packs 20 grams of protein per serving while delivering classic comfort food flavor.

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Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 cups 1% milk
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• large pot
• Blender or immersion blender
• Cutting Board
• Chef's knife

Method

 

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in smoked paprika and flour. Cook for 1 minute until vegetables are coated.
5. Add broth and broccoli. Bring to a simmer and cook 8-9 minutes until broccoli softens.
6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk and warm gently.
7. Add blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir until melted.
8. Blend one cup of soup and return to pot, or use immersion blender for desired texture.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 20gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheddar for best texture. Do not freeze as dairy may separate. Adjust broth amount for desired thickness.

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Why You'll Love This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Packed with Protein Without Extra Fat

Traditional broccoli cheddar soup often relies on heavy cream and large amounts of cheese. While that version tastes delicious, it usually contains a high amount of saturated fat and minimal protein.

However, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup takes a smarter approach. Instead of heavy cream, blended low-fat cottage cheese creates a smooth, creamy texture. As a result, you get a rich mouthfeel without excess fat. At the same time, cottage cheese naturally boosts the protein content, which helps keep you full longer.

Because you still use sharp cheddar cheese, you don't sacrifice flavor. In fact, extra-sharp cheddar adds bold taste with less cheese overall. Therefore, every spoonful tastes indulgent while remaining balanced.

Comfort Food Made Lighter

Comfort food should feel satisfying, not heavy. This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup strikes that balance perfectly.

First, fresh vegetables form the base. Onion, carrot, and celery create depth and natural sweetness. Then broccoli adds fiber, vitamins, and texture. Meanwhile, a small amount of butter helps build flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Additionally, using 1% milk keeps the soup lighter while maintaining creaminess. You can use 2% or whole milk if you prefer, but even the lighter option tastes incredibly smooth.

Ultimately, this recipe proves that healthy food can feel cozy and comforting. You never feel like you're missing out.

Ingredients That Make It Shine

Simple Pantry Staples

You only need straightforward ingredients to make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

• Butter
• Yellow onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• All-purpose flour
• Smoked paprika
• Vegetable broth
• Fresh broccoli
• Milk
• Low-fat cottage cheese
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper

Because these ingredients are common, you can prepare this soup without a special grocery trip. Furthermore, each ingredient plays an important role.

Flour thickens the base, creating body. Smoked paprika adds subtle depth and warmth. Meanwhile, vegetable broth builds savory flavor. Everything works together to create a balanced, satisfying bowl.

The Secret Ingredient: Cottage Cheese

The magic behind High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup lies in blended cottage cheese.

When you blend cottage cheese until smooth, it becomes silky and mild. It melts seamlessly into the soup, adding creaminess without curdling. Moreover, it significantly increases protein content.

While Greek yogurt may seem like a substitute, it can add unwanted tang. Cottage cheese provides a neutral flavor, so it supports the cheddar instead of competing with it.

Because of this simple swap, you transform a traditional soup into a protein-rich meal.

Step-by-Step: How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Build the Flavor Base

First, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Then add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often. This step softens the vegetables and develops flavor.

Next, add minced garlic and cook briefly. After that, sprinkle in smoked paprika and flour. Stir well so the vegetables coat evenly. Cooking the flour for one minute removes any raw taste and helps thicken the soup later.

Then pour in the vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Allow the broccoli to soften for about 8 to 9 minutes.

Create Creamy Texture

Once the broccoli softens, reduce the heat to low. Add the milk and warm the soup gently. Avoid boiling, since high heat can affect dairy texture.

Next, stir in the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely.

For a creamier consistency, blend one cup of soup and return it to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. This technique keeps some texture while making the base velvety.

Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm and comforting.

Serving, Storing, and Expert Tips

What to Serve with High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup pairs beautifully with simple sides.

For example, serve it with a crisp green salad to add freshness and crunch. A slice of whole-grain bread also works well for dipping. Additionally, roasted vegetables can round out the meal.

Because this soup already contains protein and vegetables, it stands well on its own. Still, adding a side creates a more complete dinner experience.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, use the microwave or stovetop on low heat. Stir frequently to maintain smooth texture. However, do not freeze this soup. Dairy-based soups tend to separate after freezing, which affects consistency.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

• Shred your own cheddar for smoother melting.
• Blend cottage cheese thoroughly before adding it.
• Keep heat low after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
• Adjust broth amount for thicker or thinner texture.

Following these tips ensures your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup turns out creamy every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup actually healthy?

Yes. This version uses vegetables, lower-fat milk, and protein-rich cottage cheese. Therefore, it provides balanced nutrition while still tasting indulgent.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can. Simply add frozen broccoli directly to the broth and simmer until tender. The texture may be slightly softer, but the flavor remains delicious.

Can I substitute olive oil for butter?

Absolutely. Olive oil works well and keeps the recipe just as flavorful.

Why shouldn't I freeze this soup?

Because it contains milk and cheese, freezing can cause separation. As a result, the texture may become grainy after thawing.

How can I make it thicker?

Start with slightly less broth. Additionally, blend more of the soup for a thicker consistency.

Conclusion

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup offers the best of both worlds. It delivers rich, creamy comfort while providing satisfying protein in every serving. Thanks to blended cottage cheese, you achieve luxurious texture without heavy cream. Meanwhile, sharp cheddar ensures bold flavor.

Because the ingredients remain simple and accessible, you can prepare this soup anytime. Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it keeps you full and energized.

Once you try this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you may never return to the traditional version again.