Name: High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 large carrots, peeled and diced; 1 stalk celery, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chopped broccoli; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 cups 1% milk; 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup); 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style); Salt & pepper to taste

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If you are on the hunt for a comforting bowl that is both nourishing and indulgent, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients, it brings together vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese with a protein boost from cottage cheese that you won’t find in your typical soup. This recipe effortlessly balances rich flavor and satisfying nutrition, making it perfect for chilly nights, lunch leftovers, or anytime you want a filling meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with creamy broccoli soup that has a light yellow base with green broccoli pieces and small orange carrot slices mixed inside. A silver spoon in the bowl holds a piece of broccoli, half covered by the soup. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a green cloth, with a woman's hand visible holding the spoon from the bottom left corner. Nearby, a clear glass bowl with white cottage cheese and a wooden bowl with fresh broccoli are also seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating a soup bursting with flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Each one plays a vital role, from building the comforting base to adding that delicate creaminess and punch of sharpness that cheddar cheese provides.

Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to tender perfection.
Yellow onion: Offers a gentle sweetness and aromatic foundation to the soup.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and bright orange color to balance the savory elements.
Celery: Provides a subtle fresh bite and aromatic depth to the vegetable mix.
Garlic: Infuses a warming, flavorful note that enriches the overall profile.
All-purpose flour: Creates a light thickening agent for that cozy, velvety soup texture.
Smoked paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and subtle earthiness to deepen flavor complexity.
Vegetable broth: Serves as the savory liquid base; choosing a quality not-chicken style keeps it vegetarian and flavorful.
Chopped broccoli: The star vegetable, providing freshness, vibrant green color, and nutritional value.
1% milk: Lightens the soup while maintaining creamy consistency without heaviness.
Cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, melty cheesiness that makes this soup irresistibly comforting.
Low fat cottage cheese: A secret protein boost that keeps the soup creamy and hearty without extra fat.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the wonderful flavors.

How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A pot of creamy broccoli soup sits centered on a white marbled surface. The soup is light green with small pieces of broccoli and carrot evenly mixed throughout its smooth texture. To the left, fresh dark green broccoli florets rest both in a wooden bowl and individually on the surface. Above the pot, a clear glass bowl holds white cottage cheese with a slightly lumpy texture. Below to the right, a small white plate has pale yellow shredded cheese. A green cloth is casually placed on the lower left corner of the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. These veggies need about 10 minutes of gentle cooking, stirring often, so they soften and release their natural sweetness. This is the flavor base that forms the heart of the soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour, stirring constantly. The paprika adds a subtle smoky dimension while the flour helps thicken the soup beautifully by coating all the softened vegetables.

Step 3: Simmer the Broccoli in Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let the broccoli cook for 8 to 9 minutes, until tender but still holding its bright green color. This step ensures the broccoli is perfectly cooked and ready to blend with the rest.

Step 4: Add Milk and Cheeses

Lower the heat and stir in the milk, warming the soup gently without letting it boil. Then add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar, stirring until the cheeses melt into a creamy, protein-rich delight. Keeping the heat low here prevents the dairy from curdling, so patience is key!

Step 5: Blend the Soup

To achieve that perfectly smooth yet slightly chunky texture, transfer about a cup of soup to a blender, leaving room for steam to escape, then blend and return it to the pot. Alternatively, an immersion blender can do the job right in the pot. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste and give the soup one last stir before serving.

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Garnishes

There’s so much fun in choosing toppings! A sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar or crumbled crispy bacon adds indulgence, while fresh herbs like chives or parsley bring a pop of color and freshness. For a touch of texture, consider toasted breadcrumbs or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Side Dishes

This soup shines bright on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, warm garlic rolls, or a light side salad for a complete meal. Even a crisp apple or pear adds a refreshing contrast if you want to keep things light and vibrant alongside this hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, serve the soup in rustic bowls straight from the pot. If you’re hosting, individual bread bowls or mini cast-iron skillets can turn this comforting soup into a conversational centerpiece. Don’t forget to sprinkle your garnishes with style for that wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup holds up beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors. When ready to eat, give it a good stir as ingredients may settle.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove to preserve the creamy texture.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup slowly over low to medium heat, stirring often so it doesn’t stick or separate. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help restore a smooth consistency if it thickens too much while sitting.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! While cheddar provides a classic sharpness, you can experiment with Swiss, Gruyère, or even a smoky Gouda. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the soup, just keep in mind how it melts and complements the broccoli.

Is it possible to make this soup vegan?

To create a vegan version, swap the butter for olive oil, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat, and replace cheddar and cottage cheese with vegan cheese alternatives or cashew cream. Vegetable broth is already vegan-friendly, so just ensure your cheeses are plant-based.

What if I don’t have a blender or immersion blender?

You can still make this soup! Simply chop the cooked broccoli finely before adding and stir well to incorporate the textures. It won’t be as smooth but will still be delicious and hearty.

How can I increase the protein even more?

Adding a scoop of unflavored protein powder or stirring in cooked quinoa turns this soup into a power-packed meal. The cottage cheese already adds a great boost, but these extras work well if you want a protein supercharge.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Start by sautéing the vegetables on the stovetop first to build flavor, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with broth and broccoli. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding milk and cheeses at the end to melt gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe brings all the goodness you want in a home-cooked meal: warmth, nutrition, and a bit of indulgent cheese magic. It’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again, whether for a cozy weeknight meal or a simple, nourishing lunch. So grab your pot, gather those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a soup that feels like a big comforting hug in every spoonful.