This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist! Packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, it’s made with cottage cheese for a creamy, healthy flavor, and packed with nutrient-dense broccoli. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal or looking for a protein-packed recipe, this soup is perfect.
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Protein-Packed: Each serving boasts 20 grams of protein, thanks to a secret ingredient—cottage cheese!
- Comforting & Creamy: All the indulgent flavors of classic broccoli cheddar soup without the extra saturated fat.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples you likely already have.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste by adjusting seasonings or adding extra veggies.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Butter – Used to sauté the vegetables. You can swap it with olive oil if preferred.
- Onion – A yellow or white onion works best.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds bold flavor, but garlic powder is a quick alternative.
- Flour – Helps thicken the soup. Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds a smoky depth. Regular paprika can also be used.
- Broth – Use a high-quality broth. Edward & Son’s “not chicken” broth adds a savory, vegetarian-friendly taste.
- Broccoli – Fresh is best, but frozen broccoli works too—just thaw and drain before use.
- Milk – Use 1% milk for a lighter soup, or swap with whole or 2% milk for a richer texture.
- Cottage Cheese – This ingredient adds creaminess and a protein boost. Low-fat cottage cheese is a perfect choice.
- Cheddar Cheese – For the best melt, shred a block of extra-sharp cheddar (like Cabot brand) instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped carrot, and 1 chopped celery stalk. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2: Create a Flavor Base
- Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, stirring for 1 minute to coat the vegetables.
3: Simmer the Soup
- Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and add 4 cups of chopped broccoli.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-9 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender.
4: Add Creaminess & Protein
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 1/2 cups of 1% milk.
- Blend 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese until smooth, then stir it into the soup.
- Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted.
5: Blend for a Velvety Texture
- For a creamier consistency, blend 1 cup of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.
- Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup while keeping some broccoli chunks intact.
6: Season & Serve
- Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite bread or a crisp side salad.
Healthy Sides to Serve with High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Pair this protein-packed soup with a nutritious side to complete your meal:
- Apple Walnut Kale Salad – A refreshing, crunchy salad pairs beautifully with the rich soup.
- Vegan Chopped Salad – Add even more veggies to your meal.
- Whole Grain Bread – Perfect for dipping and soaking up the cheesy goodness.
For more ideas, check out my full guide on what to serve with broccoli cheddar soup!
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently.
- Do Not Freeze: Dairy-based soups may separate when frozen, resulting in an undesirable texture.
What to Do with Leftover Broccoli
Got extra broccoli? Try these delicious recipes:
- Roasted Broccoli Salad – A perfect side dish.
- Broccoli & Orzo Skillet – A simple one-pan meal.
- Broccoli Sandwiches – Make broccoli the star in these hearty, veggie-packed sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Broccoli Cheddar Soup Healthy?
Yes! Traditional broccoli cheddar soup is often high in saturated fat, but this version uses low-fat cottage cheese to boost protein while keeping it creamy and indulgent.
- What’s the Best Cheese for Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Extra-sharp cheddar is ideal because it delivers bold cheesy flavor with less cheese. Always shred a block of cheddar for the smoothest consistency.
- Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe relies on dairy for its creamy, high-protein base, so a vegan version isn’t recommended. However, check out my creamy quinoa soup for a delicious plant-based alternative!
More Healthy Recipes You’ll Love
- Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls
- Sweet Potato Crackers – The Perfect Healthy Snack
- Greek Yogurt Banana Muffins: A High Protein Breakfast Recipe
- Vegan Fried Chickpeas Recipe
Conclusion
Enjoy this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup as a nourishing meal that satisfies your cravings while supporting your health goals. Whether you’re meal-prepping or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is a keeper!
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist! Packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, it's made with cottage cheese for a creamy, healthy flavor, and packed with nutrient-dense broccoli. Whether you're craving a cozy meal or looking for a protein-packed recipe, this soup is perfect.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoons 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 or gluten-free flour
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth I like the not-chicken style
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 4 oz cheddar cheese shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup low fat cottage cheese blended
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped carrot, and 1 chopped celery stalk. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Create a Flavor Base
- Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, stirring for 1 minute to coat the vegetables.
Simmer the Soup
- Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and add 4 cups of chopped broccoli.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-9 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender.
Add Creaminess & Protein
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 1/2 cups of 1% milk.
- Blend 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese until smooth, then stir it into the soup.
- Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted.
Blend for a Velvety Texture
- For a creamier consistency, blend 1 cup of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.
- Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup while keeping some broccoli chunks intact.
Season & Serve
- Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite bread or a crisp side salad.
Notes
I’ve updated the recipe to suggest using 3 cups of broth instead of 4. You can always add additional broth if you need to thin it out, but it’s better to start with 3, in case you want a thicker soup.
