High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Want a cozy soup that’s also packed with protein? This high protein broccoli cheddar soup has you covered. It’s creamy, cheesy, and super filling.

You get tender broccoli, melty cheddar, and a rich, hearty base. Plus, extra protein to keep you full and happy. It’s comfort food that’s good for you too.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep days. It’s quick, easy, and way better than canned soup.

Grab a pot and let’s get cooking. This cheesy, cozy bowl is ready to go!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: Thanks to low-fat cottage cheese and cheddar, this soup offers a protein punch without being heavy.
• Creamy Without the Guilt: Blending cottage cheese gives a thick, creamy texture without needing loads of cream or butter.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stores beautifully for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes

Servings:
This recipe yields about 6 hearty bowls, perfect for family dinner or meal prepping for a few days.

Difficulty:
Easy. Basic chopping, sautéing, and stirring are all it takes. No fancy techniques required.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Immersion blender or regular blender (optional, for creamier texture)
• Cheese grater

Ingredients for High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy, protein-packed soup (full measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables.
• Yellow Onion: Provides a savory, slightly sweet base flavor.
• Carrots: Adds color and natural sweetness.
• Celery: Gives a mild crunch and earthy flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for a bold, aromatic depth.
• All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free Flour): Thickens the soup.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that balances the cheesy richness.
• Vegetable Broth: Creates a flavorful, savory foundation for the soup.
• Broccoli: The star of the show, chopped small for easy eating.
• 1% Milk: Lightens the soup without sacrificing creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a strong, satisfying cheese flavor.
• Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: Blended to boost the protein and creamy texture naturally.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential to enhance all the other flavors.

Variations for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Add More Vegetables: Stir in peas, spinach, or kale for extra nutrients.
• Use Different Cheese: Try a mix of sharp white cheddar or even a little parmesan for a new flavor twist.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a little kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch slurry.
• Extra Creamy: Blend a portion of the soup after adding the milk for a velvety-smooth finish.

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

1. Sauté the Vegetables

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
• Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Build the Base

• Sprinkle the flour and smoked paprika over the sautéed vegetables.
• Stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
• Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring, making sure no lumps form.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. Add Broccoli and Simmer

• Stir in the chopped broccoli.
• Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.

4. Blend the Cottage Cheese

• While the soup simmers, blend the low-fat cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
• You can use an immersion blender, food processor, or regular blender for this step.

5. Stir in Dairy

• Lower the heat to low.
• Add the milk, blended cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot.
• Stir gently until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes creamy.

6. Season and Adjust

• Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper as needed.
• For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some broccoli pieces intact for texture.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup is wonderfully flexible when it comes to serving:

• In Bread Bowls: Hollow out small sourdough or whole-grain rolls and ladle the soup inside.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with toasted baguette slices or multigrain rolls for dunking.
• As a Starter: Offer smaller portions as a starter to a light dinner.
• Topped with Extras: Add a sprinkle of extra cheddar, a few broccoli florets, or even a handful of crispy croutons on top for texture.

Storing High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: This soup freezes well, although the texture may change slightly after thawing. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup is too thick.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chop Evenly: Cut the broccoli into small, uniform pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of the soup. Grating your own cheddar makes a noticeable difference.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, add an extra splash of broth or milk at the end.
• Low and Slow: When adding the milk and cheese, keep the heat low to prevent curdling and to create a silky texture.
• Taste As You Go: Since broth and cheese can vary in saltiness, adjust seasoning gradually for the perfect balance.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving (approx.)
Calories	280 kcal
Protein	22 g
Fat	14 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	650 mg
Calcium	25% Daily Value

Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on brands and specific ingredients used.

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Frozen broccoli works well. Just add it directly to the soup without thawing, and adjust the simmering time as needed — it usually cooks a little faster than fresh broccoli.

How can I make this even higher in protein?

To boost the protein even more, you can stir in a scoop of unflavored protein powder (designed for cooking) when you add the blended cottage cheese. You could also add shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein without much extra effort.

What’s the best way to blend the soup if I want it smoother?

An immersion blender is the easiest option — you can blend right in the pot. If you don’t have one, ladle a portion of the soup into a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. Be careful with hot liquids; blend in small batches if needed.

Is this soup gluten-free?

It can easily be made gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or using a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the soup.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Since cottage cheese and cheddar are central to the recipe, a dairy-free version would require significant changes. You could try using plant-based milk and vegan cheese, but the flavor and protein content will differ.

Conclusion

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is one of those recipes that fits almost every occasion — cozy weeknight dinners, easy meal prep for lunches, or even a comforting starter for a bigger meal.
It’s packed with hearty vegetables, real cheese flavor, and a smart protein boost, making it both satisfying and nourishing.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bring a warm, creamy pot of goodness to your table in about an hour. Whether you like it chunky or smooth, it’s a feel-good classic you’ll want to make again and again.