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; 3 cups vegetable broth (not-chicken style preferred); 2 cups 1% milk; 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended; 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt & pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 89 reviews

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If you are craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup that packs a nutritional punch, this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with vibrant broccoli, but what truly sets it apart is the addition of cottage cheese and a careful balance of ingredients that boost its protein content without sacrificing that classic comforting flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying meal that leaves you energized, this soup will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board lays flat on a white marbled surface. On the board, there are three neat piles of small, evenly chopped vegetables arranged vertically. At the top, bright orange carrot cubes form the first layer, below them is a layer of pale green celery pieces, and at the bottom are white onion chunks in slightly larger pieces than the other vegetables. The colors are vibrant and the textures clear, showing the freshness of the vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe manages to be simple yet flavorful thanks to a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element brings something special: butter adds richness, fresh vegetables build layers of flavor and texture, while dairy and broccoli combine to give you that creamy, protein-rich goodness.

1 tablespoon butter: Helps sauté the vegetables and adds a silky mouthfeel to the base.
1 large yellow onion, diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked.
2 large carrots, peeled and diced: Adds natural sweetness and color to brighten the soup.
1 stalk celery, diced: Contributes a fresh, slightly peppery crunch and flavor complexity.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and a savory punch in every spoonful.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): Creates the perfect thickening agent to make the soup luxuriously creamy.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness that gives the soup a unique twist.
3 cups vegetable broth: The flavorful foundation that ties all the ingredients together with a savory base.
4 cups chopped broccoli: The star vegetable loaded with fiber, vitamins, and vibrant green color.
2 cups 1% milk: Keeps the soup creamy without adding too much fat, balancing richness and nutrition.
4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy flavor we all adore.
1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended: The secret to making this soup high in protein while keeping it smooth and creamy.
Salt & pepper to taste: To perfectly season and enhance all the flavors.

How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking them gently for about 10 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. This builds an essential flavor base, softening the vegetables to release their natural sweetness. Then, add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about one minute—which will elevate the soup’s aroma and flavor wonderfully.

Step 2: Create the Roux and Add Seasoning

Next, sprinkle in the smoked paprika and all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for one minute. This step is key because the flour will coat the softened vegetables, helping the soup thicken later while the paprika layers in a subtle smokey depth that surprises the palate.

Step 3: Add Broth and Broccoli

Pour in the vegetable broth and chopped broccoli, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Let the broccoli soften for 8 to 9 minutes — this softening is crucial so that it blends smoothly and melds beautifully with the dairy in later steps. This is where the soup starts to come together visually and in flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Milk and Cheeses

Lower the heat before stirring in the milk to keep it from curdling. Slowly warm the soup until just hot, then add the blended low-fat cottage cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir carefully to melt the cheeses evenly, creating a dreamy texture and enriching the soup with protein and creaminess without heaviness.

Step 5: Blend for Creaminess

To achieve that velvety soup consistency, transfer one cup of the hot soup to a blender and pulse, allowing steam to escape safely. Pour the blended part back into the pot and gently mix. Or if you have an immersion blender, give the soup a few quick pulses right in the pot. This blending step balances chunkiness and smoothness perfectly.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Finally, add salt and pepper as needed. Seasoning here is crucial to highlight all the layers of flavor developed in the previous steps, allowing you to customize the soup just how you like it.

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with creamy broccoli soup that has small green broccoli pieces and tiny bits of orange carrots mixed in a light greenish-yellow broth; to the left is a wooden bowl with dark green broccoli florets and one broccoli floret lying next to the pot; on the right side is a small clear bowl of white cottage cheese and a white plate with light yellow shredded cheese; a dark green cloth is seen under the pot on a white marbled texture surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes not only enhances the visual appeal but adds delightful texture contrasts. Consider topping with fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, or even crispy roasted broccoli florets for a delicious crunch. A dash of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a finishing touch that elevates every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This soup shines when paired with crusty artisan bread or buttery garlic toast for dipping into the creamy base. For a lighter option, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly, balancing the meal beautifully while keeping it wholesome and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve the soup in mini pumpkin bowls or rustic bread bowls for a cozy presentation. Alternatively, layering the soup with crunchy homemade croutons or swirling in a bit of basil pesto before serving creates a colorful and enticing twist on your High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the leftovers just as enjoyable — if not more! Just give it a good stir before reheating to restore its creamy consistency.

Freezing

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe freezes well, making it perfect for batch cooking. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headroom for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

To bring your soup back to life, warm it slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching or curdling. If the soup thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to get back that comforting, creamy texture you love.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or non-dairy milk substitutes?

Absolutely! While 1% milk provides creaminess without extra fat, you can swap with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or other plant-based milks to suit dietary preferences. Just keep in mind that non-dairy options might alter taste slightly and may curdle at high heat, so warm gently.

Is this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This recipe uses vegetable broth and omits any meat products, making it completely vegetarian. For vegans, you would need to substitute the cheese and dairy with plant-based alternatives and confirm the broth is vegan-friendly.

How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?

If you want a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or simmer the soup longer to concentrate flavors. For a thinner consistency, add extra broth or milk gradually until you reach your desired texture.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding cauliflower, kale, or even peas to boost nutrition and add variety. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure all vegetables reach the right tenderness.

What makes this soup high protein compared to traditional recipes?

The addition of blended low-fat cottage cheese is a clever twist that increases the protein content substantially without making the soup heavy or too rich. Combined with cheddar cheese and milk, it creates a balanced, protein-packed bowl perfect for a wholesome meal.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is a true kitchen gem that brings warmth, nutrition, and irresistible flavor to your table in under 40 minutes. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to serve when friends drop by — a perfect blend of health and comfort. Give it a go, and you might just find your new all-time favorite soup to lift your spirits and fuel your day!

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