High-Protein Broccoli Soup – Easy, Cheesy, Healthy

If you’ve ever wished your cozy, cheesy broccoli cheddar soup could actually keep you full without adding a heavy cream coma—this High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is your new go-to. This bowl checks all the boxes: rich, creamy, cheesy (hello, cheddar!), but secretly packed with 20 grams of protein per serving. Yep, you heard that right. It’s a comfort food classic that also works for your busy weekday health goals.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, trying to feed a picky eater, or just want something nourishing that doesn’t taste like gym food, this soup’s got your back. With blended cottage cheese for that velvety finish and zero heavy cream in sight, it delivers everything you want from a fall favorite—without the sluggish aftermath. Let’s get you from fridge to fabulous in under 40 minutes with a recipe that’s both indulgent and guilt-free.

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What is High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is exactly what it sounds like—a creamy, cozy bowl of your favorite broccoli cheddar soup, but with an added nutritional punch. Instead of relying on just cream and cheese for richness, this version uses blended low-fat cottage cheese and milk, upping the protein without sacrificing flavor or texture. Think of it like a glow-up for the classic Panera-style soup, only lighter, more satisfying, and way more nourishing.

With ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen (like onions, carrots, garlic, and veggie broth), it’s simple enough for weeknights but cozy enough for chilly weekends. The secret weapon here? Cottage cheese. Once blended, it melts seamlessly into the soup, giving it that luxurious feel and helping you hit your protein goals. Whether you’re trying to sneak in more veggies or want a soup that sticks with you until dinner, this one’s a keeper.

Reasons to Try High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Let’s be real—soup doesn’t always scream “filling,” right? But this High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup will surprise you. First off, it tastes like comfort in a bowl. Creamy, cheesy, with that slight peppery bite from the broccoli—it’s everything you crave on a cold night. But unlike your average cheesy soup, this one actually fuels you. Thanks to protein-rich ingredients like low-fat cottage cheese and milk, you’re getting around 20g of protein per bowl without even trying.

Great for lunch, dinner, or sneaking a quick warm-up meal between errands or Zoom calls. It’s also a genius way to use up that head of broccoli in the back of the fridge or the sad celery stick hanging out solo in the crisper drawer. And if you’re feeding kids or picky eaters, it’s a stealthy veggie delivery system that no one will question once the cheddar hits. One pot, minimal mess, maximum yum.

Ingredients Needed to Make High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if needed)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 cups vegetable broth (preferably “not-chicken” style)
• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 cups 1% milk
• 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions to Make High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Making this High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is surprisingly easy—and with this step-by-step guide, even kitchen newbies can whip it up without a hiccup. We’ll walk you through each phase, from sautéing the veggies to blending for creaminess, so you can nail it the first time. Let’s dive into the details and bring this cozy, protein-packed bowl to life.

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by placing a large pot on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter—this helps create a rich, savory base. Once the butter melts and sizzles a bit, toss in your diced yellow onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for softened veggies and a delicious aroma to fill your kitchen. This step is where the flavor-building begins, so don’t rush it.

Tip: Want to sharpen your veggie chopping skills? Check out our prep tips for beginner cooks to save time and boost confidence.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Next, add two minced garlic cloves to the pot. Stir it around for about 1 minute—just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. Now sprinkle in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free alternative if needed) and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir well to coat the vegetables. This step by step technique creates a light roux that thickens your soup without making it heavy.

Ingredient note: Smoked paprika adds a subtle depth—if you don’t have it, try a pinch of cayenne for mild heat or skip it altogether for a more classic taste.

Step 3: Add Broth and Broccoli

Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth (we love the “not-chicken” style for a deeper flavor) and stir everything together to loosen the roux. Then add 4 cups of chopped broccoli. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 8–9 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still a bright green. The broccoli is the star here, so don’t overcook it into mush.

Want a similar cozy vibe? Our Creamy Butternut Squash Soup follows a similar step by step veggie-forward process.

Step 4: Stir in Milk and Cheeses

Once the broccoli is tender, lower the heat to avoid boiling. Add 2 cups of 1% milk, 1 cup of blended low-fat cottage cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir slowly to melt everything together. Be gentle—high heat can curdle milk, and nobody wants grainy soup.

Blended cottage cheese is a creamy hack! It gives the soup a silky texture while packing in extra protein. Blend it until it’s smooth, like Greek yogurt. You can learn more in our ingredient substitution guide.

Step 5: Blend for a Creamy Texture

Now it’s time to blend, but don’t overdo it—we still want some chunks. Scoop out 1 cup of soup, carefully blend it (venting steam if you’re using a regular blender), and pour it back into the pot. Or use an immersion blender and pulse a few times directly in the pot. This step by step blending technique gives you a dreamy, creamy base while keeping that satisfying broccoli-cheddar bite.

Short on tools? Our kitchen tools checklist has the best immersion blender recommendations.

Step 6: Season to Taste and Serve

Your soup should now look thick, creamy, and golden with green specks of broccoli throughout. Taste it—add salt and pepper as needed. Everyone’s taste is different, so feel free to adjust. Once it’s just right, ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy while warm.

Serving idea: Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or these Glazed Carrots for a colorful and nutrient-packed meal.

What to Serve with High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup is already hearty, but if you want to bulk it up or just turn dinner into a full-on hug on a plate, here are some tasty ideas. A crusty whole-grain roll or a piece of sourdough toast? Yes, please. Need something lighter? Try a crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Got kids or carb-lovers around? A grilled cheese cut into little triangles (because presentation matters) makes this feel diner-worthy.

You could also pair it with something sweet and earthy like these Glazed Carrots, or go full comfort mode with a baked potato or cheesy toast. Want to keep the protein party going? A few strips of turkey bacon or a side of roasted chickpeas could do the trick.

Key Tips for Making High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

First thing—don’t let the soup boil once the dairy goes in. High heat + milk = curdle city. Use low heat to melt everything gently. Blending just a portion of the soup adds creaminess without losing those lovely chunks of broccoli and carrots. Want it thicker? Stick to the 3 cups of broth. Like it thinner? Add a fourth cup, no judgment here. The cottage cheese is your secret weapon—make sure to blend it fully before adding. It should look like sour cream once smooth.

And for maximum flavor, use sharp cheddar instead of mild. It gives the soup that rich, cheesy oomph without needing to dump in a ton. Oh, and don’t skip the smoked paprika—it adds a subtle warmth that takes this soup up a notch without overpowering it.

Storage and Reheating Tips High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup is meal-prep friendly and fridge-loving. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring often so it doesn’t scorch or separate. The microwave works too—just use short bursts and stir in between.

If it thickens up in the fridge, splash in a little milk when reheating. You can freeze it, but heads up: dairy can get a little grainy when thawed. If you do freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly. Want freezer-friendly without the fuss? Portion it into small containers for single servings. Perfect for grab-and-go lunches when your day’s already packed tighter than a preschool lunchbox.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
It already is! Just be sure to use veggie broth (a “not-chicken” style one adds great flavor).

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free version. A 1:1 blend works best here.

Can I skip the cottage cheese?
Technically yes, but it’s what makes this version high-protein and extra creamy. You could sub with Greek yogurt, but blend it well and don’t boil it.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Just add it right to the broth and simmer a few extra minutes until tender.

Final Thoughts

High-Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a cheesy, cozy, veggie-loaded bowl of happiness with a high-protein twist. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or whenever you want comfort without the crash. It’s one of those “how is this healthy?!” recipes that’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation. With just one pot and a short ingredient list, there’s no reason not to give this a go. For more soup ideas that hit the same cozy notes, you might love our One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup or Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Happy slurping!

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