High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I love this rich and creamy broccoli cheddar soup—it packs a hearty 20 grams of protein per serving and feels like comfort food while still being nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it’s secretly healthy yet indulgent. The cottage cheese and cheddar give it a creamy texture, while the broccoli, carrots, and celery add vitamins and fiber. Plus, it comes together in just over half an hour—perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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)

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 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

Directions

1. I melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.

2. I add the onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.

3. Then I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

4. I sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour, cooking for one minute and stirring until the vegetables are coated.

5. Next, I pour in the broth and broccoli and bring everything to a simmer.

6. I let it simmer for 8–9 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

7. I add the milk and reduce the heat to low, warming the soup gently.

8. I stir in the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheddar, careful not to overheat or curdle the milk.

9. I transfer one cup of soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender), blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.

10. Finally, I add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy it piping hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 8 cups of soup, which serves 4 generous bowls or 6 smaller portions. Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time is 25 minutes, and total time is approximately 35 minutes.

Variations

• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

• Add protein boost: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey for extra protein.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce when adding the milk.

• Switch the cheese: Try pepper jack or Gruyère for a different flavor twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring to prevent scorching. If it thickens too much, I add a splash of milk or broth until it’s creamy again. This soup also freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

I can—just use about 4 cups of frozen florets. I let them thaw and pat dry before adding to the pot, and sometimes reduce the simmer time by a minute or two.

2. Is cottage cheese really necessary?

I find that the blended cottage cheese gives this soup a silky, creamy texture with extra protein. You can substitute with Greek yogurt (full-fat) if needed, but the protein content changes slightly.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

I haven’t tried fully dairy-free, but I think you could swap the milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture may be a bit different, but it should still be tasty.

4. How do I prevent the milk from curdling?

I always keep the heat low when adding milk and cheeses, and stir gently until everything is melted. Turning the heat too high can cause curdling.

5. Can I reheat this in the microwave?

Yes—I reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. I add a splash of milk if it seems too thick.

Conclusion

I know you’ll adore this high-protein broccoli cheddar soup as much as I do—it’s comforting, satisfying, and easy to whip up on busy days. With creamy texture, bold flavor, and a protein boost, it’s a winner for lunch or dinner. Give it a try and make it your own with the variations I shared!