Broccoli Cheddar Soup - Healthy, High-Protein Comfort Food

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 tablespoons butter; 3 cups vegetable broth; 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

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe that warms you up and fuels your day? This one hits that sweet spot between comforting and nourishing, and trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to soup for chilly nights and busy lunches.

A bowl of creamy green broccoli soup with a slightly thick texture, topped with a small pile of bright orange shredded cheese and two small florets of fresh broccoli. The bowl is white with a subtle shadow and contains a silver spoon resting inside on the left side. The soup surface is sprinkled with coarse black pepper, adding specks of dark color. The background is a white marbled texture with some broccoli pieces visible around the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe because it’s hearty, healthy, and satisfying—all at once. Plus, it’s got this lovely creamy texture without being heavy, and it packs a protein punch that keeps me full for hours.

Protein power: Between the cottage cheese and cheddar, this soup delivers more protein than your usual broccoli cheddar, perfect for muscle recovery or just staying energized.
Real veggies: The base is loaded with fresh broccoli, carrots, celery, and onion for flavor and nutrients, so you’re getting wholesome goodness with every spoonful.
Comfort food vibes: Creamy, cheesy, and cozy, it’s like the best kind of hug in a bowl—especially when the weather turns cool.
Simple to make: No fancy techniques or weird ingredients, and you can whip it up in under 40 minutes, even on a weeknight.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe plays a role in balancing flavor, texture, and nutrition. From the veggies that lend freshness and crunch to the cheese and cottage cheese that boost creaminess and protein, each component elevates the soup effortlessly.

Flat lay of a small pat of butter, one whole large yellow onion, two whole large carrots with peeled skin, one fresh celery stalk, two bulbs of garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing smoked paprika powder, a medium white bowl of vibrant chopped broccoli florets, a medium white bowl of pale vegetable broth, a medium white bowl of 1% milk, a small white bowl piled with shredded cheddar cheese, a small white bowl holding creamy low-fat cottage cheese, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Creates a flavorful base and helps sauté the veggies perfectly without burning.
Yellow onion: Provides natural sweetness and depth when cooked down slowly.
Carrots: Add a subtle sweetness and color that brightens the soup.
Celery: Gives a mild, slightly savory crunch that rounds out the flavor.
Garlic: A little punch of aroma and warmth to uplift everything else.
All-purpose flour: This thickens the soup, but you can swap for gluten-free flour if you prefer.
Smoked paprika: Adds just a hint of smoky depth without overpowering the delicate broccoli.
Vegetable broth: Use a flavorful veggie broth to keep it light but savory; the lower salt version helps control seasoning better.
Broccoli: The star ingredient—tender, vibrant, and full of fiber and nutrients.
1% milk: Keeps the soup creamy without making it too rich or heavy.
Cheddar cheese: For that classic sharp cheddar flavor that defines broccoli cheddar soup.
Low-fat cottage cheese: This is the secret for boosting protein and creaminess without adding tons of fat.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasoning that pulls all the flavors together.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve played around with this recipe quite a bit, and what I love most is how easy it is to tweak. You can boost the protein even more by adding cooked chicken or swap the dairy for your favorite plant-based options to fit your lifestyle.

Variation: Once, I tossed in some diced cooked chicken breast just before adding the cheese to make it a one-pot meal for my post-gym dinner. It was both filling and super satisfying.
Dairy-Free Option: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and a vegan cheese blend; blend in silken tofu instead of cottage cheese for creaminess and protein.
Spice It Up: Swap smoked paprika for a pinch of cayenne or add a few red pepper flakes to bring some heat.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in cauliflower florets or frozen peas for more texture and nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with thick broccoli soup is shown from above on a white marbled surface. The soup has a creamy light greenish-yellow base with small green broccoli pieces and tiny orange carrot bits evenly spread throughout. A ladle is lifting soup from the pot, showing a close-up of the creamy soup with bright green broccoli florets and small orange carrot pieces. A green cloth is partially visible at the bottom left corner, along with a piece of broccoli and a bowl with a white, creamy substance in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggie Base

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Then add diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for around 10 minutes while stirring occasionally. This slow sauté draws out their natural sweetness—an essential flavor foundation, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Garlic, Smoked Paprika & Flour

Once the veggies have softened, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika and then sprinkle the flour over everything. Cook for about a minute more, stirring constantly so the flour coats the veggies without burning—this thickens the soup beautifully.

Step 3: Simmer Broccoli in Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and add chopped broccoli. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-9 minutes until the broccoli is tender but not mushy. This step lets the broccoli soften while infusing the broth with its green goodness.

Step 4: Warm the Milk and Add Cheeses

Lower the heat and stir in the milk, cooking until just heated through—you don’t want it boiling or curdling. Then add the blended low-fat cottage cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a creamy, smooth texture.

Step 5: Blend and Season

Carefully transfer about one cup of soup into a blender (or use an immersion blender right in the pot) to puree until smooth. This step makes the soup luxuriously creamy while still leaving chunks of broccoli for texture. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed—and you’re done!

Top Tip

When I first tried making this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, my biggest challenge was getting the right texture and avoiding curdled milk. These tips helped me nail it every time, so you don’t have to face the same pitfalls.

Low and Slow: Keep the heat low once you add milk and cheeses to prevent them from separating.
Blend Carefully: When pureeing, leave the blender lid slightly ajar to let steam escape and avoid pressure buildup.
Prep in Advance: Dice your veggies ahead of time to make the cooking process super smooth, especially on busy days.
Adjust Thickness: Start with 3 cups of broth, and only add more if you want a thinner soup—trust me, it’s easier to thin than to thicken later!

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Inside a large white pot with a dark rim, there is a mixture of small, soft, and slightly chunky pieces showing bright yellow and orange colors with hints of light green, spread unevenly across the bottom and sides. A wooden spoon with a long handle rests inside the pot, partially covered by the mixture. The pot sits on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, bright background to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my soup with a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar or finely chopped chives for freshness. Sometimes, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a few toasted pumpkin seeds add a lovely contrast to the creamy soup.

Side Dishes

Crusty whole grain bread or a warm garlic baguette slices are my favorites to serve alongside. A simple side salad with vinaigrette also pairs perfectly, balancing the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls topped with extra cheddar and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and makes the meal feel a bit more festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just give it a good stir when reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. I usually portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, I recommend overnight in the fridge to keep texture and creaminess intact.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If the soup thickens too much, thin it out with a splash of milk or broth for the perfect consistency without losing creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the cottage cheese with something else?

Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or silken tofu to keep the creaminess and protein boost, or skip it entirely and add extra cheddar for the cheese factor.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

No worries! You can simply use sweet paprika or omit it. The soup will still taste fantastic—smoked paprika just adds a subtle depth that’s nice but not essential.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian if you use vegetable broth, but to make it vegan, swap milk for a plant-based version and use vegan cheese and tofu instead of dairy cheese and cottage cheese.

How long does this soup last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently, and it’ll still taste delicious!

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe has become one of those recipes I keep coming back to—especially when I want something nourishing but fuss-free. It’s satisfying in a way that feels indulgent yet clean, and it’s easy enough to customize for any mood or diet. If you’re thinking about giving it a shot, do it—you’ll end up with a comforting bowl full of flavor and protein, perfect for any day of the week.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way