I’m so excited to share this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe with you because it has become a total go-to in my kitchen. It’s not your average comforting soup; it’s loaded with protein thanks to cottage cheese and cheddar, making it perfect for a cozy meal that actually keeps you full and satisfied. Whether you’re craving something warm after a long day or need a nourishing lunch to fuel your afternoon, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.

What I love most about this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together with simple ingredients, yet tastes rich and creamy without being heavy. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on rotation, especially when you want to sneak some extra veggies and protein into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s versatile and easy to tweak, so let’s dive into what makes this soup both special and practical!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe plays a role in making it creamy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. When you shop, look for fresh broccoli and good-quality sharp cheddar to really make this soup sing.

Butter: Helps build that rich flavor base, and I find unsalted gives you more control over seasoning.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until soft and translucent.
Carrots: They bring subtle sweetness and a nice color contrast.
Celery: Provides an aromatic, slightly herbal note that balances the richness.
Garlic: Essential for that savory spark; freshly minced is my fave.
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): This helps thicken the soup to the perfect creamy consistency without adding heaviness.
Smoked paprika: A little smoky warmth that amps up the flavor — don’t skip it!
Vegetable broth: I keep a not-chicken or vegetarian broth on hand, which makes this soup suitable for more diets.
Broccoli: The star veggie here, chopped fresh broccoli gives a lovely texture and fresh flavor.
1% milk: Adds creaminess with fewer calories than whole milk but still rich enough to satisfy.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar shredded fresh melts beautifully and gives that classic broccoli cheddar taste.
Low fat cottage cheese: Blended smooth, it’s a game-changer for upping the protein and adding creaminess without tons of fat.
Salt & pepper: The final essential seasoning—season to your taste for that perfect balance.

Variations

I’m a big fan of tweaking this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Don’t be afraid to make it yours—this soup is surprisingly forgiving and welcomes customization.

Protein boost: I sometimes swap the cottage cheese for Greek yogurt if I want a tangier twist or add some cooked chicken for an even heartier meal.
Vegan twist: Use non-dairy milk and vegan cheddar-style cheese, plus tofu blended in place of cottage cheese.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeño if you prefer a little heat—works wonders with the smoked paprika.
Seasonal veggies: Swap or add other greens like kale or spinach to stretch your servings and pack in extra nutrients.
Gluten-free: Simply use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as thickener without changing the texture much.

How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies ‘Til Soft and Fragrant

Start by melting that tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until everything softens and you can smell the sweetness filling the kitchen. Don’t rush this step—softening the veggies builds the flavor foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour for a Flavorful Roux

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then sprinkle in the flour and smoked paprika, mixing well. This creates a roux that will thicken your soup beautifully. Stir for about 2 minutes to cook out the floury taste.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Broccoli, Simmer ’Til Tender

Add your vegetable broth and chopped broccoli to the pot. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 10-12 minutes until the broccoli is tender but not mushy. This timing keeps a nice texture in the soup without turning the greens into mush.

Step 4: Stir in Milk, Cheddar, and Blended Cottage Cheese

Lower the heat and slowly add the milk, stirring as you go to create a creamy base. Then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and your blended cottage cheese until everything melts and combines into a smooth, velvety soup. This step is where all the protein magic happens, so don’t skip the cottage cheese blending—it keeps the soup luscious and protein-packed.

Step 5: Season and Adjust Consistency

Finally, taste your soup and season generously with salt and pepper. If it’s too thick for your liking, simply add a splash more milk or broth to loosen it up. Keep it warm until ready to serve, stirring occasionally to keep that velvety texture perfect.

How to Serve High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a little extra shredded cheddar and a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or crispy bacon bits when I’m feeling indulgent—it adds color, crunch, and a burst of flavor that makes the meal feel extra special. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt also pairs beautifully to add a tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

To make it a full meal, I often serve this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe with crusty whole-grain bread or a warm garlic baguette. For a lighter option, simple side salads with lemon vinaigrette work well to cut through the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m hosting, sometimes I pour the soup into mini bread bowls—it’s such a fun and cozy way to present it. Garnishing with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of paprika on top adds that restaurant-level touch. It’s perfect for a Sunday family lunch or casual dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture fresh and avoid condensation making it watery.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup a few times with good results. Just let it cool, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat. The key is to stir frequently as it warms to keep the texture creamy.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent scorching or curdling. Adding a splash of milk or broth during reheating helps restore that fresh, creamy texture you enjoyed on day one.

FAQs

Can I make this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. For the cottage cheese, blending silken tofu or mashed cooked white beans can mimic the creaminess and add protein.
How do I get the soup extra creamy without adding heavy cream?

Blending the cottage cheese until smooth is the secret I swear by. It adds a creamy texture and protein without the fat from heavy cream. Also, cooking the roux well ensures a great base for a silky soup.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works fine! Just add it directly to the pot and cook a little longer since it’ll thaw and soften as it simmers.
Is there a way to make this soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered or add a bit more flour early on. For a thinner consistency, simply stir in more broth or milk until you reach the desired texture.
How long does this High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup keep after cooking?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, it’ll keep for about 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe box because it’s just so satisfying, nourishing, and easy to make. Whenever I want something comforting but still balanced and protein-rich, I reach for this one. Give it a try—you’ll find it hits that cozy spot without being heavy, perfect for any season. I’m cheering you on in your kitchen adventure with it!